- A 1975 Jeep Cherokee serves as the latest restomod in Icon’s Reformer series
- The SUV is based on a 1975 Cherokee and a 1965 Jeep Gladiator pickup.
- A 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 producing 485 hp sits under the hood
The icon is a prolific modifier of Toyota Land Cruisers and Ford BroncosBut the California-based restomod specialist isn’t attached to those classic SUVs, as this newly rebuilt shows 1975 Jeep Cherokee.
Nicknamed Safe Flight, the Cherokee is part Icon Reformer Series. These are unique builds that incorporate modern features designed to improve drivability while trying to maintain a period-correct appearance. In this case, Icon founder Jonathan Ward also tried to address some of the original Cherokee’s more problematic design features, an Icon press release explains.
Jeep did not consult the Cherokee Nation when choosing the name and accompanying design aesthetic. Ward sought to rectify this consulting tribal leaders and researching Cherokee art to ensure authenticity and respect for tradition.
Safe Flight Icon 1975 Jeep Cherokee
The name Safe Flight comes from a pattern used on water vessels and blankets when tribe members set out on dangerous journeys, according to Icon. The pattern appears on the sides of the vehicle and on interior parts such as gauges and door trim.
In addition to the standard Cherokee, the exterior uses Porsche’s Chalk Gray with a Bentley black roof. The interior is upholstered in two types of leather (instead of the original vinyl), with square German wool carpets and an Alcantara headliner. Like other versions of the Icon, the Safe Flight also has an upgraded climate control system and audio system, as well as power windows and door locks.
The vehicle itself incorporates parts from a 1975 Cherokee and a 1965 Jeep Gladiator pickupbut it rides on a customer chassis with coil suspension and nitrogen-charged shock absorbers from Fox Racing.
Safe Flight Icon 1975 Jeep Cherokee
A 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque maintain the Mopar DNA, although it is connected to a General Motors 4L85E 4-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Brembo brakes keep worn-out 18-inch wheels from spinning BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 Tires.
Safe Flight is unique, but this is just another day at the office for Jonathan Ward and Icon. Ward was the one who thought it would be a good idea to put the supercharged V-8 from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 C6 in a worn-out Mercedes-Benz 300SELin the end.