Tesla-based Icon Helios

Icon are a US-based company who specialize in rebuilding classic 4x4s – including the Ford Bronco, Jeep CJ7 and Toyota Landcruiser – and fitting them with the latest technology, drivetrains and equipment. They also do other stuff, like building what look like decrepit, rusting old cars, but underneath are high-powered modern drivetrains.

However Their latest project would take them from being a car restoration company, to being a car manufacturing company. Icon’s founder and boss Jonathan Ward is currently in the early stages of designing a stylish streamliner-inspired automobile called the Icon Helios, after the Greek god of the Sun.

The styling of the Icon Helios is influenced by aircraft and automobiles, from the 1930s. It features a curvaceous unpainted aluminium body, with much of the engineering left on show, like the individual rivet heads.

But the classic appearance of the Helios is deceptive, as the proposed 100-percent electric drivetrain is sourced from Tesla. In particular Ward wants to use the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system from the upcoming Tesla Model-X SUV. He’s hoping to get a face-to-face meeting with Elon Musk of Tesla to discuss using the company’s technology.

At the moment the design is in very early stages. In fact it quite literally hasn’t left the drawing board yet. But being the owner of a successful and highly professional automotive restoration company, Ward is in better position than most to make his sketches become reality.