Johnathan Ward of ICON, a custom vehicle manufacturer located in Los Angeles, California builds some pretty incredible and clean creations. The craftsmanship on these vehicles is top tier and the attention to detail is even more of a rarity when looking into vehicles that will spend some of their time in the dirt.

Unfortunately, this gorgeous diesel-powered machine may well be there last of the CJ3B builds. The company actually removed the vehicle from their website about a year and a half ago, according to the dudes over at Engine Swap Depot.

While the CJs are beautifully simple, they aren’t so simple to build for ICON considering the amount of fabrication and detail. Johnathan explained, “This is probably the last, as they are pretty complicated to build. After finishing all of the aluminum fabrication and test fitments, we blow them apart and send everything out for powdercoating, before completely reassembling. If the time and resources that go into the CJ3B were applied to other builds, we could probably build three FJs, or two Broncos, or maybe even a Derelict and a half.”

Johnathan continued, “With the prices being what they are to build these, your money just goes a bit further with an FJ. That being said, I’m really gonna miss them.”

These vehicles’ full aluminum bodies are made by Aqualu in British Columbia, Canada, who specialize in building aftermarket aluminum bodies for Land Cruiser, Jeep, and Suzuki models. The chassis is also a custom piece from Art Morrison, and the list of custom parts just continues to grow form there.

Powering this vehicle is a VW 1.9-liter turbo-charged, inline four-cylinder diesel from Coty Built, and produces about 165 horsepower, and 270 lb-ft of torque. All of that efficient power is then ran through an Asin AX15 five-speed manual gearbox, a New Process 231 transfer case, and Dynatrac Dana 44 axles. When the going gets tough these can be locked up with ARB air-lockers, and braking is highly effective with four-wheel disc brakes.

The suspension is handled through Fox Racing shocks with remote reservoirs, and are sprung with Eibach coils. While sold axles may not be known for the most comfortable ride out there, this type of dampening system makes for a great ride due to its adjustability, both on and off-road.

The interior takes a minimalist approach, though no expense was spared, using Mercedes canvas for the bikini top and lower seat covers. Custom knobs and levers are used throughout while instrumentation and paneling is handled by Autometer. Additionally things like the battery and a valuables or gun locker are hidden neatly under the front seats.

Knowing the power, reliability, and longevity that diesel engine platforms can provide makes engine selections for custom builds like this a no-brainer to us. As previously mentioned, this may be a last for the CJ3B, but we hope that ICON and custom shops the world over continue to implement diesel engines into applicable builds.