Johnathan Ward and his Icon brand of modernized vehicles based on classic designs has taken the automotive world by storm. His first designs were inspired more hardcore, off-road rides like the original Toyota FJ Landcruiser and Ford Bronco. With the Icon Thriftmaster, however, the Icon brand has branched out in a decidedly different direction that has those of us who prefer being on the road to off it justifiably excited.

Roads and Rides caught up with Ward for an interview, as well as an up-close-and-personal look at the Icon Thriftmaster. Set your envy meters to maximum as you watch the Thriftmaster handle hard corners like a Mazda Miata.

Ward didn’t just build a beefy, powerful hauler with the Thriftmaster though; this truck can carve corners unlike any other. The proof comes as Ward handles the Thriftmaster through the winding, rough roads of the Santa Susanna Pass with effortless ease. We can say with certainty that the Thriftmaster’s didn’t handle this well from the factory.

Nor did they come equipped with a 315 horsepower 5.3 liter Chevy V8 under the hood or $250,000 price tag either. Then again, there will only ever be five Icon Thriftmasters ever built, though at that price point it’s easy to understand why. Customers have their choice of a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, though shifting for yourself seems like a no-brainer for a ride like this.