This Isuzu Truck Is the Coolest Restomod We've Ever Seen

Isuzu took a 1988 TFR and turned it into a modern street truck.

Photo by: Isuzu

By: Jeff Perez

Apr 1, 2025 at 12:30pm ET

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Anyone with a few hundred thousand dollars and half a business sense can restomod a Ford Mustang or Porsche 911. Yawn. It takes a truly unique mind to reinvent the 1988 Isuzu TFR as a modern pickup. Thankfully, that's exactly what Isuzu engineers did for the Bangkok International Motor Show.

Dubbed the "Dragon Max," this restomod is based on a 1988 TFR extended-cab (or, Space Cab) pickup. It uses the original body, but swaps in modern accouterments like LED headlights and taillights, new wheels, and fenders, as well as a modern turbodiesel engine underhood.

Photo by: Isuzu

The engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel that sends 217 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. By comparison, the original TFR made just about 56 hp and 110 lb-ft. So, just a bit more powerful.

An updated suspension brings the truck lower to the ground, while new smoked LED light fixtures replace the original halogens. Sporty 17-inch wheels sit at all four corners, a subtle spoiler gives off sport-truck vibes, and a matte white paint job finishes things off. It looks so good.

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Isuzu event went so far as to update the interior with healthy amounts of Alcantara, carbon-fiber trim, and leather seats. There's even a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a vertically oriented touchscreen in the center of the dash.

Photos by: Isuzu

The Dragon Max restomod has already received plenty of attention, and it will be on display at the Bangkok International Motor Show until April 6. Will Isuzu actually offer it to customers? Unlikely, but we can dream.