Classic Patina, Modern 4×4: New Legend ‘Runner’

Automaker New Legend 4×4 takes classic off-roaders and turns them into incredible modern machines. Its latest “Runner” series aims to keep that classic patina while offering a contemporary driving experience.

New Legend has a reputation for its over-the-top restomods, especially International Scout builds. These builds utilize brand new modified Jeep JKU frames, LS or Cummins crate motor powerplants, and high-tech off-road and luxury appointments.

Recently, the brand applied its magic touch to classic Wagoneers and Cherokee Chiefs as well. These high-end custom vehicles don’t come cheap, running $125,000+.

Budget Restomods: New Legend 4×4 Runner Series

With the new Runner series builds, New Legend aims to bring down the cost of, and breathe new life into, classic 4x4s. It offers easy-to-drive modern mechanicals. If you want to drive around a classic International Scout without having to deal with all the maintenance and upkeep of a classic vehicle, the Runner series is for you.

New Legend finds original non-rusted International Scouts with great life stories and reinvigorates them. The brand keeps the cool original patina found on these classics but guts the interiors and mechanicals, making way for refurbished modern components.

New Legend completely redoes the interiors. The classic look and feel are maintained by reusing the original seats, steering wheel, and other small parts, but everything is freshened up.

The original seats get either black leather, pleated in the original fashion, or grey waxed canvas for durability and a great feel. Accents come from a wool Faribault Mills blanket refurbished into the side panels and headliner. A modern Bluetooth stereo system finishes off the interior, featuring six speakers and a sub.

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International Scout Restomod

In order to make sure these classics don’t decay any further, the New Legend team repairs all structural wear and tear. The brand then epoxy primes and urethane coats the entire interior and underside of the body. Powder coating the frame for durability and longevity comes next.

A mild lift, 32-inch tires, and new suspension ensure both a smooth ride and off-road capability. More modern Scout II Dana 44 axles, with disc brakes, are also fitted. It’s important to have good stopping power, as under the hood lies a new GM LS powerplant, putting out 300 hp.

The makeover doesn’t stop there, however. New Legend also upgrades the cooling, brake, steering, exhaust, and fuel systems in order to make the Runner series suitable for daily driving. Safety is paramount, so the front and rear seats have three-point retractable seat belts.

New Legend keeps a selection of International Scouts on hand suitable for its Runner builds. While expensive at $60,000+, this series is about half the price of the other restomods the brand is known for.

The Runner series offers a smog-exempt classic 4×4. It returns 17–19 mpg, can handle daily driving, is easy to maintain, and is seriously off-road capable. On top of that, New Legend offers a six-month, bumper-to-bumper warranty on the drivetrain and mechanicals.

1970 “Copper Mountain” Scout 800

The New Legend Runner series model pictured here is called “Copper Mountain.” It’s based on a 1970 Scout 800 and is currently for sale at $62,000.

It started life as a rugged, simple southern Texas truck. Before the makeover, it had a 304 IH V-8, four-speed transmission, and manual steering.

The Copper Mountain Scout 800 even has cruise control. This vehicle would be an epic daily driver! Below is a breakdown of this 4×4’s offerings.