Home > Motors

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

Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

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.

Old Truck Restoration: New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

Scout Restomod New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

Old Truck Restoration: New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

East Coast Defender Project XIII Land Rover Defender Overland

Meet The Brand Turning Old Land Rovers Into Masterpieces

East Coast Defender takes old Land Rover Defenders and restores them into overland-ready works of art. Read more…

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.

Old Truck Restoration: New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

Old Truck Restoration: New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

Old Truck Restoration: New Legend 4x4 'Runner' Series

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.

1970 “Copper Mountain” Scout 800 Build Breakdown

  • Original paint and body with excellent patina
  • Any minor rust mitigated, treated, and coated for lasting protection
  • Full interior and underside protective bed line urethane coating
  • Cleaned and powder-coated frame
  • Fully redone canvas and leather interior
  • Vintage cloth blanket headliner and side panels with soundproofing
  • Upgraded stereo with Focal speakers, Alpine amp, and JL subwoofer
  • Rubber floor mats
  • New weather stripping, door and window seals
  • Modern GM LS 5.3L 300 hp with 4l65e transmission and Np241c updated transfer case
  • All new wiring with modern harness
  • 3-inch aluminized exhaust and flowmaster muffler
  • New front and rear brakes
  • New ball joints, wheel bearings, and steering box
  • Completely new fuel system with upgraded center mount 15-gallon tank
  • New Tom Woods driveshafts
  • 32-inch BFG AT tires
  • 2.5-inch suspension lift and shocks

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!