SEMA 2009: Brandon Leung's Scion xB channels Bonneville circa 1955
Scion xB Challenge entry by Brandon Leung - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we look at a Scion xB we tend to think of a lot of things, few of which are very flattering. One thing we definitely don't think of is a Bonneville Salt Flats bike hauler from the '50s, until now. That's probably why we're bloggers and not designers. Fortunately for us there is Brandon Leung, who transformed this second gen. xBox into a super sweet retro ride, complete with custom matching BOWLS bike in the bed.
That's right, this former hatchback now has a bed. A wood-lined bed at that. It has a great low stance, low and wide, a perfectly nostalgic green and cream paint scheme, and full-on Moonie-like billet aero wheels to complete the look. The changes are more than skin deep too, with engine, suspension and brake upgrades to complete the package. You can see the full breakout of changes in the gallery.
Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Parlay84 1:47PM (11/03/2009)
Do I dare say it.....A cool looking Scion?
Reply
Farmboy 1:55PM (11/03/2009)
Excuse me, I need to go throw up now.
Reply
fixitfixitstop 2:18PM (11/03/2009)
You go do that. The rest of us are enjoying the food.
Leclerc 3:49PM (11/03/2009)
You should learn to spit and not swallow tractorboy.
Farmboy 5:59PM (11/03/2009)
@Leclerc Which of your dads taught you?
dukeisduke 1:57PM (11/03/2009)
I want to see a picture of the hand-blown glass shift knob. WTH?
Reply
Shamdiddly 2:21PM (11/03/2009)
Paris Hilton needs to be installed for full functionality.
Purplewon 1:59PM (11/03/2009)
Pretty original, I like it.
Reply
RamblinReck89 2:05PM (11/03/2009)
Toyota, I think this guy could be onto something.
Reply
gerrrg 2:21PM (11/03/2009)
Give it up to Autoblog to trash Scion, then praise a customized one.
Each of the last 2 SEMA shows have had an xB truck, BTW.
Reply
Bill 2:34PM (11/03/2009)
Call me crazy, but an xB (or better yet, a Soul) with a tiny bit of storage behind the seats and ~ 6ft bed would get my attention (to buy, not just to look).
Reply
fixitfixitstop 2:34PM (11/03/2009)
I approve of this very much, even the color is full of nguyen.
Reply
John L 3:54PM (11/03/2009)
i believe a stock version of this idea would have a market.
it would be the home and estate utility vehicle for trips to the
garden supply store, the depot, bicycle transport and all sorts
of family tasks. kids would even learn to drive on it. if it were
lower cost than the stock Xb it would define a "new" category.
a folding-removable ladder rack and bed cover would complete it.
this economical fuel sipping utility vehicle has potential and no
current competitors. i bet they could sell 3 times as many of
them as they do Tundras.
Reply
JDM Life 9:04PM (11/03/2009)
LOVE IT.
Reply
kcaz1900kcaz 9:59PM (11/03/2009)
Wow, a Scion that is not only worth looking at, but might be worth buying. That's just a sweet ride.
Reply