Isuzu quietly built the coolest retro truck you won't have heard of
- Thai automaker Isuzu is bringing back the TFR with a modern twist
- The Dragon Max looks straight out of the ’80s with LED headlights
- The modern elements include a sporty new rear spoiler
Published on Apr 05, 2025 at 1:29 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Apr 05, 2025 at 1:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Retro truck fans will be overjoyed to find out that Thai automaker Isuzu quietly built the coolest retro truck you won’t have heard of.
The spectacularly named Dragon Max is an upgraded version of the brand’s 1988 TFR pickup, and it looks so old-school, you can’t help but love it.
It has 17-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and unique LED headlights that just add to the ’80s effect.
Instead of breathing fire, this dragon is breathing new life into an old classic and bringing back the reliable Isuzu pickup for the 21st Century.
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No one saw this truck coming
Isuzu kept the plans to bring back one of its old classics from the dead very much to itself.
So the announcement of the new Dragon Max pickup came as a genuinely pleasant surprise for fans of the automaker.
The name is a little nod to the local nickname for the original pickup – the Isuzu TFR pickup in Thailand. It had many different names around the world, including the Ippon.
Finally, the Dragon Max can step into its magical beast branding properly. And of all the trucks we’ve seen, there’s none more worthy of the name.
Retro Isuzu branding, brand new vehicle
The general body of the original TFR pick-up remains fairly untouched, but the visuals have been given an upgrade.
Cool retro neon-style LED headlights have been installed, as well as a sporty rear spoiler. And with a subtly lit grille and matte paint job, it looks like it could’ve driven straight out of the ’80s.
It’s nice to see the old TFR remain the base for the truck. It harkens back to a simpler time when it comes to Isuzu and it’s vehicles.
Welcome back to the future, we’re glad to see you again, Dragon Max.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
