Prepare to be amazed! Ringbrothers has resurrected a true American icon, the 1969 Ford Mustang, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. This isn't just a restoration; it's a complete reimagining, a restomod christened 'KINGPIN' that's set to turn heads and ignite your passion for automotive artistry.
Unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the KINGPIN is a testament to Ringbrothers' dedication, born from over 5,500 hours of meticulous work. Every curve, every line, every surface has been thoughtfully redesigned, blending the iconic silhouette of a 20th-century muscle car with the cutting-edge engineering and aesthetics of a modern performance vehicle. It's a symphony of classic and contemporary, a fusion that's as exhilarating to look at as it is to imagine driving.
But here's where it gets controversial... the foundation of this masterpiece is a reconfigured unibody, now riding on a Roadster Shop FAST TRACK Stage III chassis. The body itself has been widened – two inches at the front and a substantial three and a half inches at the rear. The wheelbase has also been extended, giving the KINGPIN a more aggressive and balanced stance.
Ringbrothers, in collaboration with Ragle Design, has masterfully reinterpreted the classic Mustang. The bodywork is a study in precision, with crisper lines and a more muscular presence. The handcrafted panels are cloaked in BASF's Bootleg Black, a paint that absorbs light, allowing the car's sculpted form to take center stage. Accents of 'Grab-Her Green' – a subtle nod to Ford's classic Grabber Green – add a touch of vibrant contrast.
And this is the part most people miss... Carbon fiber elements are seamlessly integrated throughout, from the rear diffuser and hood to the grille surround and lower valance. These aren't just cosmetic additions; they're functional components designed to refine airflow and reduce weight, enhancing the car's performance capabilities. The details, often 3D-printed or machined from billet, showcase Ringbrothers' commitment to design as both an aesthetic and a mechanical pursuit.
Performance as Design Expression
The KINGPIN is more than just a pretty face; it's a beast on the road. A Wegner Motorsports 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, paired with a Whipple supercharger, unleashes over 800 horsepower. This raw power is channeled through a six-speed manual Bowler gearbox, promising an engaging and visceral driving experience. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires grip the road, while an independent suspension, tuned with Fox RS coilovers, ensures precise handling. Brembo brakes, designed for endurance racing, provide the stopping power to match the car's incredible acceleration.
From every angle, the KINGPIN embodies Ringbrothers' philosophy that performance is an art form. The engine bay is a work of industrial sculpture, its symmetry a stark contrast to the power within. The Flowmaster Super 44 exhaust system delivers a deep, resonant tone, amplifying the car's presence with its auditory signature.
Inside the KINGPIN Restomod
The interior continues the theme of disciplined composition. Upholstery, brightwork, and carbon fiber elements are meticulously balanced throughout the cabin. A custom ENYO crushed-carbon hoop steering wheel faces Dakota Digital gauges and a Vintage Air Gen IV system. The entire interior is united by a commitment to tactility and material integrity.
"Everything was cued off the Mustang's original design," explains co-owner Jim Ring. "We sharpened the lines and created a darker presence that still honors the car's history." His brother Mike Ring echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication to proportion and precision over fleeting trends.
What do you think? Does Ringbrothers' KINGPIN successfully blend the past and the present? Are you a fan of restomods, or do you prefer to keep classic cars untouched? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let's get a discussion going!
