What Makes the Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Restomod So Special?
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when classic British elegance meets raw American muscle, the Ringbrothers’ take on the Aston Martin DBS is your answer. This isn’t just a restoration—it’s a reinvention. The Wisconsin-based Ringbrothers, known for their wild restomods, have taken the iconic 1970s DBS and turned it into a modern-day hot rod that’s equal parts Bond car and street bruiser.
How Did a Classic Aston Martin End Up With a Ford Mustang Heart?
Let’s get right to the heart of the matter—literally. Under the hood, the original straight-six or V8 is gone. In its place sits a thoroughly reworked 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8, the same engine you’d find in a modern Mustang GT. But Ringbrothers didn’t stop there. They bolted on a massive 2.65-liter supercharger, pushing output to a staggering 805 horsepower. That’s more than triple the power of the original DBS, and enough to make even the most jaded car enthusiast do a double-take.
Why Swap the Gearbox? The Secret to Handling All That Power
With so much grunt on tap, the stock transmission simply wouldn’t cut it. Instead, Ringbrothers fitted the robust Tremec six-speed manual—a favorite among high-performance American cars like the Corvette C6, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. This gearbox is built to handle big torque and delivers an engaging, old-school driving experience. It’s a nod to purists who still love rowing their own gears, even in a car that’s been thoroughly modernized.
What’s Changed Underneath? The Chassis and Suspension Overhaul
It’s not just the engine that’s been transformed. The original chassis has been replaced with a custom unit from Roadster Shop, a name synonymous with high-end hot rods. The new frame stretches the wheelbase by three inches and widens the front and rear tracks by eight and ten inches, respectively. The result? A car that sits lower, wider, and more planted than the original—a must when you’re packing this much power.
To keep everything in check, Fox coilover suspension is fitted at all four corners. Massive 380mm Brembo brakes provide the stopping power, while custom HRE center-lock wheels ensure there’s enough clearance for those big rotors. It’s a setup that brings the classic DBS into the realm of modern supercars in terms of handling and braking.
How Does the Exterior Pay Tribute to Bond, James Bond?
The Ringbrothers DBS isn’t shy about its cinematic inspiration. The bodywork is all carbon fiber, finished in a shade called Double-0 Silver—a playful nod to Aston Martin’s long-standing association with the James Bond franchise. Look closely and you’ll spot more Bond-inspired details: ‘Aston Martini’ is cheekily inscribed on the engine’s valve covers, and the oil dipstick is shaped like a martini glass. It’s the kind of detail that makes you smile, even if you’re not a die-hard Bond fan.
What’s the Interior Like? Mixing Modern Craft With Classic Cool
Step inside and you’re greeted by a blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge materials. The dashboard is crafted from carbon fiber and accented with stainless steel, while brass door handles add a touch of vintage flair. The seats and trim are wrapped in rich tan leather, giving the cabin a warm, inviting feel. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and purposeful—exactly what you’d expect if Q Branch ever built a car for a secret agent’s holiday.
Why Restomods Like This Matter: More Than Just a Trend
Restomods have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. They offer the best of both worlds: classic styling with modern performance and reliability. According to a 2023 report from Hagerty, the market for high-end restomods has grown by over 30 percent in the last five years, with collectors and enthusiasts alike seeking out unique builds that stand apart from factory originals.
The Ringbrothers DBS, dubbed Octavia, isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a statement about what’s possible when you blend heritage with innovation. It challenges the notion that classic cars should be preserved in amber, instead suggesting that there’s room for creativity, performance, and a bit of humor in the world of automotive restoration.
Where Can You See This One-of-a-Kind Creation?
If you’re lucky enough to attend Monterey Car Week, you might catch a glimpse of Octavia at The Quail Motorsports Gathering. It’s the kind of event where the world’s rarest and most interesting cars come out to play, and the Ringbrothers DBS fits right in. Even if you can’t make it in person, the buzz around this build is already making waves across the automotive community.
The Takeaway: Why the Ringbrothers DBS Is Turning Heads
At the end of the day, the Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS restomod is more than just a car—it’s a conversation starter. It’s proof that with enough vision (and a bit of bravado), you can take a beloved classic and push it into uncharted territory. Whether you’re a Bond fan, a muscle car devotee, or just someone who appreciates craftsmanship, there’s something undeniably compelling about this machine. It’s not just about going fast—it’s about reimagining what a classic can be, and having a little fun along the way.