The 2023 edition of the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) yearly convention commences on October 31. There’s so much to see at this Las Vegas event that it’s possible that four days are not enough but, if there is one display that everyone is likely to visit, it’s Ringbrothers.
The renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer is slated to unveil three custom builds that represent over 10,000 combined build hours, with the crowned jewel of the bunch being “Paramount,” a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II that’s had its stiff upper lip transformed into a 640-horsepower LT4 fire-breather that’s claimed to be on par with any modern grand tourer. It’s assisted by a Bowler Tru-Street 10-speed automatic transmission and custom QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft. A custom chassis and hand-built floor pans (I can feel the swooning all the way from Crewe) keep things proper, while the “starlight” headliner is a nod to more modern Rolls machinery.
“Unlike many of our builds, we chose to retain the original bodywork and lines of the Rolls, so at first glance, there are only hints to what lies beneath,” says Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “That all changes when the door opens to show the completely custom interior or a press of the go pedal emits a telltale supercharger whine. This truly is the ultimate luxury sleeper.”
The second unveiling will be a 1969 Dodge Charger called “Tusk.” Built as a homage to everyone’s favorite pachyderm, the elephant, Tusk is powered by the Hellephant, the 1,000-horsepower, all-aluminum, supercharged 426cid crate engine that was introduced five years ago at SEMA. The Hellaphant is connected to a TREMEC T-56 Magnum six-speed manual and QA1 REV Series custom carbon-fiber driveshaft with Strange Engineering Ford 9-inch rear.
The Charger’s wheelbase was lengthened to help set the Hellephant 2.5 inches back. And, of course, the firewall and cowl are custom-built. With extended rockers and fenders and more, Tusk is poised to be your favorite Charger unless you prefer the 1968 or 1970, to which we proclaim, “Tastes great! Less filling!”
The final Ringbrothers build is a 1965 Mustang convertible called “Caged.” The body has been streamlined and widened two inches “for an improved aesthetic and stance.” Naturally, every other component has been adjusted to fit the widened look.
The new physique sits on an utterly modern chassis, suspension, and drivetrain, the latter being a Ford Performance 5.0-liter Coyote V8 crate engine developing 460 horsepower.
The 2023 SEMA Show will be operating through November 4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Source: www.classiccars.com