Ringbrothers' Kingpin Elevates the '69 Mustang to Mach 2 | Carscoops

      The renowned custom shop is showcasing an 800 hp, supercharged Mustang at this year's SEMA show, reported 7 hours ago by Chris Chilton.

      Ringbrothers’ standout at SEMA is a classic Mustang Mach 1 named Kingpin.

      This menacing fastback has been widened by 3.5 inches compared to a standard 1969 Mustang.

      A manual-supported Coyote V8 engine is enhanced by a Whipple supercharger.

      Trends in SEMA builds may change, but one constant is that Ringbrothers, based in Wisconsin, consistently presents projects so remarkable that it makes one question why anyone would opt for a standard modern supercar instead of reaching out to them.

      This year's creation, Kingpin, is a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 that seems like it could have been designed by the Grim Reaper himself.

      Related: Ringbrothers’ latest model is an Aston Martin that resembles a Mustang GTD.

      Since Kingpin is built on a late 1960s Mustang fastback—known as Sportsroof in ’69 Ford terminology—it isn't as unconventional as some of Ringbrothers' other works, which have included vintage Rolls Royces, AMC Javelins, and most recently, a classic Aston Martin DBS. However, the craftsmanship is equally impressive, requiring over 5,500 hours of work.

      Much of that time went into expanding the front bodywork by 2 inches (50 mm) and the rear by 3.5 inches (89 mm), followed by a finish with BASF’s Bootleg Black. The body now features a carbon fiber tail panel and rear diffuser, along with additional carbon elements for the hood, grille surround, and front valance.

      “The Mustang Mach 1 has always had an aggressive appearance, and the client was keen on achieving a sinister look,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “We pondered, ‘What kind of car would the final boss in a John Wick movie drive?’ The result is what you see here.”

      To ensure its handling matches its intimidating looks, Kingpin includes an integrated Roadster Shop ladder chassis with a 1.5-inch (38 mm) extended wheelbase, transforming the classic unibody Ford into a vehicle that rides, stops, and maneuvers like a contemporary performance car.

      The specifications feature independent rear suspension, Fox adjustable coilovers, Brembo brakes, HRE Vintage Series 517 wheels (19 inches in front, 20 inches in back), and robust 345-section Michelin Pilot 4 S tires at the rear to cope with the power of the 800 hp (810 PS) engine.

      The Wegner Motorsports 5.0-liter Coyote engine is equipped with a Whipple supercharger and is paired with a Bowler Transmissions Carbon Edition six-speed manual transmission.

      Inside, the cabin showcases an appealing blend of classic and modern elements, again in a dark style, highlighted by the custom Ringbrothers “ENYO” crushed-carbon hoop steering wheel, an eye-catching machined billet gear lever, and a premium reupholstery by Upholstery Unlimited.

      Although Ringbrothers has not disclosed the cost of the build, it's reasonable to estimate that the final price was upwards of $600,000.

      How do you rate Kingpin among Ringbrothers' creations, including the Tacoma-based Blazer, and what project would you like to see them undertake next?