5 Minutes
Introduction: A Modern Take on a Classic GT
Brothers Jim and Mike Ring have once again redefined restomod craftsmanship with Octavia, their carbon-bodied reinterpretation of a 1971 Aston Martin DBS. More than a simple restoration, this project blends British grand tourer elegance with American V8 muscle—resulting in a bespoke GT that took over 12,000 hours of design, engineering, and fabrication to complete.
Design and Exterior Highlights
Octavia's silhouette is wrapped in a fully bespoke carbon-fiber body that amplifies the DBS' original proportions while delivering a far more aggressive stance. The exterior combines a striking BASF paint scheme—Double-0 Silver layered with Nuclear Olive Green accents—with custom HRE wheels that nod to the car's heritage. Exterior brightwork and trim benefit from milled billet aluminum and 3D‑printed stainless steel components, elevating the visual finish to concours-level detail.
Notable design touches
- Bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork
- BASF double-tone paint (Double-0 Silver + Nuclear Olive Green accents)
- Custom HRE wheels designed with Gary Ragle
- 3D-printed stainless brightwork and billet aluminum trim
Interior: Luxury Meets Motorsport
Inside, Octavia is an Anglo-American grand tourer with modern sensibilities: pleated leather upholstery, brass interior door handles, and a fully reimagined carbon-fiber dashboard. Subtle, playful details underscore the build’s personality—the valve covers are machined to accept original Aston emblems but read "Aston Martini," and the dipstick handle is stylized like a martini glass. Gentex contributed practical modern tech such as auto-dimming visors and a camera suite.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
Underneath the carbon body sits a custom Roadster Shop chassis tailored to the build. The Ringbrothers extended the wheelbase and moved the front wheels forward by three inches to optimize balance and stance. Suspension hardware includes Fox RS SV fixed-valve coilovers and Ringbrothers–developed front upright arms. Stopping power was entrusted to Brembo: six- and four-piston calipers biting 14-inch rotors.
Chassis & brake specs
- Roadster Shop custom chassis
- Fox RS SV fixed valve coilovers
- Brembo 6- & 4-piston calipers; 14-inch rotors
- Wheelbase extended; front wheels moved forward 3 inches
Performance and Powertrain
The heart of Octavia is a Ford Performance Coyote 5.0-liter V8, augmented by a Harrop supercharger based on the Eaton TVS 2650 architecture. With a 2.65-liter displacement for the blower, the setup creates a street-tuned output of 805 horsepower. Importantly for enthusiasts, the engine is paired to a manual transmission—an increasingly rare combination at this power level.
Drivetrain & performance components
- Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote V8 with Harrop (Eaton TVS 2650-derived) supercharger
- 805 hp (street-tuned)
- Manual transmission
- Strange Engineering 9.0-inch rear axle with S/S 31-spline axle shafts
- Dual Bosch Motorsport 540 fuel pumps; custom fuel tank
- Holley EFI Terminator X Max engine management
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
Exhaust note is routed through custom headers and mufflers finished in carbon and stainless, delivering an evocative soundtrack to match the performance. The Holley Terminator X Max controls ignition, fuel, and engine mapping for street drivability and performance reliability.
Market Positioning and Comparisons
Octavia occupies a niche at the intersection of high-end restomods and coachbuilt GTs. Unlike stock-era restorations or pure collectibles, this car targets buyers who seek modern reliability and raw V8 performance packaged inside classic Aston Martin styling. Compared to other restomods, Octavia stands out with its full carbon body, hand-crafted interior finishes, and the commitment to a manual gearbox paired with 800+ hp—an unusual but deliberate choice designed to preserve driver engagement.
Specifications Summary
Key specs for quick reference:
- Base car: 1971 Aston Martin DBS (extensively reworked)
- Engine: Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote V8 with Harrop TVS 2650-derived supercharger
- Power: 805 hp (street tune)
- Transmission: Manual
- Rear axle: Strange Engineering 9.0-inch, S/S 31-spline shafts
- Brakes: Brembo 6- & 4-piston, 14-inch rotors
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
- Fuel: Dual Bosch Motorsport 540 pumps, custom tank
Conclusion
Ringbrothers' Octavia brings Aston Martin heritage into the 21st century with a meticulous carbon-fiber body, high-end partnerships, and an American-built supercharged Coyote V8 that delivers 805 horsepower through a manual gearbox. It's a statement restomod that balances luxury, craftsmanship, and raw performance—aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate both classic design and contemporary engineering.
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