Based in Southern California, Ruffian Cars is far from your average custom builder. The shop is a one-man operation run by Chris Ashton, a video game developer by day that wrenches and builds in his spare time on nights and weekends, doing the vast majority of his work by himself out of a two-car garage — factors that make Ashton’s already world-class projects all the more impressive. And after previously building a heavily-modified, race-inspired Mustang, Ashton has now revealed his latest build, a thoroughly slammed and heavily customized Ford GT40 Mk1 appropriately dubbed the “RUFFIAN 40.”
Powered by a Ford Racing 52XS V8 engine putting down 580hp and 445ft-lbs of torque, the RUFFIAN 40 also sports a Quaife 5S dogleg transaxle transmission, a completely bespoke exhaust system, Signature THREE centerlock wheels shod in Toyo Proxes R888R rubber, six-pot Wilwood brakes, BILSTEIN suspension, and a custom interior that includes one-off instrumentation, race seats, a bespoke dash, and one-off toggle switches. South County Autobody was also called on to lay down the project’s custom livery. What really makes this project shine, however, is its original bodywork and aero kit, which features a one-off roof scoop, a carbon widebody kit and side skirts, 3D-printed headlights and door handles, an aluminum rear spoiler, and bespoke fenders and front spoiler that were designed by concept artist Kasim Tlibekov before being built by Ashton.
After the project’s completion, Ashton was invited to debut the build at this year’s SEMA Show at the prestigious Toyo Tires Treadpass booth. Based on the caliber of his work and how his skills have evolved over the last year alone, we’re seriously excited to see what kind of creations roll out of the Ruffian Cars garage next.
