Most custom builders stick to familiar territory — American muscle cars with big engines and flashy paint jobs. But when Ringbrothers, the Wisconsin-based outfit known for their SEMA showstoppers, got their hands on a 1971 Aston Martin DBS, they threw their usual playbook out the window. The result is dubbed the Octavia, an 805hp restomod that blends British sophistication with American firepower in ways that would make both James Bond and Carroll Shelby proud.
From Collision Shop to Global Recognition
The Ring brothers, Jim and Mike, have been at this game since 1994, but their passion for metalwork started much earlier. Picture two kids doing bodywork in their parents’ basement and a friend’s chicken coop at ages 10 and 11, which is where this story begins. What started as a local collision repair shop in Spring Green, Wisconsin, evolved into one of the most respected names in the restomod world. Their reputation for crafting show-stopping builds earned them spots at SEMA and Goodguys events, but Octavia is arguably their most ambitious project yet.
Complete Metamorphosis
After 12,000 hours of engineering and fabrication, virtually nothing remains from the original DBS except the power window switches. Designer Gary Ragle spearheaded the transformation, widening the track by 8” up front and 10” in the rear while stretching the wheelbase by 3”. The entire body is now carbon fiber, maintaining William Towns’ original silhouette but with decidedly more muscular proportions.
Under that clamshell hood sits a Ford Performance 5.0-liter V8 topped with a 2.65-liter Harrop supercharger, churning out 805hp through a six-speed manual transmission. The power runs through a custom Roadster Shop FAST TRACK chassis equipped with Fox RS SV coilovers, Brembo brakes, and bespoke three-piece HRE centerlock wheels (19×11 front, 20×13 rear).
Bond-Worthy Details
The MI6 theme runs deep throughout Octavia’s design. Custom valve covers read “Aston Martini” instead of the traditional badging, while the dipstick handle is machined into a martini glass complete with olive. The handbrake lever resembles a chrome handgun, and the license plate reads “SHAKN”—a nod to everyone’s favorite spy’s cocktail preference. Even the paint color, BASF’s “Double-O Silver” with Nuclear Olive accents, keeps the theme alive.
Inside, carbon fiber dominates the dashboard while 3D-printed stainless steel accents add modern flair to pleated leather surfaces. Gentex auto-dimming sunshades — making their road car debut — adjust transparency based on sunlight conditions. The attention to detail extends to brass door handles and countless small touches that showcase Ringbrothers’ obsessive craftsmanship.
Performance Meets Artistry
While the Bond references are fun, Octavia’s engineering is serious business. The integrated structural roll cage seamlessly joins with the body for maximum rigidity, while the wider stance and lowered center of gravity promise handling capabilities that would shame many modern supercars. There are also the massive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrapped around the custom HRE wheels.
The brothers Ring describe Octavia as combining “the ferocity of American muscle with the stiff upper lip of English sophistication,” and that philosophy extends beyond just horsepower numbers. This is automotive art that happens to pack enough punch to outrun any theoretical villains.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1971 Aston Martin DBS “Octavia”
Engine: Ford Performance 5.0L V8 with 2.65L Harrop supercharger
Power: 805hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Chassis: Custom Roadster Shop FAST TRACK
Body: Full carbon fiber
Wheels: Bespoke HRE centerlock (19×11 front, 20×13 rear)
Suspension: Fox RS SV coilovers
Brakes: 14-inch Brembo rotors with 6-piston front calipers
Paint: BASF Double-O Silver with Nuclear Olive accents
Limited Edition?: Yes, one-off
Pricing & Availability
Ringbrothers hasn’t disclosed the cost of this bespoke commission, though with over 12,000 hours of work and cutting-edge materials throughout, expect a seven-figure investment. Octavia made its debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, marking the company’s first appearance at one of the automotive world’s most prestigious events. This is a one-off build for an unnamed client who gave the Ring brothers complete creative control, and the results speak for themselves.
Recap
Ringbrothers 1971 Aston Martin DBS “Octavia”
The Ringbrothers transformed a 1971 Aston Martin DBS into “Octavia,” an 805-horsepower carbon fiber restomod that combines British elegance with American muscle through 12,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. This Bond-themed masterpiece features a supercharged Ford V8, custom chassis, and playful details like “Aston Martini” valve covers.
