The Ultimate Fusion of British Elegance and American Muscle: The Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Octavia
In the rarefied world of custom exotic cars, where the line between restoration and reimagination is often blurred, few creations command attention like the projects born from the workshop of Ringbrothers. While renowned for their radical transformations of American classics, their 2019 masterpiece, the “Octavia,” stands apart. It is a bold re-envisioning of a timeless icon—the 1971 Aston Martin DBS—that seamlessly merges the soul of a British luxury car with the heart and aggression of a modern American supercar, creating a one-of-a-kind sports car unlike any other.
The Foundation: The Understated Grand Tourer
To understand the magnitude of Ringbrothers’ work, one must first appreciate the original canvas. The Aston Martin DBS, introduced in 1967, was the successor to the iconic DB6. It was larger, more muscular, and more sophisticated, designed to compete with the best grand touring luxury cars from Italy. Famously driven by James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the DBS was a symbol of understated power. However, by modern standards, its original 4.0-liter inline-six engine, while refined, lacked the explosive performance expected from a contemporary sports car. This performance gap is precisely where Ringbrothers focused their transformative efforts.
The Transformation: A Meticulous Re-engineering
The name “Octavia” hints at the symphony of changes performed on the classic Aston. Ringbrothers didn’t just modify the car; they completely re-engineered it from the ground up, a process that consumed over 4,500 hours of labor.
1. The Heart: American V8 Power
The most significant departure from tradition lies under the elongated aluminum hood. Gone is the original engine, replaced by a monstrous, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 from the modern Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, supplied by VMP Performance. This isn’t just a simple swap; it’s a fully integrated installation, tuned to produce a staggering 750 horsepower. This single modification catapults the Octavia from a classic grand tourer into the realm of hyper-performance exotic cars, capable of rivaling the acceleration of modern supercars.
2. The Chassis: Modern Dynamics for a Classic Form
To handle this immense power, the entire chassis was reinforced and updated. A Roadster Shop SPEC Series independent front and rear suspension system was installed, complete with adjustable coil-overs and massive Brembo brakes. This provides the Octavia with handling and stopping power that its original designers could only dream of, making it a true driver’s sports car that performs as fiercely as it looks.
3. The Body: Sculpted Artistry
Ringbrothers are masters of metal, and the Octavia’s body is a testament to their craft. While retaining the unmistakable silhouette of the DBS, every panel was meticulously refined. The iconic Aston Martin grille was subtly widened and lowered, the fenders were flared to accommodate wider, modern wheels (19-inch HRE rollers), and the entire body was smoothed and tightened, reducing panel gaps to an absolute minimum. The stunning custom paint, a deep hue dubbed “Stirling Green,” is a contemporary nod to classic British racing colors, enhancing its status as a peerless luxury car with an aggressive edge.
4. The Interior: Bespoke Luxury
Inside, the Octavia is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern technology. The cabin was retrimmed by Elegance Auto Design in quintessential British style using high-quality leather and suede, upholding its luxury car pedigree. However, a custom-made dashboard now houses a digital Dakota Instruments cluster and a modern infotainment system, seamlessly integrating 21st-century comforts into the 1970s design.
Keywords in Context: Defining the Octavia
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Sports Car: The Octavia’s primary identity is transformed. With its 750hp supercharged V8, race-bred suspension, and lightweight construction, it is no longer just a grand tourer. It is a high-performance sports car built for exhilarating driving dynamics and breathtaking speed.
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Luxury Car: The essence of the Aston Martin brand—opulence, refinement, and bespoke craftsmanship—is preserved and enhanced. The impeccable interior, quiet(er) cabin, and timeless elegance ensure it remains a world-class luxury car experience.
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Exotic Cars: The Octavia exists in a category defined by extreme rarity, extreme price, and extreme execution. As a one-off, hand-built masterpiece that defies conventional categorization, it rightfully earns its place among the most coveted exotic cars in the world, a custom creation that turns heads at any concours d’elegance or supercar gathering.
Conclusion: More Than a Car, a Statement
The Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Octavia is not merely a restomod; it is a philosophical argument made of steel, aluminum, and horsepower. It posits that the timeless beauty of a classic luxury car can be fused with the brutal performance of a modern sports car to create something entirely new and breathtaking. It respects the past while fearlessly embracing the future, resulting in a vehicle that is, without doubt, one of the most compelling and brilliantly executed exotic cars of the 21st century. The Octavia proves that true automotive art is not just about preservation, but about fearless evolution.
