Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS “Octavia”: A Bold Restomod Fusion of British Elegance and American Muscle
Custom car legends Ringbrothers have built their reputation on jaw-dropping American restomods, from Camaros to Mustangs. But at this year’s Monterey Car Week, the Wisconsin-based duo stunned the automotive world by unveiling something unexpected: a radically reimagined 1971 Aston Martin DBS, codenamed “Octavia”.
Unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Octavia is more than just a restored classic—it’s a complete reinvention. While the silhouette still hints at Aston Martin’s timeless lines, nearly every surface and component has been rebuilt, re-engineered, and reborn with a strong muscle car edge.
A Radical Body and Chassis Transformation
The Octavia wears a bespoke carbon-fibre body, retaining the DBS’s signature “coke-bottle” profile while pushing proportions to new extremes. The track is widened by 8 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear, giving the car a more aggressive stance. The wheelbase is stretched, with the front wheels repositioned three inches forward to improve handling balance.
To complete the look, Ringbrothers collaborated with Ragle Design and HRE Wheels to create a set of bespoke three-piece centerlock alloys. Styled as a homage to the original DBS design, these wheels merge vintage cues with modern engineering.
Power : Ford V8 Muscle Meets British Class
Under the elongated hood lies not an Aston V8, but a Ford 5.0-litre Coyote V8, upgraded to an astonishing 794 horsepower. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the Octavia delivers raw engagement, far beyond the original’s 5.3-litre motor.
The engine bay is also filled with cheeky details: valve covers mimic the Aston Martin emblem, but with a playful “i” transforming it into Aston Martini. Even the dipstick handle has been crafted to resemble a martini glass—James Bond references not-so-subtly shaken into the design.
Stopping power comes courtesy of 14-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Suspension duties are handled by adjustable Fox coilovers, ensuring modern performance without sacrificing character.
Modern Luxury Meets Retro Style Inside
Inside, the DBS Octavia combines classic craftsmanship with 21st-century technology. The cabin features a carbon-fibre dashboard, pleated leather upholstery, and custom billet aluminum trim pieces milled specifically for this build.
To meet modern expectations, the Octavia incorporates advanced tech, including camera systems and updated electronic controls, seamlessly integrated into the vintage-inspired layout.
Ringbrothers co-founder Jim Ring summarized it best:
“The Octavia is a combination of state-of-the-art fabrication and imagination. We asked ourselves, ‘What would an MI6 agent drive on holiday?’ This is our answer.”
A Restomod Unlike Any Other
The Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Octavia is more than just a show car—it’s a statement. It represents the collision of British elegance and American performance, proving that restomods aren’t limited to muscle cars. Instead, they can reimagine icons in ways no OEM brand would dare.
With its bold looks, outrageous power, and playful Bond-inspired details, the Octavia may be one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted by Ringbrothers—and possibly the ultimate restomod Aston Martin.
