Get ready to be blown away, because Ringbrothers just dropped a bombshell at SEMA with their latest creation, the 'Kingpin' Ford Mustang Mach 1—a car so menacing, it could be the ultimate getaway vehicle for a Hollywood heist. But here's where it gets controversial: is this the most audacious restomod Mustang ever built, or have Ringbrothers taken the iconic pony car too far into uncharted territory? Let’s dive in.
The team at Ringbrothers has been on a roll this year, and their momentum shows no signs of slowing. Fresh off the debut of their jaw-dropping Aston Martin restomod, 'Octavia,' at Monterey Car Week, they’ve now unleashed the 'Kingpin' at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. Painted in a BASF Bootleg Black that screams movie villain, this build is a masterclass in blending aggression with precision.
If you’re a fan of Jim and Mike Ring’s work, you’ll recognize their signature touch. The 'Kingpin' follows in the footsteps of their previous Mach 1 builds, 'UNKL' and 'PATRIARC,' but with a twist. Built on a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis, the team went the extra mile—literally—by widening the car by two inches in the front and 3.5 inches in the rear. They also stretched the wheelbase by 1.5 inches and integrated a bespoke roll cage for added rigidity. And this is the part most people miss: the chassis was transformed into a unibody-like structure, a feat that’s as rare as it is impressive.
Handling? Forget everything you know about classic Mustangs. The 'Kingpin' features a Roadster Shop independent front and rear suspension setup with Fox RS single-adjustable coilovers, ensuring it corners like a modern supercar. Under the hood, the team at Wegner Motorsports dropped in a Coyote V-8 engine topped with a Whipple blower, pushing out over 800 horsepower. That’s right—this Mach 1 is the most powerful of Ringbrothers’ trio, sending all that power to the rear wheels through a Bowler Transmissions six-speed manual gearbox. Massive Brembo brakes and HRE Vintage Series 517 wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires complete the package.
According to Jim Ring, the 'Kingpin' was inspired by a bold question: ‘What would the final boss in a John Wick film drive?’ The result is a car that amplifies the Mustang’s original design with sharper lines, dramatic flair, and one-off 3D-printed details. It’s a car that doesn’t just turn heads—it stops traffic.
Here’s the controversial question: While John Wick already had his moment with a 1969 Mustang, could the 'Kingpin' steal the show in a future installment? Or is it too over-the-top for even Keanu Reeves to handle? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Whether you love it or think it’s a step too far, one thing’s for sure: Ringbrothers has once again proven they’re not afraid to push boundaries. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell knows a thing or two about cars, and even he’s impressed. So, is the 'Kingpin' the ultimate Mach 1, or has Ringbrothers gone too far? You decide.
