SPRING GREEN, Wis. (November 5, 2024) – Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creations: a custom-built 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer known as “TUKA,” along with a custom-built 1987 Buick Grand National known as “INVADR” and a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda named “INFECTED.” They are expected to shatter performance expectations, deliver an unparalleled driving experience and embody the singular workmanship that defines Ringbrothers.

1972 Chevrolet K5 Blaxer “Tuka”
Investing more than 3,700 hours, the TUKA project enhances the K5 Blazer’s original lines and proportions by raising the tailgate and box sides by two inches to match the door height and create a seamless and timeless profile. The fiberglass rear top is hand-built and integrates a panoramic roof from a modern Blazer, while the rear window was grafted from a contemporary Jeep Wrangler and canted to mimic the Blazer’s  factory top. The sculpted bodywork is finished with a BASF Glasurit Waterborne mix called Galactic Black.

“TUKA is distinct from the Blazers we’ve built before as it melds our knowledge of the platform with updated underpinnings creating our desired on and off-road vision,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “This project is all about crafting something new and highly functional from a tried, true and familiar K5 that can be used daily while no stranger to playing in the dirt.”

– Jim Ring, Ringbrothers co-owner

Beneath the Ringbrothers carbon-fiber hood resides a 525-horsepower GM Performance 6.2-liter LS3 V8 channeling 487 ft-lbs of torque to the ground through a Bowler Tru-Street GM 4L60E automatic transmission and NP208 transfer case. Uniquely, TUKA incorporates class-leading chassis elements from a third-generation Tacoma with the Toyota’s independent front suspension modified for purpose with Total Chaos control arms and a custom rear suspension with King shocks fitted all around. The Blazer rides on a set of one-off 18-inch bronze wheels from HRE and features a custom spare tire mount behind the rear seat.

The techno-utilitarian, entirely bespoke cabin was penned by designer Sean Smith and crafted by Gabe Lopez and the team at Gabe’s Custom Interiors. The carbon-fiber dashboard houses instrumentation from Dakota Digital as well as billet-machined and 3D-printed switchgear, gear selector, handbrake and a carbon-fiber steering wheel.

“Almost every piece of this Blazer is custom. We wanted to leave no stone unturned in creating something wholly unique, designed to embrace the open road and the unbeaten path. This truck is built for driving in style and with modern comfort.”

– Mike Ring, Ringbrothers co-owner

1987 Buick Grand National “INVADR”
Ringbrothers invested 5,000 hours to take Buick’s legendary G-body to new heights. The Grand National retains its signature angular design but has added touches that subtly highlight the extensive customization. Originally plastic, both the front and rear bumpers were fabricated from stainless steel and feature machined aluminum bumper guards. The angle of the front fenders has been adjusted slightly and now seamlessly integrates with the new bumpers, while the rocker panels have been extended, furthering the integrated look. The factory hood was retained, but a Ringbrothers-designed carbon-fiber scoop was crafted to assist with heat extraction and enhance the design aesthetic. Covering the body is a custom BASF Glasurit Waterborne mix, fittingly called “Dark Vader Gray.”

“This car is all about presence. The bodywork is subtle at a glance, but the ferocity of what’s under the hood begins to materialize on second viewing. And then you drive it. The acceleration of this car is nothing short of violent. This may well be the fastest car we’ve built to date.”

– Mike Ring

The Grand National’s centerpiece is its engine. Built by Duttweiler Performance, the 3.8-liter V6 is capable of producing up to 2,000 horsepower at 50 lbs. of boost. For the current tune and daily driving, the twin Precision 62mm turbochargers produce 32 lbs. of boost for a still potent 1,246 horsepower on E85. The all-aluminum engine block features six-bolt mains, custom hand-ported aluminum cylinder heads, a billet crankshaft from Bryant Racing and a bespoke intake manifold. Channeling that power to the tarmac is a Bowler TREMEC T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission mated to a carbon-fiber drag-race shaft.

INVADR’s drivetrain sits on a custom Roadster Shop chassis and four-link rear suspension with Penske three-way adjustable shocks at all four corners, ensuring handling and ride comfort. Taming the ferocious power are Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers clamping down on 394x36mm carbon-ceramic rotors. The brakes are tucked behind a set of 19×10.5-inch and 20×13-inch three-piece 528-series wheels from HRE wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Additionally, the underside features an integrated nitrogen-powered air-jack system that raises the car 15.1 inches, enabling quick tire changes.

The custom interior showcases uncompromised attention to detail while maintaining period-correct design cues. The team at Upholstery Unlimited hand-fabricated the seats, dashboard and center console, while Dakota Digital provided custom instrumentation. Reconfigured floor pans enhance interior comfort, and a Ringbrothers carbon-fiber steering wheel complements the balance of power and craftsmanship.

“INVADR is one of those cars we’ll remember building for a long time. It’s a combination of state-of-the-art fabrication and imagination plus the Grand National’s DNA, culminating in an incredible final product.”

– Jim Ring

1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda “INFECTED”
Every facet of INFECTED has been designed and built in-house by Ringbrothers, with 5,600 hours invested in the build. The wheelbase has been extended, with the front wheels moving forward 1.5 inches, while the front fenders have been shortened. Both the grille surround and bumper guards have been milled from a single piece of billet aluminum, while the lower front valance has been widened to enable better airflow. The front and rear bumpers have been tucked and narrowed to further sharpen the ‘Cuda’s newly defined muscular physique.  Other custom touches, including the extended and lowered rocker panels, custom diffuser, driveline tunnel and floors, complete the build’s singular look and design.

“The ‘Cuda has always been one of those cars we’ve been itching to build. The lines and proportions are the quintessential muscle car, so it is the perfect canvas to break new ground and highlight our in-house capabilities. The paintwork is an homage to Mopar’s High-Impact colors of the ’70s, albeit with a proprietary twist. We worked directly with our partners at BASF to create what we’re calling ‘Pink Eye,’ a not-so-subtle nod to the Hellcrate Redeye engine.”

– Jim RIng

Beneath the one-off carbon-fiber hood rests Mopar’s supercharged HEMI V8, developing 807 horsepower and delivering 717 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a Bowler TREMEC TR-6060 six-speed manual transaxle. A Roadster Shop FAST TRACK chassis adds dynamic performance and has been modified to accommodate a custom torque tube and Wavetrac differential. The ‘Cuda features Fox RS SV coilovers at all four corners and ample stopping power thanks to Baer Brakes Extreme XTR six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. It rides on HRE Wheels Muscle Series 105 three-piece wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The interior receives much the same custom treatment as the exterior, with modern comforts and conveniences throughout. The white leather interior was tailored by Upholstery Unlimited and is appointed with a Gentex GNTX-R rearview mirror, custom instrumentation and gauges by Dakota Digital, Vintage Air Gen IV climate control and a fully bespoke sound system with Apple CarPlay. Lastly, and in true Mopar fashion, a custom carbon-fiber “pistol grip” shifter and a Ringbrothers Murph steering wheel with a 3K carbon hoop add the finishing touches.

“INFECTED was shaped by the theatrics and joyful nature of classic Mopars, with the added benefit of modern performance. This car is a celebration of vibrant color, design, detail and, of course, performance. This build provides an opportunity to showcase how cutting-edge building techniques up the ante and enhance classic American muscle. We’re deeply thankful to our partners, HRE Wheels, BASF, Dynamat, Gentex Corporation and others, for supporting us every step of the way to see this project come to fruition.”

– Mike Ring

Ringbrothers offers a number of products for enthusiasts looking to customize their own machines. Visit Ringbrothers.com for more details. Visit www.ringbrothers.com for more details.