When it comes to restomods, the folks over at the Ringbrothers are arguably the best in the business. Their builds are unique, powerful and, more importantly, tasteful -- a combination that's hard to find nowadays. Maybe that's why their products attract massive crowds at the SEMA Show->ke216 and then fetch six-figure sums at public auctions.

The Wisconsin-based shop has modified several iconic cars from Ford,->ke31 Chevrolet,->ke199 and even a De Tomaso Pantera over the last years, but the Mustang is arguably Ringbrothers' favorite vehicle to work on. Their list of modified 'Stangs includes nearly all model years from 1965 to 1970, as well as fifth-generation ponies. Granted, they haven't built many of them, but those that are roaming the streets as of 2015 are solid proof that Ringbrothers can deliver some of the most exquisite Mustang->ke428 restomods out there.

While the 2014 SEMA Show saw Ringbrothers breathe new life into a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, this year's edition of the event brought us a brand-new Mustang from the famous shop. Meet the "SPLITR," one of the meanest muscle car built from a 1965 Mustang.

Continue reading to learn more about the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback SPLITR by Ringbrothers.

ford-mustang-fastback-splitr-by-ringbrothers

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-mustang-fastback-splitr-by-ringbrothers
Pros
Cons

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback SPLITR by Ringbrothers

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback SPLITR by Ringbrothers
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Although it retains the iconic body shape of the 1965 Mustang fastback, one quick glance is enough to see why this is no regular pony. The front apron is the first thing that catches the eye, as the Mustang's classic chrome bumper has been replace by a more modern construction that incorporates large air intakes and even a splitter-like element. The hood is made from carbon-fiber, meaning Ringbrothers wanted a muscle car that's not only powerful, but lightweight as well.

The profile of the 1965 Mustang remained largely unchanged, but Ringbrothers did meddle with the front fenders, trimming their bottoms and flaring the arches by 1.5 inches at each corner to make room for the new wheels. The fastback now rides on a set of HRE rollers, which measure 18 inches at the front and 19 inches to the rear and are wrapped in low-profile Nitto tires. The Mustang also received a while stripe with red "SPLITR" lettering just above the side skirts. Finishing touches include revised quarter louvers and black-painted door handles to accent the red paint.

There's plenty to talk about around back as well, as Ringbrothers made quite a few modifications. The chrome bumper was also removed and replaced with an integrated piece, while the apron ditched the standard reverse lights and received new exhaust pipes. The stock taillights were also replaced by a set of in-house-built units that are wider. Their chrome surrounds are also gone, replaced with gray-painted inserts. A trunk lid spoiler rounds out the rear fascia.

As you may have already noticed, Ringbrothers finished the fastback in red with black and white accents. The main color is called "Ford Race Red" and its complemented by a black hood and roof with a white center stripe, which in turn has a thin, offset red stripe. If you ask me, this is the best livery Ringbrothers has created so far.

Interior

The interior has been redesigned almost entirely. Its main highlight is the new dashboard, which has nothing in common with the 1965 Mustangs and sports a much simpler and cleaner design. The driver side has six old-school gauges by Classic Instruments, while the passenger side is a clean panel with a red stripe. The new center stack consists of a Kenwood stereo (with JL speakers and amplifier) and controls for the Vintage Air SufeFit air conditioning system.

The interior of SPLITR feels as race-car-inspired as the exterior with comfortable and supportive Recaro seats, Ringbrothers billet components, an IDIDIT steering column, gauges by Classic Instruments, and a cabin kept at a comfortable temperature thanks to a Vintage Air SureFit system.

Ringbrothers also added a pair of Recaro front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with white stitching and a red 12-o'clock stripe, custom pedals, and a bespoke gear shifter. The door panels were also reupholstered and fitted with a custom window crank handle. Unlike the exterior, which is finished in red with black and white accents, the interior is mostly black and dark-gray with red and white accents. Like many Ringbrothers interiors, this one is as race-inspired as they get.

Drivetrain

Ringbrothers-built restomods have always received state-of-the-art V-8 drivetrains under the hood and the SPLITR is no exception to that rule. This Mustang packs naturally aspirated, 7.0-liter, Ford Racing crate engine modified by Wegner Motorsports and a bespoke T56 Tremec six-speed manual transmission. Ringbrothers doesn't say a word about the car's output, but I bet those meaty rear wheels receive at least 500 horsepower.

The exhaust system is also bespoke, using components from Flowmaster, Hurst, and B&M, while the headers are built in-house. Both the chassis and the rack-and-pinion steering were provided by Detroit Speed, while the drive shaft was made by Dynotech.

For improved handling, Ringbrothers commissioned Detroit Speed to create a custom Mustang Aluma-Frame front suspension, a Mustang QuadraLink rear suspension, and sway bars. The shocks came from JRI, known for building some of the best drag racing shocks on the market. Stopping power comes from race-spec BAER units at all four corners.

Conclusion

Although I'm a big fan of classic muscle cars, I rarely get excited about restomods. Granted, they have tremendous power and state-of-the-art underpinnings, but most of them are way too flashy for my taste. Not to mention that most builders like to drop them as close as possible to the ground, ruining their stance. Fortunately, Ringbrothers promote a different take on the restomod concept with very few of its project having oversized wheels, supercar-like ride heights, and eye-stabbing paint schemes. All told, the Mustang SPLITR is the kind of project that makes sacrificing a classic muscle car worthwhile. Of course, it all comes down to what you're looking for in a restomod, but I bet the SPLITR will make a lot of gearheads happy if built in a small series. Unfortunately for most of us, the SPLITR is unique and already in the hands of its happy owner.