Ringbrothers builds 650-horsepower custom 1965 Pontiac GTO named Billie

Custom car builder Ringbrothers spent more than 5,500 hours transforming a 1965 Pontiac Tempest Convertible into a 650-horsepower GTO called 'Billie' for the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The Build And Body

The Wisconsin-based builder crafted the car for a client who wanted to honor a GTO his mother once owned. The build features a body widened by five inches while keeping the classic proportions intact. Co-founder Jim Ring noted that the team reshaped the front fenders, lengthened the rocker panels, and widened the rear quarters. The car also features carbon-fiber doors, an enlarged hood scoop with functional vents, front wheel tubs, a lower front valance, and a rear diffuser. Additional exterior details include custom bumpers, redesigned headlight surrounds, a one-piece aluminum taillight panel, and a custom 'Billie Goat Blue' paint finish with polished chrome accents and black detailing.

Engine And Performance

Under the hood lies a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine from Wegner Motorsports. The engine pushes out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a Bowler Performance 10-speed automatic transmission. The car sits on a Fast Track Stage III chassis from Roadster Shop and features Fox RS SV coilovers along with Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers on both ends. Staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear HRE G-code wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and the custom exhaust system uses Flowmaster parts.

Interior And Cabin

Inside the cabin, the dashboard was moved four inches forward and two inches lower. The interior includes gray and blue leather, custom aluminum trim, a wood shifter, Dakota Digital instruments, Vintage Air climate controls, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A restored factory radio now includes Bluetooth connectivity, and a 'Raised by Ringbrothers' plaque sits on the dashboard.

Context

The SEMA show in Las Vegas is an annual trade event where custom car builders and parts manufacturers display heavily modified vehicles and new automotive products. Ringbrothers is well known in the American custom car scene for building high-end, heavily customized classic muscle cars with modern mechanical parts.