Ringbrothers has built some extraordinary American muscle cars over the years, but its latest creation might be one of its most elegant. Beneath the deep blue paint and polished chrome sits a Pontiac that’s been extensively reengineered without losing its unmistakable 1960s character.
Unveiled for the 2026 SEMA Show, the Wisconsin-based custom shop’s newest project is called Billie, a heavily reworked 1965 Pontiac convertible. It combines classic GTO styling with extensive custom fabrication and the kind of modern performance hardware that would have seemed unimaginable six decades ago.
According to Ringbrothers’ Instagram reveal, the project demanded over 5,500 hours of craftsmanship, beginning with a 1965 Pontiac Tempest Convertible. The finished car is five inches wider than the original, yet its proportions remain unmistakably Pontiac.
There’s also a personal story behind the build that makes it particularly special. Billie was inspired by a GTO once owned by the customer’s mother, turning an ambitious restomod into a tribute to a family memory.
Five Inches Wider, Without Losing the Original Character
View this post on Instagram
Ringbrothers reshaped the front fenders, widened the rear quarters, extended the rocker panels, and fitted lightweight carbon-fiber doors. The extensive metalwork gives Billie a more muscular, planted stance without abandoning the clean lines that made the original GTO attractive.
A custom carbon-fiber hood incorporates an enlarged scoop, while redesigned bumpers, headlight surrounds, and machined aluminum details sharpen the exterior. BASF’s bespoke Billie Goat Blue paint is complemented by polished chrome and black accents.
Supercharged V8 Power Meets a Modern Chassis
Under the hood sits a Wegner-built, supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 producing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Bowler 10-speed automatic transmission. A custom Ringbrothers exhaust featuring Flowmaster components provides the soundtrack.
A Fast Track Stage III chassis provides the foundation, supported by FOX coilovers and six-piston Brembo brakes. Staggered 19- and 20-inch HRE wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, giving the convertible serious performance credentials.
The Interior Is Just as Carefully Considered
Inside, gray-and-blue leather upholstery surrounds a redesigned dashboard moved four inches forward and two inches lower. Dakota Digital instruments, custom aluminum trim, and Vintage Air climate control blend contemporary convenience with vintage character.
Even the restored factory radio conceals Bluetooth connectivity, while the handcrafted shifter takes inspiration from an olive-wood espresso portafilter. It’s an unusual detail that reflects the amount of thought invested in the smallest components.
A GTO With a Family Story
Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring explained that the customer wanted to recreate a car his mother had received as a gift. The name Billie emerged from an early suggestion to call the project GOAT, eventually becoming a playful reference to the Pontiac’s nickname.
The original GTO held a special place in the family, and Billie carries that memory in spectacular fashion. Its supercharged V8 and painstakingly reshaped body might grab the attention at SEMA, but the story behind its creation is what makes this particular Pontiac special.