Ring Brothers' 1964.5 Ford Mustang Convertible "Caged" with Coyote Heart
Wisconsin-based hot rod builder Ringbrothers is back with another classic muscle car restomod. This time it's a 1964.5 Ford Mustang Convertible with the heart of a modern Mustang.
Named "Caged," this convertible is powered by the same Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 engine as the current stock Mustang GT. The engine is normally bolted to the same 10-speed automatic transmission as the factory unit, but Ring Brothers added custom headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system.
The new CAD-designed bodywork is 1.0 inch wider and longer in each direction. The grille was set back 2.0 inches and the trim was given a silver-gray finish called Cerakote Titanium C-105P. Instead of the stock 14- or 15-inch wheels, the Caged is fitted with 18-inch wheels with Continental tires. Ringbrothers also added independent rear suspension, Penske Racing coilovers, and Bear brakes for improved dynamics.
Ringbrothers says that Caged spent more than 4,200 hours on the car, working on nearly every part to create a modern look with the stock-like appearance the client wanted. The only stock parts on the Mustang were the wheel center caps, many of which were created with a 3D printer.
While Ring Brothers is going all out on radical builds like the 1,100-horsepower AMC Javelin, they are also developing more subtle restomods like the Hellcat-powered 1969 Dodge Charger "Captive" and the 1968 Mercury Cougar. Like the Captive, the Cougar was also powered by a Coyote engine.
The Coyote has clearly been a boon to hot rod builders, so they will probably be pleased to know that it is expected to be available in the next generation Mustang. The new Mustang, known internally as the S650 (the current Mustang is the S550), will debut at the Detroit Auto Show on September 14; both the Coyote and the current EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbo four will likely survive, along with a hybrid option The Coyote will be available for sale in 2023. Sales will begin in 2023, with the new Mustang likely to be a 2024 model.
