Ringbrothers has built a reputation for turning classic automobiles into world-class restomods, and its latest creation, code-named “Octavia,” may be one of the company’s most ambitious projects to date. Recently showcased alongside Jay Leno, the custom-built machine reimagines a 1971 Aston Martin DBS, transforming one of the marque’s most overlooked grand tourers into an extraordinary high-performance masterpiece.
The original donor car was a non-running six-cylinder DBS, a model that has long lived in the shadow of Aston Martin’s V8-powered icons. Typically valued between $50,000 and $80,000 in project condition, the car served as the perfect foundation for Ringbrothers’ three-year engineering effort.
Virtually every exterior panel was replaced with lightweight carbon fiber, dramatically reducing weight while modernizing the car’s proportions. The bodywork was extensively widened, with the rear track stretched by 10 inches and the front by 8 inches, giving the classic Aston an unmistakably muscular stance without sacrificing its timeless silhouette.
Power comes from Ford’s renowned Coyote V8, paired with a bespoke Harrop supercharger developed in Australia. The result is an astonishing output of up to 1,100 horsepower—far beyond anything envisioned for the original DBS. Supporting that immense performance is a C6 Corvette rear transaxle, a fully integrated roll cage, and numerous modern upgrades, including advanced Gentex auto-dimming sun visors, blending contemporary technology with handcrafted craftsmanship.
The finished product delivers the character of a modern supercar wrapped in vintage British styling, proving that thoughtful engineering can elevate even the most underrated classics. During the feature, Jay Leno experiences the immense power firsthand on rain-soaked California roads, piloting the rear-wheel-drive machine without the safety net of traction control.
Along the way, he also reflects on Aston Martin’s enduring connection to James Bond, sharing stories about the late Sean Connery, whose portrayal of the iconic spy helped cement the brand’s place in automotive history.
Source: Jay Leno’s Garage
