Ringbrothers Unveil Excruciatingly Cool 1972 AMC Javelin AMX at SEMA
Automobile
11/2/2017
© Automobile Magazine Staff
Ringbrothers 1972 AMC Javelin AMX Defiant Front Three Quarters
When everything is special, nothing is special. Custom, big-dollar builds based on Camaros, Mustangs, Chargers, Corvettes, and Challengers clog showhalls around the country, giving rise to an unfortunate normalization of the restomod musclecar.
Thankfully, there are still a handful of shops whose thinking is decidedly "out of the box," creating incredible builds that are almost more art than car. At this year's SEMA show, Ringbrothers once again proved itself the king of this space, unveiling a wild, 1,080-hp 1972 AMC Javelin AMX.
More from SEMA: 2018 Hennessey Ford Raptor 6x6: when four wheels just won't do (Provided by Roadshow)
- Top 5 things to do in a self-driving carGet your comb and toothbrush ready!
Roadshow
- This budget Lotus Evora build is seriously inspirationalChris from B is For Build knew he had a big job ahead of him when he bought a totaled Lotus Evora at auction. Here's how he got it to run again.Car and Driver
- This car repair timelapse is mesmerizingThis Honda CR-V was totaled when it hit a deer on the highway.Car and Driver
Top 5 things to do in a self-driving car
Roadshow2:29This budget Lotus Evora build is seriously inspirational
Car and Driver3:00This car repair timelapse is mesmerizing
Car and Driver3:06What the most stolen cars have in common
USA TODAY0:36Least reliable new cars of 2018
Consumer Reports2:545 amazing facts about the iconic Volkswagen Microbus
Jalopnik5:42Driving the 1,000-HP Hennessey Performance Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Drive8:012019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Road & Track5:24
This driveable Lego Bugatti Chiron has to be seen to be believed
Roadshow3:03Is Cullinan a real Rolls-Royce?
Roadshow5:57Say goodbye to dinged car doors
Roadshow3:012019 Nissan Altima: Your latest all-wheel drive sedan
Roadshow4:042018 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve: As big (and old) as a battleship
The Drive2:31How to fix too much oil in your engine
Roadshow3:50Tesla wants to offer 1-hour bodywork
Roadshow1:08Car repairs and maintenance you can really do yourself
GOBankingRates1:21
Looking over the Ringbrothers' Defiant! AMX (yes, the exclamation point is included), it's hard to believe the Wisconsin-based workshop began the project just one year ago. Even before head sponsor Prestone knocked on its door, Ringbrothers already knew an AMX would serve as the next canvas.
© Automobile Magazine StaffAs is the case with most of Ringbrothers' builds, the Defiant! is radically different than the car it began life as. To make space for the new engine, the Javelin's wheels were moved forward 6.5 inches, hid behind flared bodywork composed of carbon fiber.
Along with the front fenders, the hood, grille, and front valence are entirely redesigned in carbon fiber as well, accented by bespoke trim pieces machined from aluminum.
© Automobile Magazine StaffPower comes from a Hellcat-sourced 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, spitting 1,030 hp to the rear wheels through a Bowler automatic transmission. To keep things shiny side up, the Defiant! rides on a custom front subframe originally designed for a Camaro that holds modernized steering, sway bars, and RideTech suspension components.
© Automobile Magazine StaffOut back, a Chevy 12-bolt rear end is mounted on a four-link suspension designed by the Rings themselves. Six-piston Baer brakes hide behind large 20-inch HRE wheels wrapped in 285/30 tires up front and 335/30s in the rear.
As far as production goes, all Ringbrothers cars are one-offs, so you'll need to commission a separate Javelin build to complete your garage-mahal.
Automobile
