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)
- 2018 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve: As big (and old) as a battleshipA mighty, capable off-road boat is let down by poor controls and aging tech.
The Drive
- How to fix too much oil in your engineToo much oil? It's easy to handle, and essential that you do.
Roadshow
- Tesla wants to offer 1-hour bodyworkPlus: Mercedes-AMG starts production on the GT four-door, and Audi fires up a subscription service.
2018 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
GOBankingRates1:212018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on the ultratough Rubicon Trail
Roadshow8:37The new tech to prevent puking in self driving cars
Roadshow5:147 reasons why the 2019 Audi TT is an icon
Automobile1:302018 Hyundai Accent Road Test
Consumer Reports3:07
10 reasons the WRX STI Type RA is the best Subaru ever
Automobile1:35How much faster is the new 2018 BMW i3s?
Roadshow3:14Watch: This might be the world’s nicest ’55 Chevy
Automobile1:29The $13 million Rolls-Royce that took 4 years to build
GOBankingRates0:437 reasons why the Honda Civic Type R demolishes the Civic Si
Automobile1:33Ten key facts about the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Truck Trend1:20Watch us fix a car in cyberspace with AR
Roadshow3:078 reasons why the Toyota RAV4 will stay #1
Automobile1:30
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
