This Ringbrothers custom restomod began life as a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, one of the most iconic American muscle cars known to petrolheads worldwide. After more than 5,000 hours of sweat later, PATRIARC rolled out of their Spring Green, Wisconsin garage with a modern drivetrain, suspension and chassis to melt hearts.
The desirable Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented option package of the Ford Mustang American muscle car, originally introduced in August 1968 for the 1969 model year and available until 1978, before returning briefly in 2003, 2004, and most recently 2021.
Then…
The Mach 1 package was only available in the SportsRoof fastback body style (previously known as the ‘fastback’); never on the hardtop or convertible. Many restomod visual conversions have since been performed by owners and enthusiasts, but are not Mach 1’s by VIN code. All first-generation Mach 1’s are distinguished by the body style code 63C on the door data plate.
Standard equipment was a 351 cubic-inch (5.8 L) Windsor (351W) 2V engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, and a 9-inch 28-spline open rear axle. A 4-speed manual or 3-speed FMX (small block)/C6 (big block) automatic transmission was optional, and the 428SCJ added a cast iron tailshaft in place of the regular aluminum one to the C6.
…and now
A complete reimagining of the original Ford Mustang Mach 1 by Gary Ragle Designs, PATRIARC has performance levels well beyond those thought possible in 1969. At the heart of PATRIARC is a Ford Performance Aluminator 5.2 XS engine producing 580 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. All that power is transferred to a Strange Engineering 9-inch rear end via a Bowler Tremec T-56 Magnum six-speed manual equipped with a Centerforce clutch.
“The Mustang Mach 1 has always been an aggressive-looking car, and we wanted to add to those classic good looks with subtle but critical changes,” Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring explains. “Over 5,000 hours went into building PATRIARC and perfecting the aesthetics. And, like all our builds, it has the performance to match its new-found aggression.”
HRE Wheels G-Code Edition wheels are wrapped with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Penske Racing Shocks RS Edition coilovers and independent front and rear Roadster Shop FAST TRACK suspension keep PATRIARC glued to the ground. Baer Brakes 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers scrub speed to appease Johnny Law.
Wider, sleeker
Ringbrothers extensively modified the original Mustang Mach 1 body, wrapped around the Roadster Shop FAST TRACK Stage III chassis converted to unibody. The Brothers Ring widened it by two inches in every direction, lowering the rear quarters. A new floor pan and transmission tunnel were fabricated before a fully bespoke interior and a roll cage were installed. The interior features upholstery and trim work by Avant-Garde Interiors and includes a Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum climate control system, gauges by Dakota Digital, and a custom-made Ringbrothers “The Elder” carbon-fiber hoop steering wheel.
Custom carbon-fiber components are everywhere, with rear side scoops that direct air over the taillights, along with a hood and rear diffuser made from the high-strength material. Billet and 3D-printed parts include a one-off rear bumper, seat backs, armrests, door panels, emblems and a host of others.
“PATRIARC showcases our capabilities, levels of craftsmanship and engineering when reimagining what this iconic car could become,” brother Mike Ring adds. “It is modern performance, capability and comfort wrapped in a classic American exterior.”
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