Ringbrothers has unveiled BILLIE, an extensively reimagined 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible that brings together American muscle car heritage, contemporary engineering and more than 5,500 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Originally built as a 1965 Pontiac Tempest Convertible, the custom creation has been transformed into a 650-horsepower interpretation of one of Pontiac's most recognizable models, with carefully refined proportions and a deeply personal story behind its name.
The project began as a tribute to a GTO once owned by the client's mother, who received the original car as a gift. That family connection became the inspiration for a build designed to preserve the sentimental significance of the original while creating something entirely new.
“BILLIE began as a tribute to a GTO once owned by our client's mother, who received the original car as a gift,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “The owner wanted to recreate something that held real sentimental value, and during our early conversations, he suggested calling it GOAT. We came back with BILLIE, as in billy goat, and that moniker stuck. It's a playful nod to the GTO's heritage, but more, a deeply personal tribute to a car with a special place in his family's history.”
The transformation involved extensive metalwork to widen the body by five inches while retaining the unmistakable silhouette of the 1965 GTO. Carbon-fiber doors, reshaped front fenders, widened rear quarters and lengthened rocker panels subtly alter the car's original proportions, creating a broader stance without losing its visual identity.
The exterior is finished in custom BASF Glasurit “Billie Goat Blue,” complemented by polished chrome accents and contrasting black details. A bespoke carbon-fiber hood features an enlarged scoop, precision-machined billet-aluminum inserts and functional vents. Additional carbon-fiber components include the front wheel tubs, lower front valance and rear diffuser, which incorporates integrated exhaust ducts.
Custom-made bumpers, redesigned headlight surrounds and a one-piece machined billet-aluminum taillight panel complete the exterior. The fabrication extends well beyond the visible bodywork, with extensive modifications to the floor, trunk, firewall and transmission tunnel.
“The challenge was widening the body five inches without losing the proportions that make a '65 GTO so recognizable,” said Ringbrothers co-founder Jim Ring. “We spent countless hours massaging the factory lines, reshaping the fenders and refining how every panel transitions into the next. There's a massive amount of fabrication hidden beneath the subtle touches in the design. The goal was to make those changes feel completely natural and organic, as if Pontiac had built it this way.”
Supercharged V8 Performance
Beneath the custom bodywork, BILLIE trades the original car's mechanical configuration for a modern supercharged powertrain. A Wegner Motorsports 6.2-liter LT4 V8 produces 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, paired with a Bowler Performance 10-speed automatic transmission.
A custom Ringbrothers exhaust incorporates Flowmaster components, while a Roadster Shop FAST TRACK Stage III chassis provides the foundation for the car's modern driving dynamics. FOX coilovers and six-piston Brembo brakes further enhance suspension control and stopping performance.
The combination rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires mounted to staggered 19- and 20-inch HRE G-Code wheels, giving the GTO a contemporary performance specification beneath its classic American styling.
Inside, BILLIE features a custom gray-and-blue leather interior that combines handcrafted finishes with modern technology. The dashboard has been repositioned four inches forward and two inches lower, creating a revised cabin layout complemented by custom-machined aluminum trim and Dakota Digital instrumentation.
Vintage Air climate control and a Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror bring contemporary comfort and convenience, while a restored factory radio conceals Bluetooth connectivity. Among the more distinctive details is an olive wood shifter inspired by an espresso portafilter, an unexpected handcrafted touch that reinforces the individuality of the commission.
Custom “Billie 6.2 Liter” fender emblems and “Raised by Ringbrothers” dashboard badging provide further reminders of the build's identity and the team behind it.
BILLIE represents more than 5,500 hours of design, fabrication and finishing work, bringing together the expertise of Ringbrothers and a network of specialist partners, including Gentex, HRE Wheels and BASF.
“More than 5,500 hours went into bringing BILLIE to life, and the result speaks to the design and extraordinary craftsmanship of our team,” continued Jim Ring. “We're also grateful to our trusted partners, including Gentex, HRE Wheels and BASF, whose support and expertise helped make this remarkable build possible.”
The project also highlights Ringbrothers' broader commitment to the Pontiac GTO platform. The company offers a range of GTO components, including billet-aluminum parts, steering wheels and side-marker lights, extending its craftsmanship beyond one-off commissions.
