The Ringbrothers Mustang was unveiled at the 2023 SEMA exhibition, sporting a modified widebody and an upgraded engine.
At the time of its April 1964 introduction, the first Ford Mustang’s influence could hardly have been predicted. Of course, there had been concept cars that served as teasers, including the 1962 Mustang I, a two-seater sports car, and the 1962 Mustang II, a sports car displayed in October at Watkins Glen. Though it was shortened by three inches and extended by five, the II made a strong suggestion about the production car. Although Ford might have thought it was too soon and too far, it would have most likely sold. Still, in its first year of sales, the production car brought in close to 420,000 units!
After sixty years, Jim and Mike Ring have “Uncaged” the first Horse and constructed something Portage could have needed to in those days. Planned by Gary Ragle, “Uncaged” is a ‘64.5 Convertible loaded with subtleties from its custom Horse grille to the relatively larger than usual taillights and 18-inch billet wheels.
Basis for the widebody Pony is a special Fast Track chassis from Roadster Shop; it has a track width of 58.75 inches instead of the regular 56 inches. The spindle and hub assemblies of the C7 Corvette are located up front, and the completely independent rear suspension is located in back. Penske Racing RS Edition performance coil-overs are installed on both ends, and Woodward steering rack and a 1.25-inch front anti-roll bar are also included.
As previously mentioned, the Mustang is equipped with 18-inch rims that were machined by Evod Industries and based on the pressed steelies from the original generation. Continental Redline tires, measuring 245/40 R18 up front and 285/40 R18 in the back, are mounted on them. 14-inch rotors and six-piston Baer Pro+ calipers power the front and rear brakes.
A Ford Performance 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 crate engine with modified Ringbrothers headers is housed behind a specially made engine cover. The engine generates 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm and 460 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. Supporting it is a bespoke driveshaft from the Driveshaft Shop and a Ford 10R80 ten-speed automatic transmission.
Uncaged’s performance credentials are evident, but maybe its body alterations aren’t as noticeable. For instance, the body is 2 inches wider overall, with the fenders and doors adding an extra inch on either side, but the windshield is still standard. The bumpers were tucked in to perfectly line up with the expanded front and rear valances, matching the widened body. A lower profile was also achieved by extending and rolling the rockers under into a bellypan. To provide the impression that the car was visually longer, the back of the front fenders were likewise sectioned, and the rockers were moved forward to the front wheelwell. The side scoops were likewise altered. It makes sense that the brothers have put in over 4,200 hours on their construction!
The inside is similarly itemized. Imagined via Sean Smith Plans and introduced by Steve Pearson at Upholstery Limitless, it includes a somewhat more modest width guiding wheel, enlivened by Portage’s unique and machined by Sparc Enterprises. The instrumentation is from Dakota Computerized.
As you’d expect with a form of this quality, the paint is remarkable. It’s Burgundy Daring from BASF Glasurit, supplemented by all the trim including the custom badging being treated with Cerakote Titanium C-105P. To commend its most memorable birthday, the first ’65 model year Horse was shown in the “Marvel Rotunda” and got the Tiffany Gold Model for Plan Greatness — the main vehicle so respected by Tiffany. The Ringbrothers’ Uncaged has unquestionably done equity to the first.
