Octavia: The 805-HP Reimagining of a Classic Aston Martin DBS
When it comes to reimagining automotive icons, few workshops push the boundaries like Ringbrothers, the Wisconsin-based custom car atelier. Their latest creation, named Octavia, takes the bones of a 1971 Aston Martin DBS and transforms it into a bespoke modern masterpiece. This project consumed more than 12,000 hours of work, resulting in a car that merges classic British elegance with American engineering muscle.
The name “Octavia” and several subtle design cues nod to the world of James Bond, a fitting tribute given the DBS’s long-standing association with the iconic spy franchise. But while the original DBS was a suave grand tourer, Octavia is a radical reinvention with an entirely new body, chassis, and drivetrain.
A Restomod That Became a Reinvention
According to Ringbrothers, the project began as a straightforward restomod—a modernized version of the 1971 DBS. But as the build progressed, the scope expanded dramatically. By the end, the only original components carried over from the donor car were the window switchgear. Everything else, from the chassis to the body panels, was redesigned or fabricated anew.
The result is not just a restored classic but a wholly new car cloaked in the spirit of an Aston Martin. Its proportions remain familiar, yet every surface has been sharpened, stretched, and modernized. The silhouette suggests Bond-era refinement, but the detailing screams modern performance.
Radical Chassis Engineering
One of the most challenging aspects of Octavia’s creation was its underpinnings. The team widened the track by a massive 250 millimeters and stretched the wheelbase by 75 millimeters to give the coupe a more planted stance and improve handling stability.
Suspension duties are handled by Fox coilovers combined with custom control arms, engineered in collaboration with the Roadster Shop—one of the most respected names in performance chassis design. Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo brakes, while HRE composite wheels round out the package with both visual drama and reduced unsprung weight.
This combination makes Octavia not only visually striking but also dynamically capable, far surpassing the handling limits of the original DBS.
Carbon Fiber Meets 3D Printing
The exterior of Octavia is a blend of carbon fiber and custom-fabricated panels. The lightweight material reduces overall mass while allowing for more dramatic shapes and sharper details than the steel-bodied original. The interior continues this theme of innovation, incorporating a wide range of 3D-printed components alongside bespoke leather and metalwork.
This blending of classic craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology is part of what sets Octavia apart from more conventional restorations. It’s not a replica or tribute—it’s a futuristic reinterpretation.
The Heart: A Ford Performance V8
Purists may raise their eyebrows, but Octavia is powered not by a British inline-six or V12, but by a Ford Performance 5.0-liter V8. Of course, this isn’t a stock motor—it has been extensively modified with a Harrop supercharger, Holley ECU, and custom headers. The result is a staggering 805 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission to deliver a truly visceral driving experience.
In a playful nod to the car’s Bond-inspired theme, the engine bay carries Aston Martini lettering, and the oil dipstick is topped with a miniature cocktail glass. It’s a small but clever detail that demonstrates the builders’ sense of humor and attention to character.
From Gentleman’s GT to Supercar Territory
The original 1971 Aston Martin DBS was a refined grand tourer with around 280 horsepower from its inline-six (or later, a V8 with up to 320 hp). Octavia, with nearly three times the power and a completely redesigned chassis, is in an entirely different performance category.
While no official performance figures have been released, with 805 hp, lightweight carbon elements, and modern suspension, it’s safe to say Octavia would challenge today’s supercars in both acceleration and cornering.
A Bespoke Creation Without a Price Tag
The Octavia is a one-off build, created for a private, anonymous client. Ringbrothers have not disclosed the cost, but considering the 12,000 labor hours, custom chassis engineering, carbon fiber bodywork, and exotic drivetrain, the figure almost certainly runs into the seven figures (USD).
This exclusivity ensures that Octavia will remain a mythical creation in the world of automotive enthusiasts—admired but never replicated.
Octavia represents a growing movement in car culture: the radical restomod. Instead of simply preserving history, builders reinterpret it through the lens of today’s technology and aesthetics. Just as Singer redefined the Porsche 911 and Eagle reimagined the Jaguar E-Type, Ringbrothers have now elevated the Aston Martin DBS into something entirely new.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Octavia is proof that even a half-century-old grand tourer can be reborn into a machine relevant—and thrilling—in 2025.
The Aston Martin DBS Octavia by Ringbrothers is more than just a restomod; it’s a work of automotive art. With its Bond-inspired design, Ford-powered heart, and countless custom touches, it bridges eras and genres in a way few cars ever attempt. It may not be a factory Aston Martin, but in spirit, it carries forward the legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic GTs, reimagined for the modern age.
