Official Release:
RINGBROTHERS UNVEIL 1,246-HORSEPOWER 1987 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL “INVADR”
The high-powered custom build features a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter Duttweiler Performance V6, integrated air jacks, carbon-ceramic brakes and much more
SPRING GREEN, Wis. (NOV. 5, 2024) – Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, a custom-built 1987 Buick Grand National known as “INVADR.” The twin-turbocharged Buick produces 1,246 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels and was engineered from the ground up. It is expected to shatter performance expectations, deliver an unparalleled driving experience and embody the singular workmanship that defines Ringbrothers.
Ringbrothers invested 5,000 hours to take Buick’s legendary G-body to new heights. The Grand National retains its signature angular design but has added touches that subtly highlight the extensive customization. Originally plastic, both the front and rear bumpers were fabricated from stainless steel and feature machined aluminum bumper guards. The angle of the front fenders has been adjusted slightly and now seamlessly integrates with the new bumpers, while the rocker panels have been extended, furthering the integrated look. The factory hood was retained, but a Ringbrothers-designed carbon-fiber scoop was crafted to assist with heat extraction and enhance the design aesthetic. Covering the body is a custom BASF Glasurit Waterborne mix, fittingly called “Dark Vader Gray.”
“This car is all about presence. The bodywork is subtle at a glance, but the ferocity of what’s under the hood begins to materialize on second viewing. And then you drive it,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “The acceleration of this car is nothing short of violent. This may well be the fastest car we’ve built to date.”
The Grand National’s centerpiece is its engine. Built by Duttweiler Performance, the 3.8-liter V6 is capable of producing up to 2,000 horsepower at 50 lbs. of boost. For the current tune and daily driving, the twin Precision 62mm turbochargers produce 32 lbs. of boost for a still potent 1,246 horsepower on E85. The all-aluminum engine block features six-bolt mains, custom hand-ported aluminum cylinder heads, a billet crankshaft from Bryant Racing and a bespoke intake manifold. Channeling that power to the tarmac is a Bowler TREMEC T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission mated to a carbon-fiber drag-race shaft.
INVADR’s drivetrain sits on a custom Roadster Shop chassis and four-link rear suspension with Penske three-way adjustable shocks at all four corners, ensuring handling and ride comfort. Taming the ferocious power are Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers clamping down on 394x36mm carbon-ceramic rotors. The brakes are tucked behind a set of 19×10.5-inch and 20×13-inch three-piece 528-series wheels from HRE wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Additionally, the underside features an integrated nitrogen-powered air-jack system that raises the car 15.1 inches, enabling quick tire changes.
The custom interior showcases uncompromised attention to detail while maintaining period-correct design cues. The team at Upholstery Unlimited hand-fabricated the seats, dashboard and center console, while Dakota Digital provided custom instrumentation. Reconfigured floor pans enhance interior comfort, and a Ringbrothers carbon-fiber steering wheel complements the balance of power and craftsmanship.
“INVADR is one of those cars we’ll remember building for a long time,” added Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “It’s a combination of state-of-the-art fabrication and imagination plus the Grand National’s DNA, culminating in an incredible final product. None of this would have been possible without our partners Gentex, HRE Wheels, BASF, Dynamat and more. We are grateful for their continued collaboration with our team.”
Ringbrothers offers a host of products for the Grand National and G-body, including hood and trunk hinge kits, steering wheels, universal parts and more. Visit www.ringbrothers.com for more details.
Ringbrothers LLC – (www.ringbrothers.com) – Based in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Ringbrothers has established itself in the automotive aftermarket as a premium parts builder and world-class car designer. Among its many accolades are several Chevrolet Best in Show awards, Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, Mothers’ Shine awards and SEMA Battle of the Builders wins in 2019 and 2022. Ringbrothers proudly designs, fabricates, packages and ships its products from its headquarters in the United States, focusing on quality materials, craftsmanship and customer service. Revolutionizing the way resto-mods are done, Ringbrothers continues to set the standard with its innovative products and builds. Learn more about Ringbrothers products and builds at Ringbrothers.com.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
