Renowned for their cutting-edge craftsmanship, Ringbrothers has unleashed their latest automotive masterpiece—a jaw-dropping custom 1987 Buick Grand National dubbed “INVADR.” This high-powered G-body revival is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 from Duttweiler Performance, pushing a monstrous 1,246 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Built for speed and presence, the INVADR is set to redefine what’s possible in high-performance car customization.
A Modern Take on Buick’s Classic G-Body
Taking the iconic Buick Grand National to new s, Ringbrothers invested over 5,000 hours into this custom build. While the car retains its sharp, angular 1980s aesthetic, subtle enhancements accentuate its aggressive stance. Both front and rear bumpers were crafted from stainless steel, replacing the original plastic ones, and fitted with aluminum bumper guards for a refined yet bold look. Adjustments to the front fenders and extended rocker panels further integrate these custom touches, while a sleek carbon-fiber hood scoop designed by Ringbrothers enhances both cooling and visual appeal.
The bodywork is finished in a custom BASF Glasurit “Dark Vader Gray” paint, offering a subtle yet menacing exterior. As Mike Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers, put it, “This car is all about presence…the ferocity of what’s under the hood begins to materialize on second viewing. And then you drive it.”
Power Meets Precision
At the heart of the INVADR is its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which can produce up to 2,000 horsepower at 50 lbs. of boost. However, for everyday use, the engine is tuned to a “mere” 1,246 horsepower, with twin Precision 62mm turbochargers delivering 32 lbs. of boost. Running on E85 fuel, the all-aluminum engine features custom components like hand-ported aluminum cylinder heads, a billet crankshaft from Bryant Racing, and a bespoke intake manifold.
This monstrous power is transmitted through a Bowler TREMEC T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission, paired with a carbon-fiber drag-race driveshaft. The result? Relentless speed and performance ready for both track and street.
Engineering Brilliance Beneath the Surface
To handle the raw power under the hood, Ringbrothers built the INVADR on a custom Roadster Shop chassis with a four-link rear suspension. Penske three-way adjustable shocks at all four corners ensure a balanced mix of comfort and track-worthy handling. Braking is provided by Brembo’s six-piston calipers paired with massive 394x36mm carbon-ceramic rotors, offering world-class stopping power. These brakes are tucked behind custom HRE three-piece wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for maximum grip.
Additionally, the underside of the car features an integrated nitrogen-powered air-jack system, allowing the car to be raised 15.1 inches for quick tire changes—just one more example of Ringbrothers’ attention to detail and practicality.
A Custom Interior that Honors Tradition
Inside, the INVADR offers a modern yet nostalgic driving experience. Upholstery Unlimited crafted custom seats, dashboard, and center console, maintaining the car’s period-correct design cues while adding modern luxury. Dakota Digital supplied custom instrumentation, while the reconfigured floor pans add both comfort and functionality. A carbon-fiber steering wheel designed by Ringbrothers completes the interior’s sleek, performance-driven aesthetic.
The Legacy of “INVADR”
According to Jim Ring, “INVADR is one of those cars we’ll remember building for a long time.” The build is a culmination of state-of-the-art fabrication, deep automotive imagination, and a reverence for the Buick Grand National’s DNA. With help from partners like Gentex, HRE Wheels, BASF, and Dynamat, Ringbrothers have transformed this 1987 classic into a modern-day performance icon.
Specifications Summary:
- Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 (Duttweiler Performance)
- Horsepower: 1,246 hp (up to 2,000 hp potential)
- Torque: 1,000 lb-ft
- Transmission: Bowler TREMEC T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual
- Suspension: Custom Roadster Shop chassis, Penske adjustable shocks
- Brakes: Brembo six-piston carbon-ceramic brakes
- Wheels: HRE three-piece 528-series (19×10.5 front, 20×13 rear)
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
- Interior: Custom hand-fabricated by Upholstery Unlimited with Dakota Digital instrumentation
Source: Ringbrothers
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
