- Ringbrothers revealed custom Buick Grand National at 2024 SEMA show
- Custom Grand National features powertrain by Duttweiler Performance
- Ringbrothers also presented custom Plymouth ‘Cuda and Chevy Blazer
The annual SEMA show kicked off in Las Vegas on Tuesday, where the ever-popular Ringbrothers unveiled three builds, capped off by a 1987 Buick Grand National with a 1,246-hp V-6 under the hood.
Ringbrothers is the Wisconsin shop that’s previously brought wild machines like a 1972 AMC Javelin AMX and 1969 Dodge Charger both packing more than 1,000 hp, and the Grand National build, dubbed Invadr, dials the insanity up a notch.
Instead of opting for one of the big-power V-8s the company typically uses, Ringbrothers chose to stick with a 3.8-liter V-6, just like in the original Grand National. The stock engine in the 1987 Grand National used a turbocharger to deliver about 240 hp.
Ringbrothers Invadr 1987 Buick Grand National
However, Ringbrothers decided to opt for a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 built by California’s Duttweiler Performance for the build. It delivers a hypercar-rivaling 1,246 hp, all to the rear wheels. Among the modifications to the powertrain are a pair of Precision Gen2 turbochargers, hand-ported cylinder heads, a billet crankshaft, new cooling systems, and a custom exhaust system built in-house.
The build also features a 6-speed manual transmission, a carbon-fiber driveshaft, and a Strange Engineering Ford 9-inch rear. To ensure the chassis can handle the power, the suspension was overhauled. New features include a widened track, Penske three-way adjustable dampers, a 1.25-inch splined front sway bar, and HRE wheels measuring 19×10.5 inches up front and a chunky 20×13 inches at the rear. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Stopping power comes from brakes lifted off a C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Ringbrothers Invadr 1987 Buick Grand National
Every area was breathed upon when it comes to the interior, too. Ringbrothers said it wanted to ensure the cabin maintained a period design, while still incorporating modern elements. Key details include custom gauges from Dakota Digital, reconfigured floor pans to enhance interior comfort, an integrated roll cage, and carbon-fiber trim, including for the steering wheel.
Ringbrothers said it took almost 5,000 hours to complete the build. While such an extensive build will be out of reach for most Grand National fans, Ringbrothers offers many individual parts for the car and other G-body models.
Ringbrothers’ other builds at the SEMA show include a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda called Infected, and a 1972 Chevrolet Blazer called Tuka.
In the case of Infected, Ringbrothers picked a vibrant pink paint finish that will likely prove polarizing. The car also features a modern 807-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 Hellcat Redeye engine, and custom body work wrapped around a chassis with an extended wheelbase.
For the Tuka, Ringbrothers customized virtually every panel of the donor Blazer with bespoke components meant to showcase the company’s attention to detail.
