Ringbrothers unveil Octavia at Monterey

Octavia began life as a real 1971 Aston Martin DBS, but nearly every component was replaced, redesigned, and upgraded.

Ringbrothers Reimagine 1971 Aston Martin DBS Into An 805-HP Carbon-Fiber Widebody Beast Named Octavia

Ringbrothers unveiled Octavia during Monterey Car Week, a bold reimagining of the 1971 Aston Martin DBS. The project started from a real DBS, but virtually every component was replaced or redesigned beyond recognition, with only the VIN and the inner-door window structures retained. Custom touches include a longer wheelbase, a carbon-fiber widebody, and a purpose-built chassis, while power comes from a Ford 5.0-liter V8 boosted to 805 horsepower, delivered through a six-speed manual.

The build reportedly took more than 12,000 hours. That level of devotion underlines a trend toward ultra-hardcore customization that blends Bond era glamour with modern performance. Octavia is not just a showpiece; it is a signal of where elite car culture is headed, a mix of spectacle and driveability at a high price.

The Octavia project sits at the crossroads of heritage and innovation. Builders are turning classic silhouettes into software-driven machines, using carbon fiber to sculpt new shapes while keeping recognizable lines. For purists, this raises questions about authenticity and the value of original works.

As the market for bespoke classics grows, more studios will chase attention with cars that look old but race like new. The real test will be whether these builds hold up in ownership costs, insurance, and long-term reliability, not just at the show. The balance between respect for history and hunger for speed will define the next wave of premium automotive art.

Highlights

The line between restoration and reinvention keeps moving.