A muscle car of the past with a powerful, modern V8.
Ford’s Coyote V8 engine is one of the most beloved modern engines. The Mustang GT was introduced in 2011. The 5.0-liter engine produces more than 400 horsepower (or 298 kilowatts) in most applications. It remains the go-to choice for tuners. It makes perfect sense that Wisconsin-based ringbrothers would use this beloved engine for their latest build.
The 1968 Mercury Cougar’s restomod conceals a Coyote engine that makes a powerful 460 horsepower (343 kW). The 10-speed automatic manages all this extra power. It is ripped from the with paddle shifters – note the modern gear selector – and comes with additional performance upgrades such as a new transmission tunnel. A Flowmaster exhaust. New DSE performance suspension. Bigger brakes.
Ringbrothers improved the Cougar’s factory look with a new front bumper, re-finished chrome, and a fresh grille. Also, HRE Series C1 three piece forged wheels with copper finishes were added by Ringbrothers. The sheet metal was given a new dark green paint job, as well as new badges, including the “5.0” emblem at the front fender.
Jim Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers, said that each car they build is a labor of love. The finished product is elegant and refined, but enthusiasts will instantly recognize that it’s not stock. This is the Mercury design I can imagine if they were making the Cougar today.
Ringbrothers claims that the company initially planned to unveil the Cougar at SEMA. However, the company hopes to show it off to the public soon. The cost of the complete build is unknown, but Cougar owners who have purchased the first-gen Cougar can get a few custom billet aluminum parts from the shop.