At this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, the renowned duo, Mike and Jim Ring, popularly known as Ringbrothers, unveiled an impressive trio of builds. Among them is “Tusk,” a 1969 Dodge Charger, packing the formidable Hellephant powerplant. Then there’s “Uncaged,” a 1965 Ford Mustang that pays homage to their 1964.5 Mustang creation from the previous year, aptly named “Caged.” These first two exemplify the signature craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from the Ringbrothers – American steel adorned with striking aesthetics and formidable engines.
However, the third addition arrives as a delightful surprise, and whether you consider it a curveball from the left or right field depends on your perspective of the automotive landscape. This unexpected masterpiece is christened “Paramount,” a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II that embodies the perfect blend of restraint and innovation. Much like our praise for the Eneos 1969 Jaguar E-Type XKE 2+2 with a Toyota 2JZ engine, it’s the kind of ingenious fusion that truly captures the essence of SEMA.
In a rare display of restraint, the Ringbrothers opted not to alter the sedan’s classic lines significantly. The only giveaway to the extraordinary transformation is the subtle Ringbrothers badge on the trunk. It’s only upon closer inspection that enthusiasts might notice the distinctive 18-inch EVOD Industries wheels wrapped in Falken rubber, cleverly maintaining the car’s historical charm and proportions that pay homage to the Paramount’s original aura. These wheels discreetly conceal Baer Pro six-piston callipers clamped onto 15-inch rotors, a performance-oriented secret.
The interior is a haven of luxury and sophistication. An oversized steering wheel with knurled spokes, ornate gauges, discreet billet switchgear, sumptuous blood-red leather seats and picnic tables, and a headliner adorned with 1,000 hand-sewn LEDs all exude the authentic Rolls-Royce opulence. Surprisingly, even the most eagle-eyed observer won’t spot the carbon fibre instrument panel and door cards hidden beneath the veneer. Notably, the modern touch is evident in the gyroscopic centre caps within the wheels, ensuring the iconic “RR” emblem remains upright. A 1961 Rolls-Royce with a custom rear armrest concealing two small bottles of Don Julio tequila is certainly a rare sight.
What lies beneath the surface of the 1961 Rolls-Royce is equally astonishing. The original 6.2-litre V8, with a mere 185 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, has been retired and replaced with a Corvette’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8, generating a potent 640 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. This newfound power is expertly managed by a Bowler Tru-Street ten-speed automatic transmission, and the output is delivered through a QA1 carbon fibre driveshaft to a Ford 9-inch rear end from Strange Engineering.
The heart of the car, along with its entire structure, is securely anchored to a custom Roadster Shop RideLine Stage 3 chassis, featuring custom 10-gauge boxed steel rails. The custom floor pan not only expands interior space but also dampens noise, vibration, and harshness. Fronted by Fox RS SV six-inch coilovers and custom control arms, the suspension system incorporates a four-bar rear setup complemented by sway bars featuring C6 Corvette end links.
And if you thought the interior was luxurious, the leather-and-carpet-lined trunk provides the perfect spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy the setting sun. In this case, it might serve as a vantage point for savouring a ham sandwich and a to-go coffee while observing the spectacle that is SEMA. For those in Vegas, Paramount can be experienced in all its glory at the BASF Glasurit booth. This exceptional Rolls-Royce transformation truly showcases the boundless creativity of the Ringbrothers and the magic of SEMA.
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