Custom 1948 Cadillac Fastback Was Built On Top of a 2016 ATS-V
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Car builders wanting a classic exterior design but with reliable mechanicals on the inside typically transplant a modern engine and other new components into an old model. That’s commonly referred to as a restomod. With this approach, the builder maintains the appearance and outer integrity of the classic vehicle, but modifies and tweaks the modern powertrain to make it work as intended inside a vehicle manufactured decades earlier.
Brothers Mike and Jim Ring of Spring Green, Wisc. turned the scenario inside-out—by wrapping the exterior of two 1948 Cadillac fastback coupes around the unmolested powertrain and interior of a brand-new 2016 Cadillac ATS-V (with additional contributions from a 2015 ATS-V). The result is an extraordinary classic-modern-mashup dubbed Madam V.
The Ring Brothers at this year's SEMA
“Typically when we build a classic car, we're getting rid of as many stock components as possible to make way for modern or custom enhancements,” stated Mike Ring in a press release. “This was kind of the opposite. We’re keeping as much of the ATS-V as we can because GM designed it so well.” The ATS-V’s signature hood vent was also kept in place—but mounted to a carbon-fiber hood that took more than 600 hours to fabricate by hand.
The Ring Brother build one or two custom creations a year, run a high-end collision and repair shop with 15 employees, and produce a line of billet accessories, as well as fiberglass and carbon-fiber body pieces - opens in new window or tab.. Over the years, they have racked up a ton of awards for their custom builds. Their 1948 Caddy Madam V was one of the two Ring Brothers cars selected for the Battle of the Builders Top Ten at this year’s SEMA.
“We try to do things different,” said Jim Ring. In this case, that meant lengthening the chassis of the modern Cadillac ATS-V by 14 inches to simultaneously mesh with the longer ‘48 Caddy body—while making sure the ATS-V’s 464-horsepower twin-turbo V6, ABS, traction control, track mode, touchscreen dashboard wizardry, and other modern workings remained fully functional. That was tricky.
For example, since they couldn’t transplant the airbags into a custom car, they had to test and build resistors that would mimic the air bags and fool the computers to think the airbags were in place. Another example: the movement for their custom side mirrors didn’t have the same travel specifications as the new Cadillac. So they had to tweak the design, memory settings, and motor design to accommodate the different shape.
This doesn't look like the engine bay of a 1948 Cadillac.
After all their work and modifications, the car maintains most of the 2016 Cadillac technology. Rain- sensing wipers, push- start ignition, the information/entertainment display and the rear vision camera are all still functional. They added a 360-degree camera that blended in with the roof-mounted satellite radio antenna.
The Ring Brothers told us that running a traditional collision shop provides tremendous insights that help them on projects like the 1948 fastback ATS-V blend. By working on new cars, they learn about the latest greatest new technologies. Jim Ring said they enjoy pushing the limits of a custom build’s design. “But we won’t sacrifice looks for something that doesn’t work,” he added.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.