The Dragon: Ringbrothers' Legendary 1970 Ford Mustang

Fierce Elegance - The road to building a dream car is rarely smooth. Unexpected detours, unforeseen obstacles, and costly missteps often stand between an enthusiast and their ultimate vision. For Alex Stoner, the journey to creating his ideal Mustang was riddled with setbacks. Yet, what initially seemed like a disaster turned into an incredible opportunity—one that led him to the legendary Ringbrothers and the creation of the 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon.

Another phenomenal Ringbrothers creation that debuted at SEMA 2010—winning the Mothers Shine Award—is the 1970 Ford Mustang known as Dragon. (Picture from: Forgeline)

Alex’s original project began with a 1966 fastback Mustang, a car he and his partner, Jayne Roorda, entrusted to a shop for restoration. Unfortunately, the outcome was far from what they had hoped for. With excessive money spent and disappointing results, the dream seemed to be slipping away. Frustrated but unwilling to give up, they turned to Jim and Mike Ring, the masterminds behind Ringbrothers. Their reputation for precision craftsmanship and innovative design had long impressed Alex, making them the perfect team to bring his vision to life.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon painted with BASF Dragon Blood Red paint and loaded with custom fabrications and enhancements. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

However, when the Ringbrothers assessed the ’66 fastback, they immediately saw the extent of its flaws. The car’s structure and prior modifications made it nearly impossible to rebuild to their high standards. As painful as it was, Alex had to abandon his initial project. But Jim had an alternative in mind. He proposed using a 1970 SportsRoof Mustang that he and Mike had purchased on a whim. It was a solid, untouched car with no defined plans—until now. Alex and Jayne, who had always admired that generation of Mustang, saw this as the perfect chance to start fresh. A deal was made, and the project officially began.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon built by the Ringbrotehers based on a a 1970 SportsRoof Mustang. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

Unlike many who become hesitant after a bad experience, Alex fully trusted the Ringbrothers. Their meticulous approach, combined with their eagerness to tackle a 1970 Mustang for the first time, gave him confidence. Working closely with artist Sean Smith, they began designing what would soon become one of the most stunning Mustangs ever built. While Alex had a few requests, he mostly allowed Jim and Mike to take creative control. One of the most striking results of this collaboration was the deep, custom red paint known as Dragon’s Blood. Initially, the Mustang was supposed to be gray, but the team convinced Alex that the bold red would better suit the car’s aggressive and powerful stance.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon features a custom Ford GT-inspired dashboard and console, wrapped in leather, with Recaro seats, a Momo steering wheel, and Classic Instruments custom gauges. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

The name “Dragon” wasn’t chosen at random. Alex had spent time in Europe and developed a fascination with medieval mythology, particularly the fearsome dragons of legend. When he saw the car’s design come to life, he knew the name fit perfectly. The Dragon Mustang exuded strength, speed, and an almost mythical presence, making it a true one-of-a-kind machine.

Every aspect of the 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon was a testament to the Ringbrothers' expertise—from the Roush 427 IR engine to the custom carbon fiber body panels and precision-engineered chassis. (Picture from: Spoki.lv)

Debuting at the 2010 SEMA Show, the Dragon immediately turned heads. Showcased at BASF’s booth, it stunned audiences with its flawless execution and earned the prestigious Mothers Shine Award. Given the level of competition at SEMA, this was no small feat. Every aspect of the Mustang was a testament to the Ringbrothers' expertise—from the Roush 427 IR engine to the custom carbon fiber body panels and precision-engineered chassis. It was a masterpiece both in aesthetics and performance.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon is also equipped with serious mechanical muscle, including a Roush 427 IR engine, and Tremec TKO 5-speed. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

Months later, Alex finally had his chance to drive Dragon himself at the 2011 Goodguys event in Columbus. Competing for Street Machine of the Year, he took on the autocross course—his first time behind the wheel of his own car in a competitive setting. Despite the pressure, Dragon handled flawlessly, proving that it wasn’t just a show car; it was built to be driven. Ironically, one of the competing Mustangs featured the very engine originally intended for Alex’s abandoned ’66 project, a reminder of just how unpredictable fate can be.

The original 1970 Ford Mustang Dragon stands as a singular masterpiece—a symbol of passion meeting craftsmanship and proof that setbacks can pave the way for something even greater. (Picture from: HotRod)

While Dragon continued to make appearances at shows, its final destination was always meant to be with Alex and Jayne. For them, this car represented more than just a build—it was a journey of resilience, trust, and ultimate triumph. The Mustang’s perfect balance, from front to rear and engine to interior, made it an unforgettable part of the Ringbrothers' legacy. | UszXBZNBksY |

For those who dream of owning a piece of Dragon, nearly all of its custom parts are available for purchase, allowing others to recreate its stunning design. But the original remains a singular masterpiece, a symbol of what happens when passion meets craftsmanship, and a testament to the idea that sometimes, setbacks can lead to something even greater than imagined. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RINGBROTHERS | HOTROD | MOTORTREND | STREETMACHINE | SPOKI.LV | FORGELINE ]

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