Ringbrothers has presented “Billie” at the 2026 SEMA Show, a heavily modified 1965 Pontiac built as a tribute to a GTO previously owned by the commissioning customer’s mother. Although it carries the appearance and spirit of a GTO, the project began as a 1965 Pontiac Tempest.
The Wisconsin-based builder widened the body by five inches, reshaped the front fenders and extended the rocker panels. Carbon fiber is used for the doors, hood, lower front-end sections and part of the rear bumper. The hood also features billet-aluminum inserts and a larger scoop designed to supply air to the engine.
Power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter Chevrolet LT4 V-8 producing 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. A Bowler Performance 10-speed automatic transmission sends that output to the rear wheels. The car rides on a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis with Fox coil-over springs and six-piston Brembo brakes.
Billie uses staggered HRE G-Code wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Exterior details include custom bumpers, revised headlight surrounds and a single-piece machined billet-aluminum taillight panel. The car is finished in a deep blue color called Billie Goat Blue, contrasted with polished chrome trim.
Inside, the cabin combines gray and blue leather. Ringbrothers moved the dashboard four inches forward and two inches lower, while adding updated instrumentation, a new climate-control system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The restored factory radio now includes Bluetooth connectivity, and aluminum trim is paired with a wood shift knob.
The name “Billie” was proposed by Ringbrothers as a playful reference to the Pontiac GTO’s long-standing “Goat” nickname. The complete build required more than 5,500 hours, according to the company.
Sources: Car and Driver.