Goodguys' Picks Top Street Machine

This '67 Mustang Fastback is a Keeper!

By SMM Staff   Photos Courtesy of Goodguys

Let's face it, there are some cars that just grab you; make you want them no matter what they cost. You might even call it a matter of love!

When Doug Hoppe went to the Goodguys 8^th PPG Nationals in 2005, he spotted a sleek black ’67 Mustang named “Conan” built by the RingBros from Wisconsin. He was captivated. He had heard of the RingBros and seen their work, but had never seen a ’67 Fastback -- his teenage dream car --  done so well.

He tracked them down and told the brothers he wanted them to build his dream. After a two and a half year odyssey, Hoppe had what he wanted -- and more! On July 14^th, 2007, Hoppe’s RingBros-built ’67 Fastback Mustang “Reactor” was named Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year. Yeah, it was a popular choice!

The buzz surrounding this year’s crop of Street Machines started back at the 2006 SEMA Show. It was there that Hoppe’s Mustang debuted, won the coveted Mother’s Shine award, but Mike Ring told Goodguys the intent of the car was to come to Columbus and take home the big prize. More than any other year, the list of contenders this year ran deep . . . very deep.  “You had 25 cars all worthy of the award here this weekend,” said Brett Voelkel, the founder of Air Ride.

Each of the top five finalists -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. (’72 Camaro), Art Morrison (’60 Corvette), George Lange (’67 Mustang,), Jerry Crews (’66 Chevy Biscayne) and Hoppe’s Mustang were indeed all worthy of taking the Street Machine world’s top prize. In the end though – it was “Reactor”, Hoppe and the RingBros who tasted sweet victory.

During the awards ceremony, the crowd erupted into applause when it was announced the criteria for the 2008 Street Machine of the Year award would be changing. Next year, the contenders will be asked to complete an autocross road course as part of the criteria. “People want to see these cars perform and do what they were built for,” Voelkel said. Goodguys will announce the 2008 award criteria in the near future.

Tech Facts:

“Reactor” ’67 Fastback Mustang, owned by Doug & Flo Hoppe, Sioux Center, Iowa.

Overall Fabrication & Construction by RingBros., Spring Green, Wisc.

Design Concept by California-based design specialist Sean Smith.

Interior and Design by Tracy Weaver of the Recovery Room, interior specialists from Plattsmith, Neb.

Carbon Fiber Body Components include hood, deck lid, front and rear bumpers, quarter extensions, lower fascia, by Gemini Carbon.

Machined Parts, include over 70 custom-machined pieces, including side vents, complete induction, export bracing, hinges, gas cap, taillight bezels, exhaust tip/diffuser by Prime Compenents/RingBros.

Engine: Fuel-injected 427-R Roush Racing engine.

Transmission: Tremec 5-speed, the heavy duty off-road model

Suspension:

Front end:  Chassisworks Total Control front end and rack

Rear: Ford 9-inch, Eaton Detroit Locker guts, Dutchman axles and  housing, Air Ride Technologies Air Bar, Air Ride airbags.

Paint: Glasurit/BASF “Chernobyl Green”.

Wheels & Tires: I Forged 19x8.5 (front) 19x11 (rear), Goodyear F-1 Supercar tires, Baer 6-piston brakes with 15-inch rotors

Gauges: Custom one-off units by Classic Instruments

For more information, check www.good-guys.com