HOW THE GRINCH STOLE REALITY: A remarkable Ringbrothers Camaro that can rocket through Whoville

November 2, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This 1970 Chevrolet Camaro (Lot #1330) known as “The Grinch” was created by the Ringbrothers. It crossed the block at the 45th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

The Ringbrothers are renowned for their insight and imagination in taking custom car design to a whole new level. The result is often a visual effect that doesn’t scream out to you, it simply whispers convincingly in your direction.

While whispering might apply to the car’s body styling, under the hood is a whole different story. This 1970 Chevrolet Camaro (Lot #1330), known as the “Grinch,” carries a 602hp LS3 engine that will scream as much as you like. Every car these masters create is built to be driven with dependability and excitement each mile of the way. A Bowler 5-speed transmission allows the driver to stay in complete control of both gear selection and heart rate at the very same time.

Body modifications include flared wheel wells that somehow look like they were conceived at the factory. The rocker panels, quarter panels and fenders were extended, and all complement the smooth-flowing body lines that make this model so compelling in the first place. A carbon-fiber hood lets its presence be known while the carbon-fiber rear spoiler is covered with the green exterior paint.

It is the Ringbrothers attention to detail that makes this custom Camaro so appealing. Individually crafted door handles, door hinges and hood hinges go so far beyond the norm in performance, design and basic function that they are literally incomparable, if not downright magical.

Under these magical hood hinges are custom inner fenders and core support. Its LS3 engine was given a custom sheet metal intake manifold reversed with a throttle body and air box that draws air in from the cowl using the high-pressure area at the bottom of the windshield ‒ for a little extra natural boost. A handcrafted exhaust system from headers to tailpipes spread the word to all of this car’s serious nature.

Interior details start with Corbeau bucket seats drenched with Italian gray leather from the Recovery Room. BMW sourced carpeting, and a custom-built dash and gauge cluster utilizing Classic Instruments keeps perfect pace with the rest of this car’s otherworldly design objectives. A high-end Kenwood stereo system provides the musical icing on this cake.

The awesome stance of the Grinch Camaro is obviously not the result of luck or coincidence. It was cooked into the recipe from the very beginning. Even when parked with the engine off, this car looks like a saber-tooth tiger just begging for a chance to run down anything and eat it alive. Big and little Billet Specialties wheels and proper high-performance rubber at all corners advertise this car’s appetite for action. A complete set of Wilwood disc brakes are ready for the challenge of keeping this machine both driver- and police-friendly at the drop of a foot.

This car already has two Hot Rod Power Tour excursions under its belt without a hitch or a stumble. For the car enthusiast, that makes the Grinch Camaro ‒ which crossed the block at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction – the perfect example of all that’s right in this world.

‒Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

For the sale price of this vehicle, click HERE.