7.0-litre, 625bhp RUFFIAN Mustang + 580bhp RUFFIAN GT40

Having been obsessed with both Seventies Mustangs and hairy chested Trans-Am racing, Chris Ashton - co-founder/design director of video game company Turtle Rock Studios - wanted to hand-build himself an old school race-car for the road. But with Chris being a keen autocrosser, it had to be functional. This Mustang runs massive rubber - 315mm for the front and 345mm out back, all wrapped in super sticky Toyo R888R track tyres, which Chris had to hand form three-inch steel fender flares for the bodywork to make them fit. It also runs a carbureted LS427 - GM’s aluminium-blocked 7.0-litre beast, now making 625bhp and around 560ft lb of torque.
Where the Mustang is all analogue techniques and old school knowledge, the GT40 is a different beast. It’s underpinned by modern methodology and contemporary componentry. Unsurprisingly, Chris’ handiwork, dedication and sickening obsession runs throughout the whole car. Attached to the Ford Racing 52XS V8 engine (putting out 580bhp and 445lb ft) are headers and a handmade octopus equal length exhaust. It’s a majestic Medusa-like plait of metalwork that not only looks stunning but amplifies a classic Americana noise to perfection...
So, the question is - which is your favourite?
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Ruffian Mustang
01:53 Mustang Walkaround
03:28 First Drive
05:29 Stats, Specs & Handling
11:39 GT40
14:12 Bodywork
15:29 The Engine
19:20 Headlights
20:37 Conclusion
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on KZbin. Here you'll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You'll also find the latest performance car reviews from the TopGear.com crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig.
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[@TopGear]

What should Chris apply the Ruffian treatment to next?

[@MichaelDEcclessis]

Probably the famous American hot rod known as the Porsche 911

[@TheMADDMATT64]

Take out that goddamn Chevy engine

[@cooperpatrick5529]

De Tomaso Pantera!

[@ensovisuals1787]

What was the name of the Company in South Africa that was mentioned?

[@realtalk4689]

@@ensovisuals1787superformance

[@Tej132]

There's no way, no freaking way that any automotive journalist and a KZbin channel such as this or even a normal car guy would EVER call Porsche an American Hotrod

[@RRSmurf]

Yeah very stupid thing to say. Completely idiotic tbh. Normally this guy is on point.

[@squanto6876]

When did he say this? I only head him comparing the ruffian mustang to other american restomod projects like the singer and gunther werks 911’s which seemed like an appropriate comparison given the context

[@RadDadisRad]

I agree

[@mprziv]

@@squanto6876 The beginning of the video. Its the first sentence out of his mouth.

[@averyscottbrown]

😂@@mprziv

[@_trill_]

What a guy, not only did he build two amazing cars but he let them drive the hell out of that mustang! Mad Respect,

[@chrisashton7133]

Yeah, that car is pretty bullet proof so I didn't sweat it. Plus Jethro is a really good driver. Fun day of shooting!

[@Reveri7]

@@chrisashton7133 That is by far the most beautiful Mustang I've ever seen.

[@jmg4566]

@@Reveri7 the horse looks better on the side of the grill, personally. I guess I'm biased though

[@tkostang]

It looks like some kind of Badass Forza Horizon Custom

[@dsleong8328]

not queen garage , car guy approved

[@Evaunit98]

The Ruffian fleet has since grown, he has a 67 fastback, an insane tube frame Galaxy and he's got an El Camino in the oven, it's one of the coolest project car fleets I've seen

[@chrisashton7133]

Almost ready to get some video features of Galaxie and 67 done!

[@finessinglife9257]

bro the yellow stripe on the galaxy that goes through the tow hook, the gauge cluster, the seat, basically through the whole car. its so beautiful. much more impressive than just a stripe on the paint. its the little details that matter

[@IAmZaneKitsune]

Does he have any socials I could follow so I could see what he’s up to? The two cars I’ve seen here are lovely

[@kentbeitel9966]

That gt40 sounds insane! This guy has amazing taste and a whole lot of talent 🤘🔥

[@beepeesoup]

No one has ever referred to a Porsche as a great American hot rod. That is one of the dumbest sentences I've ever heard someone say.

[@hardhoofdful]

I was just checking the comments if I heard that right. NO ONE HAS EVER

[@NikosM112]

Their humor is garbage. I miss the old hosts from top gear.

[@RRSmurf]

I genuinely don't know what this guy was trying to get at with that comment... And he's a proper car guy so even more odd to say...

[@gouldnj]

Canepa, GuntherWerks, Singer, Emory Motorsports, Everrati. Have you been living under a rock?!

[@RadDadisRad]

As a Porsche owner I’ve NEVER said that. *EVER*

[@carscoffeeandcannabis-634]

Those cars are minty as hell, damn they are both GORGEOUS. The Mustang is freaking beautiful, but that GT40 is UNREAL. One of the coolest looking cars I've ever seen

[@chrisashton7133]

Awesome! Yeah the 40 is a spaceship! 😆

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Perfect! I´ve been a massive fan of Chris´ work and all his Ruffian creations but especially the Mustang since years! This episode made me have tears of joy!

[@chrisashton7133]

That's awesome. Thanks for following along!

[@TheSlowoldman]

Very talented guy with a great eye for automotive styling. I like his creative "fixes" to the difficulties he encountered. A true hot rodder.

[@TheCarLovingSwede]

Wow, Chris is amazing! It's not only one thing that he did so well. Every single detail is engineered and made to perfection.

[@chrisashton7133]

Thank you! That means a lot!

[@TheCarLovingSwede]

​@@chrisashton7133 You deserve all the credit you can get! It's not often you see this level of craftsmanship, even as a super nerdy car guy as I am.

[@TheSethnicity]

Minus the Chevy stuff.. 😅

[@craigyirush3492]

Jethro, an outrageously cool restomod, Willow Springs, and a morning cuppa = perfection!

[@jeffbell7233]

Great track for testing!

[@chrisashton7133]

Agreed! I've watched it numerous times!

[@sutnack7537]

@@chrisashton7133 lets put nicer engines in the mustangs from now on

[@Rehevkor]

That GT40 is proper cyberpunk. Love it!

[@parzival2077]

Those drifts around the turns were majestic I could watch this mans driving the Mustang all day

[@gen1kk]

Omg, these 2 are on top level in my list of dream cars. Such a clean setup, and excellent projects they are!

[@chrisashton7133]

They were the first two cars on my bucket list!

[@StoneyBrownTV]

Since I was a kid, my favorite car of all time is The Mustang. I'm building another car now and it's the first time I've ever built a car. This is inspiration for sure. Beautiful

[@AdamParry]

What a talent this guy is, such beautiful and carefully designed cars

[@chrisashton7133]

Much appreciated!

[@ellishaindobo1794]

Chris is currently living my dream life, and I am happy for him.

[@crxtodd16]

I normally don't like mustangs....but hot damn - that thing is a masterpiece!!! Its beautiful, and it sounds like it performs equally well. Outstanding!!!

[@romasmurphy]

That GT40 looks so stunning with widebody, LED headlight, and modern Ford motor V8 its was delicious combination i ever seen . Chris so talented he have a good taste art when it comes to designing his Mustang and GT40, what a masterpiece 🔥

[@airshieldcombo12345]

That's the nicest Mustang I've ever seen and the GT40 engine bay is a work of art by itself. I'd love to see his take on something smaller like a BMW 2002.

[@chrisashton7133]

Awesome! That's so cool to hear. We'll be starting a '69 soon. Eager to see if we can top it!

[@airshieldcombo12345]

@@chrisashton7133 I can't wait to see it. The thing I like the most is that, from the way it looks to the way it drives (per his comments), every aspect feels like it's motivated by the art of it and that gives it a real magic.

[@user-rj2wj4tj9w]

You haven't seen many youngold fella🥹

[@TurboWorld]

I had a 70 mustang in high school. This one makes me want it back really bad.

[@chrisashton7133]

Such fun cars. ❤️

[@cutters74]

Chris is the man! He’s properly got the automotive sickness, for him I don’t think there is a cure…and for that I’m glad 💯🔥 Everyone should be more like Chris 😎😎😎

[@chrisashton7133]

I'm sure I could be clinically diagnosed as a workaholic and addicted to building cars and the satisfaction that brings with it. It's both good and bad I think. 😆

[@chadkennedy8675]

I literally get goosebumps when overseas people mention South Africa and i see South African products makes me proud to be a South African 🇿🇦

[@D1G1TALSYNAPS3]

Absolutely stunning. Dream car.

[@chrisashton7133]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@kristjanveski]

Two of the most badass looking cars out there.

[@chrisashton7133]

My two favorites for sure!

[@James-ez1bh]

I've started following Chris on Instagram right around the time he was finishing up the Ruffian Mustang and I've had a rolling shot of this car as my computer background for the last 3 years. I'm so happy he is getting the recognition he deserves on the masterpieces!

[@chrisashton7133]

That's so cool!!!

[@alxboca]

RESPECT. Easily some of the best hot-rods I've seen in decades of lusting after all things wheeled.

[@ronin84]

This guy is awesome. He's a big reason why I have a career in design. Had no idea he was a petrol head.

[@dqkneely9803]

Absolutely gorgeous. Incredible, I can't wait to see what he does next, I'm sure he's not done lol.

[@Farty_McFly]

He's doing a mid engine el Camino next! Can't wait

[@chrisashton7133]

We continue to refine the mustangs and just finished a '64 Galaxie 500 as well. Hopefully we'll get some more video shoots soon!

[@dqkneely9803]

@@chrisashton7133 Any hopes for an SN95 mustang any time soon? or a fox body?

[@ArthurZakaryan23]

The style of these cars, the choices made with the design and engineering of them are so me, i cant think of anything I'd do differently, both cars are amazing to look at, sound great and I'm sure drive great.

[@chrisashton7133]

Nice! Sounds like we have a lot in common! Race car

[@888_Karma]

BOTH of these cars need to be honoured in the next FAST & FURIOUS movie. They are both beautiful and would also fit perfectly into the MAD MAX world too! 11/10 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Piunti_302]

Mannn that gt40 is thee most beautiful looking and sounding car ive ever seen!! Everything about this car is immaculately amazing❤❤❤

[@chrisashton7133]

Awesome, thank you!

[@R19Robbin]

Art on wheels 🔥🔥

[@chrisashton7133]

They are for sure, but the thing that I am most proud of is that they also work really well. Otherwise I couldn't stand to drive em!

[@parunbelhomme]

Nice to see Jethro in the car scene again! And Chris, you are a national treasure! We must protect this man at all cost!

[@chrisashton7133]

Hah! Too much! 🙏 Jethro was awesome throughout the shoot. Cool dude!

[@georgerivers5839]

I'm a Mustang guy. But that may be the most beautiful, badass, Mustang I've ever seen. Excellent job, and fabulous video seeing it work. Good job gentlemen.

[@floatingrabbit3556]

TOP gears's production is always top notch. Well done.

[@afpclpcgamer]

When u watch a video like this and compare it to these new electric cars!!! Holy crap!!! Now those are real toys!!! 💪💯😲 They sound epic!!! 🙌 They are super fast and u can spend the whole day admiring them just parked in the garage!!! 👁👁

[@BlockaderunnerCSA]

Coming from a chevy guy. That is in the top five best looking and performing Mustangs. Epic car.

[@SOHCHEAD]

Would you still say that if it didn't have a LS in it? (Kidding, sorta)

[@BlockaderunnerCSA]

In all honesty I would have rather seen it have a Ford motor. I know that it is his car and can do whatever he wants with it, but I just don't like when people put other band engines in other brand cars. He explains why he did it and it makes sense for him. The reason I love his car, I am a huge fan of the trans am racing series and that is his insperation. I would like to build a 67-69 Camaro that looks like the Sunoco Camaro but put the LS7 427 from the 2014-2015 Z28 in it. Would be a awesome mix of old and new. @@SOHCHEAD

[@GH-bz2vl]

12:09 The exhaust on the GT40 is cut so crisp that I thought there were only two outlets at first. 😶 The craftsmanship on this car is truly exceptional.

[@patrickhiggs1215]

Simply brilliant ! Both cars are absolutely perfect is every way. Thanks to Chris Ashton for having the eye and the skill to put his minds eye into reality !

[@lwwells]

Two good looking cars, BUT i want to see more of that white 944.

[@chrisashton7133]

Friend of mine who tore it apart and gave up on it.

[@lwwells]

@@chrisashton7133 That’s a good friend.

[@runechristiansen7372]

DAMN! what a humble guy and the cars look awesome 👌

[@chrisashton7133]

Thank you!

[@simonmenzies3142]

I love what he’s done with those cars! Totally amazing and original. Everyone’s trying to be those two things with a mustang. But Chris has done it. Well done. Stunning cars👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rob.ny-la]

This guy that built these cars is a legend. Such a machinist. Has such a great eye for what looks good. Inspirational. This top gear guy. Loves touching stuff. Fingerprints all over everything.

[@MA-pp9hx]

GT40 all day long !

[@guessingwsly6018]

I want that Gt40 badly. Very very badly

[@OctaneStreet]

My oh my... what a Beauty! Kudos to Chris for having an idea and going full throttle with little to no knowledge -- inspirational.

[@RighteousUncle]

My jaw hit the floor once the GT40 showed up. 🤤

[@erikr2213]

this episode should have been under "American Tuned" With Dahm!

[@chrisashton7133]

We almost did one but then this opportunity came up.

[@t1995roger10]

Damn that mustang looks sick!

[@chrisashton7133]

Lots of curves!

[@billshoe22191]

Both these cars are amazing. The Mustang is perfection. Happy to hear it drives as well as it looks and sounds.

[@t.c.worley5528]

If you're going to modify a classic, let it be like this! What a breath of fresh air these builds are. Just the right amount of classic & modern. Incredible work, Chris! I'm a big fan of all your builds so far.

[@carlstanland5333]

I bet he has a dog named Scooby.

[@slavplaysgames]

The Mustang is stunning but that gt40 wow man .. a engineering piece of art !

[@chrisashton7133]

It is unlike anything else.

[@ryanmcgrail4298]

It should have a coyote engine. I was really intrigued until they said it had an LS

[@ThorOdinson-zc2kq]

The reason is reliability, tunable, power potential and cost and space. There’s a reason it didn’t break down after hours of track driving- bc it’s an ls. The coyote would be impossible to fit in the engine bay from a width standpoint. I know bc I have a 71 and the 70 is smaller engine bay wise .

[@chrisashton7133]

I totally understand the desire for the Coyote and I think we are gonna build one soon. However, it doesn't fit into the engine bay and effectively requires a new chassis because you have to remove the show towers to make it fit. Just came down to a budget thing for me.

[@ThorOdinson-zc2kq]

@@chrisashton7133 awesome work on both by the way ! Works of art. After I retire in 8 years , I hope to work on my cars to this level

[@Slay_No_More]

Yeah no idea why he badged it as a boss with a chevy block in it, very LGBTQ.

[@ThorOdinson-zc2kq]

@@Slay_No_More was there a point in the video where it was referenced as not being a boss mustang to begin with prior to modifying? Boss was an option package with multiple motors available several options of the 302 with different transmission choices and the 429, now it just happens to be a 427 ls. Ironically most boss 429s wound up becoming 351 boss motors because they constantly blew up and ran terribly on the street so ford would replace them as 351 Cleveland blocks bc they couldn’t keep replacing customer 429s . Changing the 427 to red letters tells the viewer something is up bc the decals were always color matched. Made sense to me as all boss mustangs still told the displacement

[@theeric]

Wow! The love & care in building those cars is amazing! I love the headlights on that gt40. Yes, the world needs more people like Chris Ashton. My God, those cars are beautiful 🖤🏁😎

[@HOV4N]

That Mustang looks great but that GT40 is 🔥🔥🔥😍

[@frost6916]

I find it interesting that Americans thought that a 7.0L block is considered small

[@lorddoosworth8175]

Funnily enough LS engines are actually physically small and light compared to many other high performance engines (because of the cam in block / pushrod design, and aluminium block and heads). Just high in displacement. But the real reason they're called small block is just because they had less displacement than the other engine family, the big block. If there was two engine families and one was 20 liters but the other was 30 liters, the 20 liter would be the 'small' one lol.

[@darkchild130]

A small block is a classification of engine, it doesn't literally mean "small", or have anything to do with displacement. When an American says it has a small block, it means smaller than a big block.

[@-thebatman-]

Big blocks and small blocks had 2 different designs and heads. Small blocks had smaller bores with shorter cranks and the block was physically smaller and the heads. Big blocks used larger bores and some used longer strokes as well. They had taller decks for lower compression and higher displacements. They aren’t so much just classifications they were 2 different engines based on similar design.

[@Oplix]

I don't really even know if the builder of these two cars actually appreciates what he has accomplished. It is truly staggering. Some say that perfection can't ever truly be reached but has this man won the lottery?

[@motorvatorv888]

2 magnificent builds. Love to see that gt40 at speed on a good road. Lovely work.

[@MokkaHai]

Fuwamoco reference

[@dewa1808]

B A U B A U ! ! !

[@d3fault1420]

bau bau!!

[@frankenstein01]

"...it has an ls" closes video

[@chrisashton7133]

You're no fun.

[@frankenstein01]

@@chrisashton7133 watched the galaxie video, very nice

[@iRBladeAvEngEr]

I think that is the PERFECT '70s Mustang any carlover ever dream. Nice colour, perfect sound, insane aerokit directly came from a videogame, perfect tires, lovely to drive.. i don't know, i don't know how it's possible that we had to wait until now to see that masterpiece.

[@abigaelbalbuena1917]

That GT40 is peerless.

[@thedingbatdingers4326]

I would prefer this over a Koenigsegg or Bugatti any day.

[@robertrishel3685]

I agree 100% I’d take this, an alfaholics GTA or a simple tuthill built SC era car over ANY modern “supercar”!

[@ToryonDavis]

Hell no LS in a mustang sacrilegious!!

[@Slay_No_More]

Yeah lost me when I heard that.

[@shadowryth7308]

I drive a c6 z06 and I think that it’s wrong. That motor isn’t for that car

[@-thebatman-]

They’re cheap easy to work on and maintain and reliable for the power they can produce. What’s the problem.

[@Slay_No_More]

@@-thebatman- it's LGBTQ

[@-thebatman-]

@@Slay_No_More True car enthusiasts don’t care about that shit. Power is power fun is fun. I couldn’t care less if it had a vtech in it. It’s a badass has car. It’s his car his passion. U don’t like it build ur own and put a coyote in it.

[@IAmZaneKitsune]

I’m not even a huge fan of American cars, but that ‘70 Stang is GORGEOUS. And the fact that it has a bunch of stuff added to it that he either built himself, or took from other cars like Camaros and Vettes, that’s the true spirit of hotrodding. Purists will hate it, but this is art in one of its purest and truest forms

[@keithfilkins2043]

Love the Ruffian Mustang, Chris is a Awesome builder!

[@ntsindisomajezi7596]

Why would a Porsche be called a great American hot rod??? Bro didn't nobody ever say that 😂😂!!!

[@RRSmurf]

Never have those words been uttered, ever.

[@GoodTimesWithSteve]

Who thinks of a porsche when refering to "American Hotrods"!?

[@howardtowler6146]

No. not ever

[@triggamusician]

Legend! He's living the dream and he's really good at it. Lots of respect! I love both cars and he has both, widebodied and with new engines. Amazing!

[@cameronbajt4]

That GT40 is absolutely incredible. Like - spectacular.

[@AndresFargoMusic]

Chris also has the awesome Superformance GT40! Love his builds

[@cloudk2088]

These two cars are simply perfect to me, this guy is a genius. Congrats Chris Ashton on these beautiful creations!

[@chamakachiranjith1294]

not even the ford company thought that their productions looks excelent and insane and pure as this... #Salute

[@logangiraffe]

I saw that gt40 on ig awhile ago and immediately fell in love with it. Had no idea a single dude built it, freaking amazing

[@RichardJones-kx6mb]

I love Top Gear but I agree that no one in America has ever called a Porsche a hot rod. While I deplore anything Chevy, you can’t argue the tradition of dropping one into hot rods. The car looks amazing. It sounds great.

[@zero117121]

I met Chris at SEMA and I have to say, what an inspirational and humble guy. Took the time to explain to me what he did on his latest project with detail…

[@jdeckard1243]

What a great interview, Jethro really got the best out of Chris... and the cars are sublime.

[@user-cl4uh8oo8n]

Two of the most badass looking cars out there.. What a talent this guy is, such beautiful and carefully designed cars.

[@federicodonadio5624]

That dude is incredible! Such a good taste, crazy delightful builds

[@GPG7754]

Great vid. Jethro is a legend, been watching him for many years

[@dg_actual6750]

That is when art meets true ingenuity both those cars are absolutely amazing bravo to this man

[@adjrasta9365]

One of the best Top Gear journalists going way back

[@chrisashton7133]

Jethro was awesome. Such a cool guy.

[@adjrasta9365]

@chrisashton7133 he convinced me to buy a 991 GT3 which i still hve today, best car & investment toy ever

[@icenokia]

Real petrolhead’s episode. This is what I needed. It touched my heart! Loved the episode, thank you guys!

[@fabioa.5490]

Nice to see you, Jethro!

[@joshbean8958]

I check for more footage on these two cars prolly every month. THANK YOU TOP GEAR

[@chrisashton7133]

That's awesome!

[@dieseldabz7104]

I think you may be shocked if you only knew how many badass cars there were similar to this in our country built by regular everyday types. It obviously helps if you have deep pockets or an unlimited budget as honestly the sky's the limit then but again most regular people I know don't. This guy for sure has an immense amount of skill and knowledge about mechanicals to go ahead and build this with zero prior build knowledge.

[@user-bt6ch1xe1m]

He's done it again! The Mustang's brilliant and so is the GT40 I've just seen. The bar is raised again.....

[@user-bt6ch1xe1m]

Stuart Turner of BMC Special Tuning would appreciate those Sebring style arches (60 years on).... Not a criticism - an appreciation of the brilliance of Chris's work!

[@realtalk5931]

Chris is a genius

[@chrisashton7133]

I dunno about that! 😆

[@Timmycoo]

You love too see when a man has a vision and puts it into reality. That 'Stang is a thing of beauty. The GT40 headers are amazing as well. The plastic Lego thing was very cool to conceptualize.

[@Wormweed]

That might be the best looking Mustang ever, wow.

[@chrisashton7133]

Daaaaaaaaang, that's cool. Thank you!

[@johnyboy2934]

​@@chrisashton7133bro that's a gorgeous and miraculous looking car well done.......may i ask how much this costs buy or how much costs to build it..... it's such dream car I just want to know....thank you and keep up and keep going like this you're a very good designer God bless you 🙏

[@Claythargic]

Chris set his mind on creating the perfect Mustang...one that could go fast AND corner! Great Vid!

[@jeremye5714]

Holy baby Jesus those two cars are the sickest versions I’ve ever seen in all my life

[@user-kn2ip3ee5j]

I've never had so much love For such a Perfect build, build for Me!!! Masters' best hands & skills with a taste of King!!! To appreciate By - Ruffy - Germany, Berlin.

[@ummy98]

These are one of the best looking restomods I´ve seen.

[@ultimateformulations]

Good grief! I haven't seen customs so achingly cool in a long time! Just, almost speechless. Beautiful execution- love love that green on the mustang and the headlights and front splitter on the gt40 especially!

[@lawrenegummy4736]

This guy brought the world counter-strike. He deserves all the cool cars.

[@mammutpenthouse]

Extremely impressive piece of work. I admire how these people use their creativity toghether with engineering skills to come out with a master piece like this

[@mkygod]

Amazing work. I've never wanted a Mustang or GT40 until i saw this video.

[@chrisashton7133]

Oh dang. That's a nice compliment. Thanks!