Columbus, Ohio – When Doug Hoppe came to the Goodguys 8th PPG Nationals in 2005, he saw 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 never before had he 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, they all grabbed a beer and a two and a half year odyssey soon began. That odyssey culminated July 14th, 2007 when Hoppe’s RingBros-built ’67 Fastback Mustang “Reactor” was named Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year. 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 Bret Voelkel – founder of Air Ride.

The top 5 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 Specs – “Reactor” ’67 Fastback Mustang, Doug & Flo Hoppe – Sioux Center, Iowa
Overall Fabrication & Construction: RingBros. – Spring Green, WI
Design Concept: California based design specialist Sean Smith.
Interior and Design: Tracy Weaver of the Recovery Room interior specialists from Plattsmith, NE
Carbon Fiber Body Components: Hood, deck lid, front & rear bumpers, quarter extensions, lower facia by Gemini Carbon
Machined Parts: Over 70 custom machined parts 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, off road heavy duty model
Suspension:
Front: Chassisworks Total Control front end and rack
Rear: Ford Nine Inch, Eaton’s Detroit Locker guts, Dutchman axles & 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 w/15 inch rotors
Gauges: Custom one off by Classic Instruments