Gary Ragle of Ragle Design
About this episode
Renowned automotive designer Gary Ragle of Ragle Design joins the show to discuss his journey from OEM concept design at Mitsubishi and Ford to shaping some of the wildest custom builds in the hot rod industry. Gary shares why he left the corporate world to escape "warehouse filler" projects, opting instead to design real-world custom cars that push boundaries. The conversation dives into the contrast between his cutting-edge client designs and his personal passion for traditional, nostalgic hot rods, offering a fascinating look at the balance between trend-setting and timeless design.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Gary Ragle of Ragle Design.
Gary brings a unique perspective to the custom car world, with a background that started in OEM design at Mitsubishi and Ford before moving full-time into hot rods, customs, and some of the highest-level builds in the industry.
In this episode, we get into Gary’s path from concept cars to custom builds, what it’s like designing cars that actually get built, the balance between wild ideas and real-world execution, and how his eye for proportion, restraint, and detail has shaped projects with shops like Ringbrothers.
We also talk about ENYO, Octavia, the evolution of interiors, traditional hot rods, ugly duckling cars, OEM design trends, Goodguys Columbus, and where the custom car world might be headed next.
Gary Ragle
"Yeah, Gary Ragle designed that. That's awesome."
A professional car designer who draws and plans incredibly detailed custom cars. He used to design regular cars for big companies like Ford, but now he works with top custom shops to create one-of-a-kind hot rods and muscle cars.
An accomplished American automotive designer and founder of Ragle Design. After starting his career in the OEM sector with Mitsubishi and Ford, he transitioned to the custom car industry, designing award-winning hot rods and restomods for premier builders like Ringbrothers and Roadster Shop.
supercharger
"It's the two worst combos too, because the modern Mopar motors and superchargers are the tallest of any of the big three manufacturers."
An air pump bolted to the top of an engine that forces extra air inside, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and make way more power. It makes a distinct whining sound when you step on the gas.
An engine-driven air compressor that forces more air into the combustion chamber to increase horsepower and torque. Unlike turbochargers, which are driven by exhaust gases, superchargers are belt-driven directly from the engine's crankshaft, providing instant throttle response.
Mopar
"It's the two worst combos too, because the modern Mopar motors and superchargers are the tallest of any of the big three manufacturers."
A slang term and brand name used to describe cars made by Dodge, Chrysler, or Plymouth. When car people talk about 'Mopar motors,' they are usually talking about big, powerful engines like the Hemi.
The parts, service, and customer care division of Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), widely used by enthusiasts to refer to any vehicle or engine produced by Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, or Jeep. In custom car building, Mopar engines—particularly modern Gen III Hemis—are famous for their massive physical dimensions.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
"We heard it a number of times at the quail and I appreciate you saying that."
An incredibly fancy car show held in California every summer. It is where the world's wealthiest car collectors and top custom builders go to show off their newest and most expensive creations.
An ultra-exclusive luxury motorsports event held annually at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, during Monterey Car Week. It serves as a premier venue for high-end custom builders and global automakers to debut multi-million dollar hypercars and restomods.
pro touring
"And, but I've always loved hot rods. You know, my dad is a hot rod guy. I was brought up in it like, like so many people were. And yeah, so I was always doing the hot rod or pro touring type work on the side."
A trend where people take classic American muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s and upgrade them with modern suspension, brakes, and engines. The goal is to make an old car drive, turn, and stop just like a brand-new sports car.
A style of classic muscle car build that emphasizes modern performance, handling, and braking capabilities alongside classic aesthetics. Unlike traditional drag-strip or show-only builds, pro touring cars are designed to be driven hard on autocross courses and road tracks.
spindle mounts
"I still, you know, my, my favorite cars are traditional hot rods, which is why, especially the sixties style drag cars, spindle mounts, ET threes, all, I'm in all that."
A special type of lightweight front wheel used on old-school drag racing cars. Instead of being bolted on with lug nuts like a normal car wheel, it slides directly onto the axle shaft and is secured by a single center nut.
A type of front wheel design common in vintage drag racing where the wheel lacks a traditional lug-nut pattern and instead mounts directly onto the spindle axle. This setup reduces rotating mass and weight, making it ideal for dragsters but unsafe for street use due to the lack of front brakes.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...it needs to look like a 32 roadster, you know, 69 Camaro now should look like a 69 Camaro ish, but it coul..."
This is a classic two-door sports car made by Chevrolet in the late 1960s. It is famous for its aggressive, sporty look and is a favorite for people who like to rebuild and customize old cars.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever produced, representing the pinnacle of the first-generation Camaro design. It is highly sought after by collectors and hot-rod builders, often serving as the baseline for high-end restomod projects due to its timeless coke-bottle styling.
Marlin Amc Marlin
"Yeah, that AMC Marlin keep bringing that one up. Yeah, somebody's going to build a cool Marlin one day."
A unique, fastback-style car made by AMC in the 1960s. It has a very long, sloping rear roof that people either loved or hated, making it a rare and unusual choice for custom car builders today.
The AMC Marlin is a mid-sized fastback specialty car produced by American Motors Corporation. It is famous for its distinctive, sweeping fastback roofline and semi-elliptical side window openings, which polarized buyers and earned it a reputation as an 'ugly duckling' of the muscle car era.
1937 Ford Woody
"And nine times out of 10, they see it my way. And sometimes, you know, I've had customers that have come to me with the most hair brain shit that I've ever heard of. And I sketch it out and I'm like, you know what, that that is really cool. That works, you know, Mike Terzic with his carbon fiber 37 Woody."
A classic 1930s Ford station wagon that originally had wooden sides. A famous custom version of this car replaced all the wood with modern, lightweight carbon fiber, creating a unique high-tech look.
The 1937 Ford Woody is a classic pre-war station wagon featuring structural wood body panels. This specific custom version, built for Mike Terzic, replaced the traditional wooden body panels with custom-woven carbon fiber, blending vintage styling with modern aerospace materials.
Clay Cook
"Oh, yeah. That's what they cook. Clay cook. And had one of your chassis."
A legendary metal craftsman who was famous for building incredibly detailed custom cars and custom metalworking tools. He was highly respected by other builders for his master-level fabrication skills.
A highly respected custom metal fabricator and hot rod builder based in the Midwest, known for his extreme attention to detail and bespoke toolmaking. He was a central figure in the creation of several high-end custom cars, including Mike Terzic's carbon-fiber 1937 Ford Woody.
Ford Mustang
"...erent, but I've seen photos of clay models for 65 Mustang fastback in the same courtyard. That's cool."
This is an early version of the famous Ford Mustang sports car, featuring a sloping rear roofline called a 'fastback.' It is widely recognized as one of the most popular and stylish American cars ever made.
The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback helped define the 'pony car' class, combining sporty fastback styling with affordable performance. It is a landmark vehicle in automotive history, frequently discussed in design circles for its clean proportions and massive cultural impact.
Craig Metros
"I was looking at a model and, and, uh, remember Greg Metros was talking a little bit about that."
A famous car designer who used to lead the design team at Ford, helping create vehicles like the modern Bronco. He is highly respected in both the mainstream car industry and the custom hot rod world.
A prominent automotive designer who served as the Design Director for Ford Motor Company, leading exterior design teams for iconic vehicles like the 2021 Ford Bronco and the Ford GT. He is also an active builder and enthusiast in the custom hot rod community.
Plymouth Cuda
"... And you've dealt with it now on the rings to the Cuda and they get the charger, which are both cars"
The 'Cuda is a classic, high-performance sports car made by Plymouth in the early 1970s. It is highly prized by collectors for its aggressive look and powerful engines.
The Plymouth 'Cuda (the high-performance variant of the Barracuda) built on the E-body platform from 1970 to 1974 is one of the rarest and most valuable muscle cars ever made. Designed to compete with the Mustang and Camaro, it is famous for its aggressive stance and legendary Hemi engine options.
Dodge Charger
"... it now on the rings to the Cuda and they get the charger, which are both cars that you rendered."
The Charger is a powerful car made by Dodge, famous for its large size and aggressive look. It has existed as both a classic two-door muscle car from the 1960s and 1970s and a modern four-door sedan.
The Dodge Charger is a legendary nameplate that spans from classic 1960s muscle cars to modern high-performance sedans. In custom car building, vintage Chargers (particularly 1968-1970 models) are prized for their imposing size, 'coke-bottle' styling, and association with classic American performance.
Challenger Hellcat
"...es on the hood, which is totally common with that Hellcat motor. You got any recommendations for me then,"
This is an extremely powerful version of the Dodge Challenger sports car. It is famous for having a very loud supercharged engine that makes it incredibly fast in a straight line.
The Dodge Challenger Hellcat is a modern muscle car famous for its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine producing over 700 horsepower. It became a cultural phenomenon by offering supercar-level straight-line speed at a relatively accessible price point.
Ringbrothers Enyo
"Now with all those renderings, I mean, we've worked with you, you know, with the Ennio. And you certainly, you take a much different approach than a lot of guys do."
A heavily modified 1948 Chevrolet farm truck that was rebuilt to look like a futuristic, open-wheel race car. It has a massive engine and is considered one of the most extreme custom vehicle builds ever created.
The Ringbrothers Enyo is a radically customized 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster truck. It features a chopped top, a sectioned body, carbon-fiber skin, an open-wheel design inspired by Formula 1, and a 510-cubic-inch marine racing engine producing 1,000 horsepower. It won the SEMA Battle of the Builders in 2022.
Ringbrothers Aston Martin DB5
"Now the Aston would probably be a better example because when I look at the Aston, that's definitely more of a, I mean, it's a very sexy car."
A classic British sports car—famous for being James Bond's ride—that was completely rebuilt with a lightweight carbon-fiber body and a modern supercharged engine, making it much faster and wider than the original.
A highly customized 1964 Aston Martin DB5 built by Ringbrothers, featuring a completely redesigned carbon-fiber body that was widened and lengthened. It is powered by a modern 4.2-liter supercharged Jaguar inline-six engine, blending classic British grand tourer styling with modern performance.
Skoda Octavia
"...n my computer for, you know, I was looking at the Octavia, the Aston Martin for two years."
The Octavia is a practical family car made by a Czech company called Skoda. It is popular in Europe for being reliable, spacious, and affordable.
The Skoda Octavia is a highly popular European family car built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform. It is widely praised for offering Volkswagen Golf levels of refinement and technology but with significantly more interior space and practical 'Simply Clever' features.
Ford Model T
"rod, but I don't buzz and buy them when they're riding around a horse and buggies. They don't like those little model T's or race cars. So Instagram back at it."
Ringbrothers AMC Javelin AMX 'Defiant!'
"The first real big one was the Javelin, the AMC Javelin that they built for Preston. So I went to their shop to check out the car and kind of start the, you know, brainstorming process for the build."
A classic 1970s AMC Javelin muscle car that was completely rebuilt with a modern Dodge Hellcat engine. The builders actually stretched the front of the car to make the wheels look more balanced and aggressive.
A highly modified 1972 AMC Javelin AMX built by Ringbrothers, famous for its extended wheelbase (moved forward by 6.5 inches) to correct the factory's awkward front-wheel proportions. It is powered by a Whipple-supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 producing over 1,000 horsepower.
Dodge Challenger
".... It's not just square, like a CUDA or, you know, Challenger, Camaro. And I said, well, the way I would do it ..."
The Challenger is a two-door sports car made by Dodge that is known for its retro, square-shaped design. It is designed to look like a modern version of a classic 1970s muscle car.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic muscle car nameplate, originally introduced in 1970 and revived in 2008 with retro-inspired styling. It is celebrated for its blocky, muscular proportions and its dedication to traditional rear-wheel-drive performance.
Blackwood Lincoln Blackwood
"I don't know what else. Maybe the Lincoln Blackwood second to that is. Another."
The Blackwood was a luxury pickup truck made by Lincoln for a very short time. It was unusual because its truck bed was designed like a fancy trunk, complete with carpet and a power lid, meaning you couldn't actually use it to haul dirty cargo.
The Lincoln Blackwood was a short-lived luxury utility vehicle produced only for the 2002 model year (and 2003 in Mexico). Based on the Ford F-150, it featured a luxury cabin, a trunk-like bed lined with stainless steel and carpet, and a power-operated tonneau cover, making it highly impractical but unique.
kidney grille
"I mean, think of BMW when they went to the large kidney beans. Right. And they went to the big one. That's the first thing that came to mind."
The iconic two-part front grille found on almost every BMW. It is shaped like a pair of kidneys and has been a trademark look for the brand for nearly a century.
The signature front grille design element used by BMW since 1933, consisting of two rounded, symmetrical openings. In recent years, BMW's transition to dramatically larger, vertically oriented kidney grilles on models like the 4 Series and M3 sparked significant controversy among enthusiasts.
BMW M3
"... it works on the M cars. Well, like on the on the M3 or whatever, where there's enough other things go..."
The M3 is a high-performance, sporty version of BMW's standard 3 Series sedan. It is designed to be very fast and handle well on racetracks while still having back seats and a trunk for everyday use.
The BMW M3 is the benchmark high-performance compact executive car, known for blending racetrack capability with daily-driver usability. The G80 generation, current in 2026, features a twin-turbo inline-six engine and distinctive, polarizing front grille styling.
Dodge Ram
"Yeah, I think. And even when the Dodge Ram came out back in the day, like in the 90s, that w..."
This is a pickup truck made by Dodge. In the 1990s, it got a famous redesign that made it look like a miniature commercial semi-truck, which became very popular.
The second-generation Dodge Ram, introduced in 1994, revolutionized the pickup truck market with its bold, 'big-rig' semi-truck styling. This design choice moved pickup trucks away from boring, boxy shapes and established Ram as a major competitor to Ford and GM.
Tesla Semi
"...e in the 90s, that was the first one that had the semi truck styling. Yeah, that upset a lot of people w..."
The Tesla Semi is a large, fully electric semi-truck designed to haul cargo trailers. Unlike normal trucks, the driver sits right in the middle of the cabin instead of on one side.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric Class 8 commercial truck designed to revolutionize heavy-duty freight transport. It features a central seating position for the driver, tri-motor propulsion, and rapid charging capabilities, aiming to lower operating costs compared to diesel trucks.
Shelby Gt350
"Also, what is that thing? She is the other Shelby GT 350, the new. So I hopped in the past."
A Shelby Mustang is an extra-fast, high-performance version of the standard Ford Mustang. They are named after Carroll Shelby, a famous racing driver and car designer who helped create them.
The Shelby Mustang represents a legendary line of high-performance Mustangs developed in partnership with Carroll Shelby, starting in 1965. These cars, which include the GT350 and GT500, represent the absolute peak of factory Mustang performance, styling, and collectibility.
Shelby GT350
"Also, what is that thing? She is the other Shelby GT 350, the new. So I hopped in the past."
This is a special, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang designed for racing on tracks. It has a unique engine that makes a very loud, distinct sound and can rev much higher than a normal car.
The modern Shelby GT350 is a track-focused variant of the Ford Mustang, famous for its high-revving, flat-plane crank 5.2-liter 'Voodoo' V8 engine. It is highly regarded by enthusiasts for its incredible exhaust note, sharp handling, and manual-only transmission.
Chevrolet Blazer
"...t a neat design. It almost has like a square body blazer kind of look to the SUV one. But they've taken ev..."
This is a classic, boxy SUV made by Chevrolet in the 1970s and 1980s. It is known for its rugged look, large size, and the fact that you could take the roof off the back.
The classic 'square body' Chevrolet K5 Blazer (produced from 1973 to 1991) is a legendary full-size SUV featuring a removable top and rugged 4x4 capability. It is highly prized today by collectors and custom builders for its classic boxy proportions and mechanical simplicity.
G-Class G Wagon
"...hat their baseline is, whether it be, you know, a G wagon or a new Chevy truck or something like that, then..."
The G-Class, often called the G-Wagen, is a very expensive, boxy SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It was originally designed for the military but is now famous as a luxury vehicle for wealthy buyers.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (or G-Wagen) is a luxury off-road icon that has evolved from a military utility vehicle into a high-end status symbol. Despite its opulent interior and modern technology, it retains its body-on-frame construction, triple locking differentials, and signature boxy styling.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...n alternative to a new fully loaded 100000 dollar Silverado or Denali or whatever it is, I could see a time i..."
The Silverado is a large pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It is designed for hauling heavy loads, towing trailers, and working, though modern versions also come with very luxurious interiors.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a highly popular full-size pickup truck known for its towing capacity, utility, and diverse trim levels. Modern high-end trims can easily push prices toward the six-figure mark, offering luxury-car levels of technology and comfort.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"... You know, the stuff that Roger is doing with the Chevelles that we talked about. You know, is there a time w..."
The Chevelle is a classic mid-sized car made by Chevrolet. It is best known for its powerful V8 engine options and sporty look during the golden age of American muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized car produced from 1964 to 1977, with the late-60s and early-70s models representing some of the most famous muscle cars in history. It is a staple of the restomod community, frequently receiving modern chassis, suspension, and high-horsepower engines.
Toyota Previa
".... Sorry. Oh, yeah. I mean, what can you do with a Previa? Right. Yeah."
The Previa is a minivan from the 1990s that looks like a futuristic egg. Unlike most minivans, its engine is actually located under the front seats instead of under the hood.
The Toyota Previa is a unique minivan sold in the 1990s, famous for its futuristic 'egg' shape and mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It is highly regarded by automotive enthusiasts today for its quirky engineering, which included an optional supercharged engine and All-Trac all-wheel drive.
Ford Ranger
"So the next best thing. Ranger's Blash. No."
The Ranger is a smaller pickup truck made by Ford. In the 1990s, it had a special version called the 'Splash' that featured unique styling and bright colors to appeal to younger buyers.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck, with the 1990s 'Splash' model being a notable retro variant featuring a flareside bed and colorful graphics. It represents a time when compact trucks were simple, affordable, and styled for lifestyle appeal rather than pure utility.
Ford Maverick
"No. Yeah, I think it was a maverick. I think it was a maverick."
The Maverick is a small, budget-friendly pickup truck made by Ford. It is designed for everyday driving and light utility, and it often comes with a hybrid engine that saves a lot of gas.
The modern Ford Maverick is a highly successful compact hybrid pickup truck built on a unibody platform. It revived a nameplate previously used on a 1970s compact car, offering exceptional fuel economy and utility at an affordable price point.
1978 Ford Econoline
"It was a 78 econoline van full size van. Long wheel like full wheelbase or shorty? Shorty."
A classic, boxy Ford utility van from the late 1970s. Gary's first car was a short version of this van, painted primer black with custom wheels, which he used to haul dirt bikes.
The third-generation Ford Econoline (E-Series) van, produced from 1975 to 1991, featured a body-on-frame construction and a front-engine layout that moved the engine forward for more interior space. Gary's personal 1978 short-wheelbase model was customized in the classic 1970s 'van life' style.
Tesla My Model
"...nished my renderings, went home. I was working on my model at home because my dad had set up a spray booth f..."
Chevrolet C10
"That's that's what I would want. I would want like a vintage body on it, you know, a C 10 maybe or something. Something like that."
The C10 is an older model of Chevrolet pickup truck from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. It is very popular today for people who like to restore old trucks and make them look cool.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic half-ton, rear-wheel-drive pickup truck produced across several generations from 1960 to 1987. It is arguably the most popular vintage truck platform for custom builders, celebrated for its clean lines, easy parts availability, and adaptability to modern chassis swaps.
Mike Desmond
"Do you guys know Mike Desmond? Then the name rings a bell. Mike, I worked with Mike at Mitsubishi, but he designed Chacune, OK, Troy built."
An incredibly talented car designer who has designed both regular production cars and famous custom hot rods. He is known for drawing cars that look very solid, aggressive, and low to the ground.
A highly respected automotive designer and artist who has worked in both OEM studios (such as Mitsubishi) and high-end custom shops. He is famous for designing iconic custom cars, including Troy Trepanier's 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne 'Chicane' and various projects for West Coast Choppers.
Land Rover Range Rover
"Yeah. Range Rover is. Yeah, bitchin."
The Range Rover is a large, very expensive luxury SUV made by a British company. It is famous for being extremely comfortable and fancy inside while still being able to drive through deep mud and rough terrain.
The Land Rover Range Rover is the quintessential luxury SUV, combining elite off-road capability with high-end British craftsmanship. The current L460 generation offers minimalist styling, advanced air suspension, and ultra-premium interior amenities.
Chevrolet Bel Air
"...ws exactly who she is until her family moves from Bel Air to Seattle, packed with iconic fashion, 90s nosta..."
The Bel Air is a famous classic car made by Chevrolet, most recognizable from the 1950s. It is known for its vintage look, lots of shiny chrome, and sometimes wings (tailfins) on the back.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is an iconic American car produced from 1950 to 1980, with the 1955-1957 'Tri-Five' models being the most celebrated. It represents the post-war optimism of the 1950s with its prominent chrome trim, tailfins, and classic styling.
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