On this episode of The MF Show, we sit down with Chris Ashton, founder of Ruffian Cars, to talk about the unlikely path from video game development to building some of the most distinctive, performance-driven cars on the road today.
Chris shares how a decades-long career in game design at companies like Valve and Turtle Rock Studios, working on titles such as Counter-Strike and Left 4 Dead, ultimately gave him the freedom to chase a lifelong obsession with cars. What started as personal projects in a garage evolved into Ruffian, a shop built around the idea of blending race-inspired engineering with real-world drivability.
The conversation digs deep into what makes a great car beyond paint and horsepower. Chris explains why usability, serviceability, and performance matter more to him than traditional show car perfection, and how autocross and track driving influence nearly every design decision. From building dream cars like his wide-body Mustang and GT40 to creating client builds that still carry a strong Ruffian identity, he breaks down the thinking behind each project.
Chris also opens up about shop culture, training fabricators from the ground up, and why personal project time was critical to building a skilled and motivated team. He shares honest insight into the challenges of running a high-end custom shop, balancing passion with sustainability, and carving out a unique lane in a crowded industry.
FOLLOW CHRIS ASHTON & RUFFIAN CARS
Stay connected with Chris Ashton and see the latest builds, behind-the-scenes, and project updates from Ruffian Cars.
Instagram: @ruffiancars
YouTube: Ruffian Cars
Website: ruffiancars.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
On The MF Show, Jerry and Richard are bringing in some of the biggest names in the automotive industry—from legendary racers like Mario Andretti and Ivan Stewart to visionary builders and designers like Chip Foose and Jimmy Shine.
