Factory Five Racing
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive manufacturing |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
| Products | Assembly kits, chassis, bodies, parts for replicars and performance sports vehicles |
| Website | factoryfive |
Factory Five Racing, Inc. (F.F.R.) is a U.S.-based automotive manufacturer that focuses on creating and producing assembly kits, chassis, bodies, and parts for replicars and performance sports vehicles.
Current models
Factory Five primarily offers kit cars as component packages designed for customers to build either independently or with professional assistance.
Roadster
The inaugural FFR Roadster draws inspiration from the AC Cobra and utilizes modern Ford Mustang running gear because of its strong performance, affordability, and broad parts availability. The Mustang’s 302 V-8 and 427 V-8 engines share a heritage with those found in the original AC Cobra and the legendary Ford GT40 racing cars of the 1960s. With over one million Mustangs manufactured between 1987 and 2004, a substantial aftermarket supports these components. An updated 289 body style features revised front openings and a redesigned hood scoop.
Although many builders obtain drivetrain components from donor Mustangs, Factory Five’s kit accommodates a variety of engine, drivetrain, and suspension configurations. More than half of purchasers select Mustang parts, while others mix new or alternative components. According to Jim Youngs, founder of Kit Car Builder magazine, the Roadster ranks among the top-selling kit cars in the United States.
In 2010, Factory Five introduced the Mark IV Roadster, representing a significant redesign fifteen years after debuting the original Mark I version.
Challenge Series Racer
The Challenge Racer is derived from a standard Factory Five Roadster but modified specifically for "Open-Track" road racing events. It incorporates a welded-in cage and frame based on SCCA specifications to enhance driver safety while maintaining cost-effective Ford Mustang running gear. Known as the Spec Racer, this model is eligible for competition in the National FFR-NASA Spec Series, which concludes with an annual two-day national championship race held in conjunction with the FFR National Owners Group Meet. Ownership of a Challenge car grants entry to this series, fostering community involvement and brand loyalty.
Type 65 Coupe
Modeled after the Shelby Daytona Coupe, the Type 65 Coupe reflects four years of dedicated engineering and design refinement. Chassis kits have been offered since September 2000. This model combines Factory Five’s racing technology with street-legal usability, merging classic 1960s racing styling with contemporary advancements—ideal for enthusiasts seeking both high performance and timeless aesthetics.
GTM Supercar
The GTM is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar powered by a V8 engine. It features a composite body mounted on an aluminum-steel tubular frame chassis engineered internally. Incorporating GM high-performance components—such as engine, drivetrain, suspension with four-corner coil-over shocks, advanced brakes, and transaxle—the GTM delivers handling and braking capabilities inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette C5 race car. In a 2007 review by Car and Driver, the GTM LS7 prototype accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and completed a quarter mile in 11 seconds at 134 mph, outperforming several higher-priced European supercars. The vehicle can be assembled by customers themselves and offers optional features like air conditioning and power windows, making it practical for everyday driving on U.S. roads.
Additionally, the GTM chassis acts as a testbed for the Capstone CMT-380 hybrid gas turbine/electric sports car project aiming for a 500-mile driving range—highlighting Factory Five’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge automotive technologies.
'33 Hot Rod
The '33 Hot Rod' merges the iconic design of the 1933 Ford street rod with a contemporary chassis, integrating classic aesthetics and modern mechanical advancements.
Project 818
The Project 818 kit features a lightweight vehicle weighing approximately 818 kg curb weight, offered at an affordable price point below $15,000 when fully assembled. It utilizes the Subaru boxer engine platform. In 2016, the lineup was refreshed to include three variants: the open-air street 818s (with an optional soft top), the track-oriented 818r (equipped with a built-in roll cage), and the hardtop coupe 818c. Praised for its outstanding power-to-weight balance, the 818 received the Grassroots Motorsports Editors’ Choice accolade in 2013, placing it in competition with numerous high-performance supercars. This model reflects Factory Five's approach to catering to performance-driven customers who value both innovation and cost-effectiveness.
XTF Pre-Runner Truck
The XTF Pre-Runner Truck is a body kit tailored for the Ford F-150, allowing Factory Five to broaden its product offerings into the truck market segment.
Spyder GT
The Spyder GT kit was discontinued in October 2006 due to production constraints focused on the GTM model and sluggish sales; only 39 units were sold, including prototypes. Its chassis design was derived from the FFR Type 65 Coupe.