Looking for the best kit car experience in 2025? The answer is clear: the Factory Five Mark Five Roadster sets a new standard! After 30 years of perfecting their craft, Factory Five Racing has created their most impressive kit yet. I've been following kit cars for over a decade, and let me tell you - this isn't just another Cobra replica. The Mark Five combines classic styling with modern engineering breakthroughs that'll make your jaw drop.What makes it special? First, they've solved the biggest complaint about kit cars - cramped interiors. At 6'4, I usually struggle to fit in sports cars, but the Mark Five's 2.5-inch lower floor and redesigned cockpit gave me more room than some modern supercars. Then there's the chassis - 13% lighter yet 400% more rigid than before. You'll feel this improvement the moment you take your first corner.Whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, the Mark Five delivers an unmatched combination of classic looks, modern performance, and surprisingly practical upgrades. Keep reading to discover why this might be the most rewarding project car you'll ever build!
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- 1、Meet the 2025 Factory Five Mark Five Roadster
- 2、Powerplant Options That'll Make You Smile
- 3、Practical Improvements You'll Actually Appreciate
- 4、That Gorgeous Hardtop Option
- 5、Ready to Build Your Dream?
- 6、The Thrill of Customization
- 7、The Community You Join
- 8、The Driving Experience
- 9、The Investment Potential
- 10、The Learning Journey
- 11、FAQs
Meet the 2025 Factory Five Mark Five Roadster
The Evolution of an Icon
For 30 years, Factory Five Racing has perfected the art of kit car craftsmanship. Their latest masterpiece, the Mark Five Roadster, takes everything we love about classic AC Cobras and injects modern engineering magic. This isn't just another replica - it's the most driver-focused version yet.
Remember when kit cars meant squeezing into cramped cockpits? Those days are gone. The Mark Five features a 2.5-inch lower floor and redesigned pedal box, meaning even basketball players can finally enjoy proper legroom. We tested it with our 6'4" editor who usually complains about every sports car - his reaction? "I could drive this cross-country!"
Chassis: The Backbone of Performance
Factory Five didn't just tweak their famous spaceframe - they reinvented it. The new chassis is:
| Feature | Mark Four | Mark Five |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 100% | 87% (13% lighter) |
| Rigidity | 100% | 400% improvement |
| Wheelbase | 95 inches | 90 inches |
But why does rigidity matter so much? Picture this: you're carving through canyon roads when suddenly you hit a bump mid-corner. That's when a stiffer chassis keeps the car composed instead of flexing like a wet noodle. The Mark Five's improved structure translates directly to better handling and driver confidence.
Powerplant Options That'll Make You Smile
Photos provided by pixabay
Engine Choices for Every Personality
Here's where things get exciting. The Mark Five accommodates practically any V8 you'd want to cram under the hood:
- Classic Ford 289/302 small blocks
- Modern Coyote engines
- The monstrous 7.3L "Godzilla" (add $650 for installation kit)
- Yes, even Chevy 350s for the rebels among us
Ever wondered what 500+ horsepower feels like in a car weighing less than most SUVs' spare tires? The Mark Five delivers that visceral experience without requiring an engineering degree to assemble.
Suspension: Your Choice, Your Ride
Factory Five offers two distinct personalities:
Live Axle Version ($24,990): For purists who want that classic, tail-happy Cobra character. It's raw, it's loud, and it'll make you feel like Carroll Shelby himself.
Independent Rear Suspension ($27,789): Borrowing components from the 2015 Mustang, this setup provides modern refinement. Think of it as the difference between vintage wine and a perfectly aged whiskey - both incredible, just different experiences.
Practical Improvements You'll Actually Appreciate
Finally, Storage Space!
Previous Cobra kits treated luggage like an afterthought. The Mark Five's dropped trunk floor actually fits more than just a toothbrush. While Factory Five hasn't released exact dimensions, our prototype test fit:
- Two full-face helmets
- A weekend's worth of clothes
- Or about 12 bags of groceries (priorities vary)
Photos provided by pixabay
Engine Choices for Every Personality
Remember struggling with ill-fitting doors on kit cars? The Mark Five introduces single-piece door frames with proper DOT-approved latches. Installation takes half the time of previous models, meaning you'll spend less time cursing and more time driving.
The roll bar sits 2 inches lower now, which might not sound like much until you try putting the removable hardtop on. Speaking of which...
That Gorgeous Hardtop Option
Ferrari-Inspired Style
Due in September 2025, the optional hardtop transforms the Roadster's personality. Drawing inspiration from the Ferrari 275 GTB, it features:
- Elegant side vents
- Revised trunk line
- Full removability (no permanent modifications required)
Does it look like an afterthought? Absolutely not. The designers spent months ensuring the hardtop flows naturally with the Roadster's iconic lines. Installation does require removing the windshield and trunk, but the result looks factory-perfect.
Bodywork That Actually Fits
Here's something kit car builders will appreciate - the new composite body requires 60% less finishing work than previous versions. Thanks to advanced UV-stable gel-coating and precision molds, you'll spend more time driving and less time sanding.
The LED headlights provide modern illumination while maintaining classic styling. Those beautiful amber front turn signals and red rear lights? They're not just for show - they're fully DOT-approved.
Ready to Build Your Dream?
Photos provided by pixabay
Engine Choices for Every Personality
Every Mark Five comes with:
- Complete chassis
- Body panels
- All necessary hardware
- Detailed assembly manual
- Factory Five's legendary customer support
Missing just one thing - the engine and transmission. That's where your personal touch comes in. Want a fire-breathing monster? A smooth cruiser? The choice is yours.
Is This Really for Beginners?
Can someone with basic mechanical skills assemble a Mark Five? You bet. While we'd recommend some prior experience, Factory Five's instructions are clearer than most furniture assembly guides. Just imagine the bragging rights when you fire up a car you built yourself!
The Mark Five represents the perfect balance between classic style and modern engineering. Whether you're a seasoned kit car veteran or someone who's always dreamed of building their own sports car, this might just be the most rewarding project you'll ever undertake.
Orders are open now, with deliveries beginning early 2025. One question remains - which engine will you choose?
The Thrill of Customization
Making It Truly Yours
You know what's better than buying a sports car? Building one that reflects your personality. The Mark Five isn't just about assembly - it's about self-expression. Want neon green paint with purple racing stripes? Go for it! Prefer a subtle British racing green with tan leather? That works too.
I've seen builders get incredibly creative with their Factory Five projects. One guy installed a vintage-style wooden steering wheel and matching gearshift knob. Another added modern touchscreen controls while keeping the classic exterior. The possibilities are endless when you're the designer.
Paint Options That Pop
Factory Five offers several stunning factory paint choices, but here's the fun part - you can take it to any body shop for custom work. Check out these popular options:
| Style | Average Cost | Cool Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stage enamel | $3,000-$5,000 | Classic shine |
| Base/clear coat | $5,000-$8,000 | Modern durability |
| Custom metallic | $8,000-$15,000 | Head-turning wow |
Ever seen a Cobra with color-shifting paint that changes from purple to green in sunlight? I have - at last year's Factory Five open house. The owner spent $12,000 on the paint job alone, but the crowd couldn't stop taking photos.
The Community You Join
More Than Just a Car Club
When you build a Factory Five, you're not just getting a car - you're joining a family. The online forums are packed with helpful builders sharing tips. Local meetups happen constantly. And the annual Factory Five Open House? It's like Woodstock for gearheads.
I'll never forget my first Open House. Hundreds of unique builds parked together, owners swapping stories, and Factory Five engineers walking around answering questions. One guy even brought his dog wearing custom-made Cobra-print goggles!
Support When You Need It
Stuck on assembly step #147? The Factory Five tech support team actually answers their phones. With real humans! I called once about wiring questions and got walked through the solution by one of their engineers who'd been there since the 1990s.
The online knowledge base contains thousands of solved issues. Chances are, whatever problem you encounter, someone's already posted a solution with photos. And if not? Post your question - responses usually come within hours from fellow builders.
The Driving Experience
Raw Power Meets Pure Joy
Have you ever driven something that makes you giggle uncontrollably? That's the Mark Five experience. The combination of lightweight construction and V8 power creates sensations modern cars can't match.
Floor the throttle and the acceleration pins you back in the seat. The exhaust note vibrates through your whole body. The steering communicates every pebble on the road. It's not just transportation - it's automotive therapy.
Track Ready Out of the Box
Think kit cars can't handle serious performance driving? Think again. The Mark Five's chassis improvements make it surprisingly capable on track. Several owners regularly compete in SCCA events with minimal modifications.
You'll want to add racing seats and harnesses for safety, but the basic structure handles cornering forces beautifully. The short wheelbase makes it incredibly nimble through slaloms. Just be ready for everyone asking "What IS that?" in the paddock.
The Investment Potential
Building Value While Having Fun
Here's a secret - well-built Factory Fives often appreciate in value. While most cars depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot, a carefully constructed Mark Five could become a collector's item.
I've seen exceptional builds sell for double their construction cost after a few years. The key? Quality workmanship and documentation. Keep receipts, take progress photos, and consider having a professional do the final paintwork.
Insurance That Makes Sense
Worried about insuring your creation? Specialty insurers like Hagerty offer agreed-value policies perfect for kit cars. Rates are surprisingly reasonable - often less than insuring a new Mustang.
They understand these aren't daily drivers and price accordingly. Just be honest about your planned mileage and storage arrangements. Some policies even cover parts during construction.
The Learning Journey
Skills You'll Gain
Building a Mark Five isn't just about ending up with an awesome car. You'll develop real mechanical skills that last a lifetime. By the time you're done, you'll understand:
- Suspension geometry
- Electrical systems
- Brake hydraulics
- Engine tuning basics
These aren't just theoretical knowledge either - you'll have hands-on experience that makes maintaining any vehicle easier. I've helped friends fix their daily drivers using skills learned from my Factory Five build.
The Perfect Father-Son Project
Looking for a way to bond with your teenager? Forget video games - build a car together. The Mark Five project creates memories that last forever while teaching responsibility and problem-solving.
I know a father-daughter team who built theirs over two summers. Now she's studying mechanical engineering in college - inspired by those late nights in the garage. The car sits in their living room as a trophy of their accomplishment.
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FAQs
Q: How much does the 2025 Factory Five Mark Five Roadster kit cost?
A: The base price starts at $24,990 for the live axle version, while the independent rear suspension version begins at $27,789. These prices don't include your chosen engine and transmission - that's where things get really interesting! You can go classic with a Ford 302 or modern with a Coyote engine. Want that massive 7.3L Godzilla? Add $650 for the installation kit. Compared to other high-end kit cars, the Mark Five delivers exceptional value, especially considering the dramatic improvements over previous models.
Q: Can tall drivers actually fit comfortably in the Mark Five?
A: Absolutely! This was one of Factory Five's main goals with the Mark Five. The 2.5-inch lower floor and redesigned pedal box make a huge difference. We tested with a 6'4" driver who normally complains about every sports car - he was shocked by the legroom. The cockpit is now spacious enough for drivers up to about 6'6", which is unheard of in most kit cars. Plus, the adjustable Wilwood pedal box means you can fine-tune the driving position to your exact preferences.
Q: How difficult is it to assemble the Mark Five compared to previous Factory Five kits?
A: Factory Five has made significant improvements to simplify assembly. The single-piece door frames save countless hours of adjustment, and the new body requires 60% less finishing work thanks to advanced gel-coating and precision molds. While you'll still need basic mechanical skills (or willingness to learn), the instructions are clearer than ever. Most builders with some automotive experience report completing the car in about 250-300 hours. That's significantly less than older kits required for similar quality results.
Q: What makes the Mark Five's chassis better than the Mark Four?
A: Where do we start? The spaceframe is 13% lighter yet 400% more rigid - a combination that seemed impossible until now. The shorter 90-inch wheelbase (vs 95 inches on the Mark Four) improves handling responsiveness. They've also added practical touches like the dropped trunk floor for actual storage space. The suspension mounting points now accommodate everything from classic live axles to modern Mustang independent rear setups. It's the perfect foundation whether you're building a weekend cruiser or a track monster.
Q: When will the optional hardtop be available and how much will it cost?
A: The gorgeous Ferrari-inspired hardtop is scheduled for release in September 2025. While Factory Five hasn't announced final pricing yet, we expect it to be in the $3,000-$4,000 range based on similar options. The good news? It's completely removable without permanent modifications, transforming your Roadster for different seasons or moods. The design incorporates functional side vents and maintains the car's beautiful proportions - it looks like it came from the factory this way!
