Log in

View Full Version : 2013 Factory Five Open House Report



Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:23 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_45681.jpg
No matter how many Roadsters you see, you never get tired of looking at this classic shape.

The 16th Annual Factory Five Open House held last weekend was definitely one for the record books! The weather was absolutely perfect with clear blue skies, and mid-70s temperatures. There were close to 150 Factory Fives that made the trek to our headquarters in Wareham, MA.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39712.jpg

The format this year was similar to other years. The fun began at 9 AM with car registration, and the Factory Five crew was busy parking cars and directing traffic. Spectators parked at the nearby Wareham Crossing shopping mall and were taken to the plant by a shuttle bus. The band fired up at 10 AM, and at the same time, the Engineering Department drove in to the showroom with two 818 sports cars to give everyone a close-up look at the 818R and the 818S.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41701.jpg

As the 818S was introduced, Factory Five President Dave Smith and Grassroots Motorsports Magazine Executive Director Andy Reid covered the highlights of the car. The 818S was driven onto scales and weighed in front of the crowd. The final street-ready, driving curb weight of the car was a featherweight 1828 lbs.!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41861.jpg

After only 24 months of development, the 818 sports car is now in production and on schedule. The first two production kits were on display in the warehouse. Also in the warehouse was our famous scratch and dent parts sale where customers and visitors scooped up bargains on Factory Five parts.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_43451.jpg

At 11 AM, Factory Five President Dave Smith conducted a walking tour of the plant and showed off recent changes and upgrades made to the facility including our brand-new Mitsubishi laser cutting machine, hydraulic press, and air-handling system. Dave answered questions at each manufacturing node.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_45291.jpg

At noon, car show judges Joe Leone, Henry Renaud, Erik Hansen, and Dave Hodgkins were on hand for the car show awards presentation. Here are the winners by category:
Best in Show Coupe – Greg Pellegrino
Best in Show Roadster – Bob Scocca
Best in Show Challenge Car – Rick LaCourse
Best in Show GTM – Bob Levine
Best in Show ’33 – Matt Robichaud
Best in Show Under Construction - Kevin Sullivan
Best Use of Chrome - David Dagget
Most Innovative Improvement – Dennis Surette
Best Paint – Bob Scocca
Best Engine – Mark Dipiero
Best Interior – Bob Levine
Best in Show all Classes – Bob Levine
Long Distance Award – Paul Woodward
Most Accrued Milage -
Factory Five Legacy/Robert Fedderson Memorial Award – Don Vaught

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42021.jpg

Grassroots Motorsports Magazine was on hand, as was Automobile Magazine and Kit Car Builder, to report on the event. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful day, and it was a great chance to show the world the changes we’ve made to the company. Thanks to everyone who came out, and especially to all of the Factory Five customers who drove their cars and enjoyed good fellowship on such a great day. See you next year!

Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:25 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39311.jpg
The Factory Five staff had a lot of fun at this year’s event.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39401.jpg
Craig Lindsey drives his venerable blue and white Mk3.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39441.jpg
Hot Rods, Roadsters, and Rock ‘N Roll make for a good combination!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39491.jpg
T-shirts and promotional items were sold by the Smith girls and two of their friends.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39671.jpg
One of the few places you’ll ever see a traffic jam quite like this.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39721.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_39751.jpg
There was a strong contingent of ’33s this year.

Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:27 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_40491.jpg
Awesome license plate!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_40661.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_40771.jpg
The car show judges had a very difficult time picking awards like “Best Engine”.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_40861.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_40981.jpg
Factory Five Director of R&D Jim Schenck spent the day explaining the features of the 818.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41011.jpg
Factory Five stalwart customers Gary Cheney and Joe “OldGuy68″ Leone.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41191.jpg
Adam Smith and his friend Jake check out a SolidWorks designed custom bike.

Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:28 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41862.jpg
Standing room only around the 818s.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_41991.jpg
Factory Five shipping expert Jessie Riha with her grandparents.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42051.jpg
The cars in the show field were stunning!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42161.jpg
A good group of BEAUTIFUL GTMs arrived.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42251.jpg
This car didn’t win “Best in Show,” but it was second to nothing else!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42481.jpg
The 818 was available for folks to sit in.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_42971.jpg
The 818 kit was on display in the Chassis Assembly area.

Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:31 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_43171.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_43831.jpg
Matt Robichaud’s beautiful ’33 Hot Rod.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_43951.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_44601.jpg
There were plenty of places to sit and enjoy the delicious hot dog lunch.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_44781.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_44931.jpg
License and registration, sir.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSC_45691.jpg
The 818S in the showroom.

Dave Smith
06-18-2013, 03:33 PM
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_00271.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_00481.jpg
The showroom was packed when the 818 was introduced.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_98341.jpg
Great deals on used parts!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_99081.jpg

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_99381.jpg
Huge thanks to everyone who helped and everyone who came! Sally, Tony, and Erik pause to take some well deserved credit.

Click here to view more photos from the 2013 Factory Five Open House. (https://www.factoryfive.com/galleries/shows-and-events/)

Photos taken by Gary Bean and Dave Hodgkins.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnT-JBjjNBg

Rscocca
06-18-2013, 03:59 PM
Thanks Dave,
As usual a great day for everyone.

See you next year,
Bob Scocca

Shawn
06-18-2013, 04:01 PM
Wow--great pics, great video! I really need to get my MkIV done and get up there next year. And the 818...another wow!

Great job, Dave, and everyone else at FFR. You continue to raise the bar, even when there is no real competition nipping at your heals in my opinion. What a company!

David Hodgkins
06-18-2013, 04:32 PM
I have some extra-special pics to show, and I'll be creating an album of slightly lower res pic for folks to peruse.

If anyone wants a high res shot, just let me know.

It was a great day! Everyone who has an FFR should put it on their bucket list to visit FFR too see the birthplace of their dream car. It's more than worth the trip!

:)

Silvertop
06-18-2013, 06:46 PM
I have some extra-special pics to show, and I'll be creating an album of slightly lower res pic for folks to peruse.

If anyone wants a high res shot, just let me know.

It was a great day! Everyone who has an FFR should put it on their bucket list to visit FFR too see the birthplace of their dream car. It's more than worth the trip!

:)

Looking forward to seeing your album. I wish I could have been there. With a little luck, maybe I'll be able to pick up my 818 in person this fall.

David Hodgkins
06-18-2013, 10:34 PM
Here is a first attempt at some tone-mapping. I'm not satisfied with the coloring so these will be redone. The angles and depth of field are good though...

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18553&d=1371612326

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18552&d=1371612324

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18551&d=1371612322

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18550&d=1371612320

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18549&d=1371612315

Mad Dog
06-19-2013, 08:43 AM
Looking good Dave! I really like the rear 3/4 shot of the 818R.

68GT500MAN
06-19-2013, 09:27 AM
There is a Wookie in the reflection!

ehansen007
06-19-2013, 11:17 AM
That first one of the blue car gives you an idea of what it's like to be as tall as a wookie.

David Hodgkins
06-22-2013, 12:08 PM
I've uploaded over 300 pics to an Open House 2013 album:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=570

Feel free to re-post your favorites!

:)

Russ Thompson
06-22-2013, 12:28 PM
Great pictures guys, man, I got to get back for this one of these days, sure is on my bucket list!