edwardb
06-14-2015, 08:20 AM
Being a Factory Five customer since 2009, I’ve watched the stories and pictures about the annual open house at Factory Five. Having a busy work schedule and being a bit far away in Michigan meant we haven’t been able to attend. But this year, with my recent retirement, we put it on our schedule, made hotel reservations, and planned to make the drive with the Roadster in the SE as usual for out of town events. We watched the weather forecasts right up until driving away from the house on Thursday morning. Saturday was still showing 50/50 for storms and rain, but we decided to go for it. It’s a couple hours quicker and 100 miles or so shorter going through Canada. The last time I went through Canada with the Roadster in tow, I had to answer a lot of questions. But not this time. Same on the U.S. side coming back in at Niagara Falls. Rain was still in the forecast Friday night, but basically gone by Saturday morning. All we got from the weather was a sunburn! We met up with a bunch of folks at Dave’s Diner and caravanned to Factory Five arriving just before the official start at 9:00 AM. The parking lot was filled mostly with Roadsters of every version and color, with a smaller number of Daytona’s, GTM’s, Hot Rods and 818’s around the perimeter. Maybe around 200 total? Don’t know and didn’t hear, but seemed an excellent turnout.
We watched the 818 Coupe unveiling. First time I’ve seen the 818 in person. It’s very cool, and I can see the attraction. Great job Factory Five. I climbed in and out of the new coupe. Not hard, but maybe not for everyone. With the racing seat and low and stretched out seating position, reminded me of my recent NASCAR driving experience. I’m not ready to get my head around a whole new engine and build setup, but I can see the attraction for these. The 8-10 completed 818’s that were there were very interesting to see.
We also watched the 20th anniversary Roadster unveiling, and listened to Dave’s words about it. I was interested in his comments. Some have said the Mk4 was the last and final version of the Roadster and FFR was moving on to other things. That’s not what Dave said. He described this car as the bread and butter of FFR and what built the company, and they would continue to look for ways to improve and make it better. The new 2015 Mustang IRS rear suspension is certainly evidence of that. I looked it over very carefully, including the Hot Rod chassis with it installed. Very impressive. I liked the anniversary Roadster a lot. With the Coyote motor, 18 inch wheels, new 2015 suspension, and modern black on dark grey metallic color scheme, it’s certainly come a long way from its 1960’s roots. The 18 inch wheels especially are definitely an acquired taste. When you see the car in total, personally I like them. But after watching a bunch of Roadsters come rumbling in and out of the show with their big fat billboard style tires, I can see why some react the way they do. I was contemplating a 289 FIA build, but now have my name on the list for one of the 20th anniversary models. Still thinking about the overall build plan, but it will be rocking those 18 inch wheels.
We did the Factory Five tour. As said before, first time we’ve been there so I found it very interesting. Dave is such a great ambassador for his company. I don’t get tired of his clear communication, enthusiasm, and obvious leadership. The factory is smaller than I expected. Having been in the manufacturing, operations, and IT world for my career, I was very impressed with how efficiently the space is used and multiple examples of lean manufacturing concepts. We scored some half price wind wings and visors for the next build at the garage sale. Cool!
Spent lots of time (and managed to miss out on the hot dogs) standing around my Roadster talking to fellow enthusiasts and meeting a few forum members. Probably my favorite thing to do. Near the end they give out awards for "Best of..." and found myself feeling a little disappointed when I wasn't called for any of the regular categories like best engine, best paint, best interior, best Roadster, etc. I’m just kind of competitive that way I guess. But then best of show, they called my name! Crazy with all the amazing cars there. Quite unexpected and a much appreciated honor! We left as they were busily tearing everything back down to get back to normal business next week. I don’t know how often we’ll make this trip, but it was a positive and amazing experience.
Today the weather looks nice, so we're going to do some cruising around Cape Cod, then head for home tomorrow. Great trip! A few camera phone pics from the show:
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0078_zpsixue0xmz.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0078_zpsixue0xmz.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0080_zps1wb68z3f.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0080_zps1wb68z3f.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0082_zpseztmhama.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0082_zpseztmhama.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0081_zps4lipuotz.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0081_zps4lipuotz.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0090_zps3zerwcyq.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0090_zps3zerwcyq.jpg.html)
We watched the 818 Coupe unveiling. First time I’ve seen the 818 in person. It’s very cool, and I can see the attraction. Great job Factory Five. I climbed in and out of the new coupe. Not hard, but maybe not for everyone. With the racing seat and low and stretched out seating position, reminded me of my recent NASCAR driving experience. I’m not ready to get my head around a whole new engine and build setup, but I can see the attraction for these. The 8-10 completed 818’s that were there were very interesting to see.
We also watched the 20th anniversary Roadster unveiling, and listened to Dave’s words about it. I was interested in his comments. Some have said the Mk4 was the last and final version of the Roadster and FFR was moving on to other things. That’s not what Dave said. He described this car as the bread and butter of FFR and what built the company, and they would continue to look for ways to improve and make it better. The new 2015 Mustang IRS rear suspension is certainly evidence of that. I looked it over very carefully, including the Hot Rod chassis with it installed. Very impressive. I liked the anniversary Roadster a lot. With the Coyote motor, 18 inch wheels, new 2015 suspension, and modern black on dark grey metallic color scheme, it’s certainly come a long way from its 1960’s roots. The 18 inch wheels especially are definitely an acquired taste. When you see the car in total, personally I like them. But after watching a bunch of Roadsters come rumbling in and out of the show with their big fat billboard style tires, I can see why some react the way they do. I was contemplating a 289 FIA build, but now have my name on the list for one of the 20th anniversary models. Still thinking about the overall build plan, but it will be rocking those 18 inch wheels.
We did the Factory Five tour. As said before, first time we’ve been there so I found it very interesting. Dave is such a great ambassador for his company. I don’t get tired of his clear communication, enthusiasm, and obvious leadership. The factory is smaller than I expected. Having been in the manufacturing, operations, and IT world for my career, I was very impressed with how efficiently the space is used and multiple examples of lean manufacturing concepts. We scored some half price wind wings and visors for the next build at the garage sale. Cool!
Spent lots of time (and managed to miss out on the hot dogs) standing around my Roadster talking to fellow enthusiasts and meeting a few forum members. Probably my favorite thing to do. Near the end they give out awards for "Best of..." and found myself feeling a little disappointed when I wasn't called for any of the regular categories like best engine, best paint, best interior, best Roadster, etc. I’m just kind of competitive that way I guess. But then best of show, they called my name! Crazy with all the amazing cars there. Quite unexpected and a much appreciated honor! We left as they were busily tearing everything back down to get back to normal business next week. I don’t know how often we’ll make this trip, but it was a positive and amazing experience.
Today the weather looks nice, so we're going to do some cruising around Cape Cod, then head for home tomorrow. Great trip! A few camera phone pics from the show:
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0078_zpsixue0xmz.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0078_zpsixue0xmz.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0080_zps1wb68z3f.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0080_zps1wb68z3f.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0082_zpseztmhama.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0082_zpseztmhama.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0081_zps4lipuotz.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0081_zps4lipuotz.jpg.html)
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0090_zps3zerwcyq.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Factory%20Five%20Open%20House/IMG_0090_zps3zerwcyq.jpg.html)