View Full Version : Ready for "The Question" today
cobrajj
07-14-2011, 06:07 PM
When I came out from having lunch today, a motorcyclist was parked next to my roadster, so I was expecting "The Question"(real or a kit). Instead he asked is that a Factory Five Kit? He will be retiring soon and would like to do something like that. He has a Vette, BMW M3 and a 225 HP Honda motorcycle, but he knew about FFR, from Speedvision TV programing. I'm amazed that in the past two years, so many more people know and appreciate what self built cars are all about. This turned into a 20 min. conversation. Jim
3kcarbon
07-14-2011, 08:33 PM
I think the reaction to the car is one of the most fun and unexpected parts. I was ready to hear the question but I seem to get more people that don't have a clue what it is but they know its something special. I had a kid about fall out of the Micky D's drive through window. I asked him what make is it? Uhh something like a Ferrari? He was real interested in it but didn't have a clue.
I'm getting the "Is it a Factory Five?" about as much as I get "Is it real?"
seagull81
07-15-2011, 10:48 PM
I had a guy in a dump truck ask me if it was a Factory Five at a light one day. That was kinda freaky. You don't realize how low these cars are until you look up a big truck parked next to you.
3kcarbon
07-16-2011, 11:09 AM
I had a guy in a dump truck ask me if it was a Factory Five at a light one day. That was kinda freaky. You don't realize how low these cars are until you look up a big truck parked next to you.
I noticed that next to a S10..... I was eyeball level with the side moldings on a 4wd S10.
luvaz
07-18-2011, 11:14 AM
When they ask if it's a Factory Five, I find it tough not to be a FFR salesman. Based on their obvious display of intelligence, the conversation usually ends up with me giving them a FFR promotional DVD from the trunk.
FFR will send you some DVD's if you call & ask nicely!
HTH,
Will
Dave Smith
07-18-2011, 12:04 PM
When we were in the ****** lawsuit years ago, it was our belief that if we stopped using the word C@bra we would actually, over the long run, change people's definitions. I look back and with hard work, building one car at a time, these days more people know about the original cars thru their interaction with an FFR owner. I belive that the questions today are more and more, is that a Factory Five?... if it happens to us alot (it does) can you imagine how it must make a guy feel who is driving a continuation car or a spf etc? All we need to do is just focus every day on the job at hand, take care of customers, build good cars, and the big stuff will take care of itself.
VD2021
07-18-2011, 12:19 PM
I had a guy in a dump truck ask me if it was a Factory Five at a light one day. That was kinda freaky. You don't realize how low these cars are until you look up a big truck parked next to you.
..............And you Guys are in Roadsters. In the GTM your bottom is 5.5-6" off the ground. I don't know if there's anything you're not looking up at. The roof top is an inch above my belt line and I'm only 70"s.
My neighbor's have moved and left their Son and some college kids who rent from him. One of them is in auto mechanics school. I was carting and after returning to the driveway I had an audience. I waved them over and the auto mechanic student immediately asked "Is this a Gen1 or Gen2 GTM?" I was surprised that he know what it was (remember it was in Kart form) not to mention he was extremely excited to actually see on in real life.
mikiec
07-18-2011, 02:10 PM
When I first put 2290 on the road in Jan, 2001 many people sneared at it. Calling it all kinds of unmentionable names. Oh it's a kit car? It's not a ******. Why did you ever want a junky FFR. I heard, I saw comparison of it to a different car. They said yours was junk and the other car was better... Yeah I remember that smear campaign. I have seen the change over the years and have relished in it. I spend hours trying to convince prospective cobra owners into getting the FFR.
NicksPapaw
07-18-2011, 05:26 PM
I get asked if it is one of those Factory Fives about 75% of the time now. When I say it is, it is like they have met a movie star. They start talking about seeing one on TV and cannot believe they are looking at a real one. I think Dave is correct. Building a great reputation one car at a time!
And thats why I put on the "FFR" lettering badge above the side louvers instead of the old "powered by ford" logo
Mesa Mike
07-19-2011, 08:58 PM
Agree. I have been on the road in my MKI for over 10 years and have noticed I get more "is that a Factory Five" than "is it real" questions. I guess if I was an owner of another MFGer I would get pissed.
Mesa Mike
07-19-2011, 08:59 PM
Agree. I have been on the road in my MKI for over 10 years and have noticed I get more "is that a Factory Five" than "is it real" questions. I guess if I owned another MFGer I would get pissed.
R. Button
07-19-2011, 09:13 PM
Ya I agree with Mike, it's getting "old" :rolleyes: now! I don't get to explain what a FFR car is any more... now it's "wow it's a FFR!" to which I usually add it's one of the original Mark I's! Then about half the time they follow it up with, you look like the guy on the DVD, to which I usually say ya I know but he's a much younger guy than I am! :o