New Builds

[bobl]

Just an observation but it sure seems like there are a lot more forum posts about people ordering new kits. Maybe it's just people having more time and posting more on here. They also seem to be planning higher end builds, which is all great for the product. Anyway it's great to see.

Bob

[jrcuz]

I was thinking the same thing recently.
JR

[egchewy79]

pandemic has really affected travel/vacation industry. more people are at home and doing projects around the house. around here, general contractors, pool builders, etc are swamped. I was fortunate enough to be in the middle of my build when quarantine happened and make quantum leaps on my build during this time. it probably shaved 6mo off my total build time.

[alexmak]

speaking of fortunate, my kit was shipped the day Factory Five closed for the lockdown. so I had something to do while everything was closed.

[legend42]

I received my kit on February 22 and delivered it to the painter on August 4. I had planned on taking 2-3 years on the build, but the more I got into it along with the pandemic shutting most everything down, it went by really quick. I did spend pretty much 7 days a week working on it. I also got some unexpected help from my 30 year old M.E. son who's company called him back to the U.S. from working in Trinidad in April because of the virus! I really enjoyed the experience of working with my son on this, since he left home for college 12 years ago. I was really hoping he could be around to see the finished painted car, but he is being called back to Trinidad on October 12 and I don't think the painter will be done.

Rob M.

[BrewCityCobra]

I noticed that as well (and I am one of them). At least for me, it was one of those situations where I was semi-ready to pull the trigger right around the time COVID hit, so I ended up waiting until things at work settled down a bit. I wonder if others are in the same boat as I am.

[tmlint]

I have seen a lot since I have been using the forum. I just purchased my Roadster this month. For me I had another project that I completed during quarantine. I then sold it when complete and went the route of the roadster for the next project. Someone said earlier people are not taking vacations. They have more time at home. Home based projects are skyrocketing. I know my eating out budget has dropped considerably:D That means more money to spend on my car;)

[Rook]

I'm one of those new builds. :D
My decision was driven mostly by the age of my kids. I nearly pulled the trigger on a kit 10 years ago, but then found out my third kid (within 4 years!) was on the way, and that it was going to be my first boy. I figured I'd wait until he was old enough to show interest and turn a wrench with me. Well, he's ready now. And so are my girls! :) And my wife is ready and willing to sit in the garage and watch us work.

Production completion date is 11/14/20. Can't wait!

[CFranks]

I'm one of those new builds. :D
My decision was driven mostly by the age of my kids. I nearly pulled the trigger on a kit 10 years ago, but then found out my third kid (within 4 years!) was on the way, and that it was going to be my first boy. I figured I'd wait until he was old enough to show interest and turn a wrench with me. Well, he's ready now. And so are my girls! :) And my wife is ready and willing to sit in the garage and watch us work.

Production completion date is 11/14/20. Can't wait!

I have a similar plan. I’m finishing my first roadster now and also just had a boy. I figure he’ll be ready for the 35th anniversary release in 10 years!

[Nigel Allen]

Seems to be the same in Australia. Overseas holidays are off the radar. Caravans, motorcycles, camping and fishing gear has emptied showrooms. My small collection of vintage Commodore computers has trebled in value. Although I am not into hunting, apparently guns and ammunition etc are running thin as well. Some businesses struggle and for others the streets are currently paved with gold.

Unusual times and different priorities.

[Chris @ Forma]

We are seeing the same thing. Additionally, FFR's lead times are getting really far out, especially on coupes. We have 8 projects in house right now. I finally took a chance and ordered two kits about 6 weeks ago for December delivery and they are already sold. It's crazy, and good and crazy.

[Shades]

Definitely the last two weeks. Me included. I was ready to pull the trigger right when covid hit, and needed to let that settle a bit and make sure my income didn't take a big hit. Couldn't risk spending that chunk of savings when I might really need it. It would have been nice though to have had it already, and could have spent a lot of time building when we were stuck at home anyway.