Future builder looking for test drive

[Kjoyce178]

Hello all, so I have wanted to build a roadster for over 15 years and I am just finally in a place where I can purchase the kit and start building it next year. The thing is I have never driven one before and every time I have tried to rent one from Turo or those luxury rentals in Vegas it always falls through.

I know it's a long shot but if anyone in the Chicagoland or LV area would be willing to let a fellow enthusiast experience a little bit of the joy ahead of time I would be more than grateful. I am 41 and have my own car insurance and I am willing to pay a reasonable amount for the pleasure of driving it around for an hour. It would be great to be able to really understand what it will be like to drive one before I am $25k in haha. Feel free to directly message me. Thanks.

[edwardb]

Going to be real honest with you and say most (maybe all...) aren't going to let you drive their cars. Probably most especially not taking it for an hour. I wouldn't consider it and anyone I've talked to says the same thing. And it's just not about insurance. Now giving rides is a whole other story. I've done a bunch and you'll have a hard time finding an owner that won't. I know it's not the same thing, but it's way better than nothing. You can get a real feel for the cars looking them over in person and going for rides. My very first time actually driving a Factory Five Roadster was when my first build was completed. Just saying. That was over 10 years ago with several builds since.

I'm sure you're aware of this too, but there's a wide variation in builds, seats, engines, suspensions, power steering/brakes, etc. so each car tends to have a little bit of it's own character. I wouldn't assume something you looked at would be exactly representative of what you might build. One of the beauties of the London Cobra Show (not too far for me or for you) is you can see lots of examples, talk to owners, and most happily give rides. It's six months away and sure hope we can get our act together so it can happen next year. But just throwing that out there.

Good luck.

[Howard]

I live in LV and would be happy to give you a ride. Insurance won't cover you driving the car. It's a 427W carbed IRS build. My schedule is pretty flexible. PM me if you want to set something up.

[GoDadGo]

I'll be happy to rent you mine at the rate of $50,000.00 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
Bring Cash, Two Forms of ID, and let me deposit the funds prior to you scooting away in Redbone, my dark side roadster.
All kidding aside, if you find yourself near New Orleans, then I'll be happy to take you for a ride as would most Factory Five owners.

The Redbone Roadster:
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

[Kjoyce178]

Thanks all, really appreciated. I may have to check out the London car show and maybe try to meet up with some fellow enthusists. I spend soo much time thinking about what kind of engine I want to put in it but after driving a 600+ HP Shelby I quickly realized that I am more likely to kill myself with too much HP with a car this light. It would be nice to get a feel for how these cars drive and feel. I will certainly reach out if I have an oppurtunity to be near any of you once this pandemic is over.

[nuhale]

Hi- There are a number of us in the Chicagoland area. Happy to connect and let you look over my build but sorry no on the driving part. I'm in finishing steps and going to paint in a couple weeks so would be early March when she's back in my garage.

[GoDadGo]

Thanks all, really appreciated. I may have to check out the London car show and maybe try to meet up with some fellow enthusiasts. I spend soo much time thinking about what kind of engine I want to put in it but after driving a 600+ HP Shelby I quickly realized that I am more likely to kill myself with too much HP with a car this light. It would be nice to get a feel for how these cars drive and feel. I will certainly reach out if I have an opportunity to be near any of you once this pandemic is over.

Just remember the HP to Weight Ratio issue really comes into play with these cars.
My roadster produces a bit over 460 so my HP to Weight Ratio is 1/5.
Neither the Hellcat Redeye nor 911 Turbo-S hit that mark.

Remember That There Are No Nanny Devices On A Cobra!

https://www.copart.com/lot/33551180/2017-shel-cobra-la-baton-rouge

Now it is time to plan your build so you can build your dream!

[Rdone585]

I'm north of you in the Milwaukee area, mine has been parked for the winter for the most part. If we get a couple of warm days this month I might turn the insurance back on for a short ride. But after the salt goes on the roads I won't drive unless it gets washed off by a few good rains. Like nuhale said, there are many who would likely be glad to take you on a ride.

[ggunter]

If you want a real experience go to FFR for a factory tour, and if your lucky like I was, Dave might just show up and give you a ride of your life. I couldn't sign the sales order fast enough when I got out of the car. It has been a joy to build and something I have waited fifty years to do. But like everyone said here they can't wait to talk about their car and give you a ride. It is a visceral experience and reminds me of go cart racing when I was young. Seat of the pants, wind in your face, slammed back in the seat.....YEA!!!!

[Kjoyce178]

I am hoping my wife will get the hint and sign me up for the Roadster Build Class they offer.