How and why I built this car.

[Ray]

How we built this car is an adventure. It could not have been built without the help of both old and new friends. The Factory Five group of builders are some of the most generous, friendly and knowledgeable bunch of people that can be found anywhere. One phone call, a single post asking for information and you'll have a dozen replies. The small bit of information that you need, on it's way. 2, 3 or more guys stopping by "just to see how you're doing." Need a part? Just ask and it's in the mail. My family, especially my wife, were extremely supportive. Jodi not only encouraged the project, she contributed her time, sweat, money and even blood (while grinding fender seams.) When the build stalled after I had surgery, she helped by making a punch list and showed me that there really wasn't much left to do.

Here is the why.

In the early to mid 60's, I was a 7 year old boy sitting at home in front of the TV, when I was drawn outside by this marvelous sound. Coming down the street was the most wonderful engine rumble that I have ever heard. Running outside, I saw my father behind the wheel of a Cobra. It was pulling into our driveway! He really wanted to buy it. Heck, I REALLY wanted him to buy it! But a wife and three children required a different car -- still a Ford -- but a station wagon. In 1968, Bill Cosby did a hilarious routine "200-MPH" My Dad and I laughed until we cried listening to that routine over and over.

My Dad passed away in 2001 after a battle with cancer. To the day he died, I truly believe that he wished he had bought that Cobra, even for a short time. While researching kits to buy, I would discuss the project with him. He would perk up and become the Dad that I remembered from my youth. One of my biggest regrets is that he didn't live to see or ride in this car.

Now that I'm a father, I don't want to be at the end of my time saying '"coulda', woulda', shoulda', wish I hada'." So, Dad, here is our car.

Ray

[Hankl]

Ray,

I think somewhere deep down in the places we keep dear, we all have memories and feelings like yours, about these cars. For me it was going to races at Riverside with my Dad. He loved mechanical things, and had grown up as a poor farm kid, who went on to be the chief engineer on a Liberty ship during the war. He instilled in me the curiosity of wanting to know how things worked, and fortunately for Him, the ability to put them back together again. He passed away while I was still in the service, and didn't get the chance to see all that I've experience since then. I think he would be impressed with what I'm building, and even more impressed with the community that I've become a part of.......


Hank

[Dave Smith]

Ray,

I am grateful for your participation on this forum and remember fondly the day I met you. I pray that your spirit of fellowship stays foremost in this place as others come to share their stories, and their experiences as kindly as you have.

Dave Smith
FFR 001