mrmustang
08-22-2024, 09:16 AM
I've posted this a number of times on BAT, with sellers calling their MK I's a MK II or even a MK III in hopes of finding a deep pocket buyer who does not know the differences. Figured I'd post it here as well to see if there are any worthy additions that need to be added.
Factory Five Timeline:
January 1995-Work on prototype FFR roadster replica begins in a small garage by Dave and Mark Smith
Late October, early November 1995-Actual production of the MK I begins
November 1995-100th FFR MK I is produced
May 1st, 2000-1,000th FFR MKI I is produced, FFR gives this kit to their very first customer (uncertain what happens to prototype FFR at that time)
May 2002- “New and improved” FFR MK II is brought to market
January 2004-FFR states their 4,000th FFR roadster has left the assembly line
August 2004-FFR introduces their “latest and greatest” FFR MK III roadster
February/March 2007-FFR produces their 6,000th roadster kit
February 2010-FFR introduces a completely redesigned FFR MK IV roadster
Changes (not all):
MK I-VIN: FFRxxxx early cars as produced, slotted upper control arm mounts, straight upper trunk bar, straight steering bar
MK I.5-“Tweener”VIN: FFRxxxx-minor changes to footboxes, factory optional big block motor mounts, dropped footboxes added as option, some transmission tunnel bracing added, minor hidden tweaks here and there
MK II-VIN: FFRxxxx Double drilled upper control arm mounts, factory welded, curved upper trunk bar, full structural bracing for transmission tunnel “backbone”. Tons of minor tweaks not noticeable with body on.
MK III-new VIN configuration: F5R100XXXXRD Reconfigured steering system (comes out front of footbox) for new 4.6L drivetrain, new footbox configuration, chassis rework for SN95 and later drivetrain and suspensions offerings, minor tweeks to body, many tweaks to frame, new options from FFR.
In addition, while my dates are a little different than those in the following article, I believe them to be a bit more accurate
https://www.motortrend.com/features/kc-110044-factory-five-historical-timeline/
Anything I missed, or needs additional information or context, please let me know.
Thanks in advance,
Bill S.
Factory Five Timeline:
January 1995-Work on prototype FFR roadster replica begins in a small garage by Dave and Mark Smith
Late October, early November 1995-Actual production of the MK I begins
November 1995-100th FFR MK I is produced
May 1st, 2000-1,000th FFR MKI I is produced, FFR gives this kit to their very first customer (uncertain what happens to prototype FFR at that time)
May 2002- “New and improved” FFR MK II is brought to market
January 2004-FFR states their 4,000th FFR roadster has left the assembly line
August 2004-FFR introduces their “latest and greatest” FFR MK III roadster
February/March 2007-FFR produces their 6,000th roadster kit
February 2010-FFR introduces a completely redesigned FFR MK IV roadster
Changes (not all):
MK I-VIN: FFRxxxx early cars as produced, slotted upper control arm mounts, straight upper trunk bar, straight steering bar
MK I.5-“Tweener”VIN: FFRxxxx-minor changes to footboxes, factory optional big block motor mounts, dropped footboxes added as option, some transmission tunnel bracing added, minor hidden tweaks here and there
MK II-VIN: FFRxxxx Double drilled upper control arm mounts, factory welded, curved upper trunk bar, full structural bracing for transmission tunnel “backbone”. Tons of minor tweaks not noticeable with body on.
MK III-new VIN configuration: F5R100XXXXRD Reconfigured steering system (comes out front of footbox) for new 4.6L drivetrain, new footbox configuration, chassis rework for SN95 and later drivetrain and suspensions offerings, minor tweeks to body, many tweaks to frame, new options from FFR.
In addition, while my dates are a little different than those in the following article, I believe them to be a bit more accurate
https://www.motortrend.com/features/kc-110044-factory-five-historical-timeline/
Anything I missed, or needs additional information or context, please let me know.
Thanks in advance,
Bill S.