Why build/buy a roadster?

[Ares675]

Obviously expecting biased answer, not stirring the pot either, I want to be convinced to follow my heart, but the brain keeps saying stop.

Ive done the best math I can. a mk5 coyote build with minimal upgrades (AC and IRS basically), with the powertrain comes out to $66k (lot of things you NEED to buy that arent in that "complete kit" for 25k). Thats just the kit and powertrain, and everything I read says there WILL be other expenses. Incidental Parts, tools, body and paint (which I can *possibly* do myself... I have a high end HVLP sprayer and paint booth that will fit a car, but Ive only used it for woodworking) but even just the paint is probably $2000.
So let say I manage to close it out for $70k. but could be 75 or even 80+...

Id LOVE to build my own car, its a dream of mine, ultima Evo/RS is my dream,, but a roadster is a good place to cut my teeth.

but then logical side comes out. 70k isnt chump change to me. but if I spend 70k on a toy... theres a lot of options. Stingray and Mustang GT500 come to mind. certainly safer, easier to drive fast, and potentially faster overall despite their pork. Not sure who will do better on depreciation...

So in a world of 70-80k cars, why do you choose the roadster?

[narly1]

Why ANY FFR vehicle for that matter:

Because you will never find a car that you are more emotionally (as a result of the build process) or physically (while driving your creation) connected to.

Earl

[Shamilton289]

For me I’ve always wanted a Cobra…preferably a 289 Street (slabside). I don’t want to finance a toy project, so I have to be able to cash-flow it (pay as you go). A car built the way I want would be $60k-$80k or more, especially if I could get an ERA Slabside or a Superformance MK2. I don’t have $60k-$80k disposable income. I can afford $25k-$35k cash…but all those cars are questionable quality to me. And I wouldn’t have the satisfaction of “I built it”.
So I’ve started with a $24k Complete Kit of a 289 USSRC and adding a 289 built by me. I’m into it for about $35k so far and maybe another $5k to go. But it’s all mine, no one to point fingers at, no excuses from a shop putting it on a back burner. I can walk into my garage every day and see what I’m accomplishing. Hopefully I’ll be building some equity into it along the way.

[CDXXVII]

I built mine for the adventure. The build process was everything from rewarding to utter frustration. I loved every minute of it. The cost may seem steep but I spread my build to a little over four years. I didn’t cut any corners and absolutely love my roadster. I’ve been on the road over six years and it never gets old. I know every nut, bolt and wire termination on my roadster.

On the other hand, you spend $75K on a new C8. There is absolutely nothing you can do yourself on the car and I can bet by the time you are done paying for it you will be looking at the new model that just came out. Also, if you happen to take it to a car show you will be parked next to 5 other of the same car talking about what accessory you are going to bolt on next.

Just my honest opinion. You do not build one of these because of how many airbags it has or how comfortable the ride is. You build one for the adventure and the excitement it brings year after year.

Good luck with whatever you decide

[OSU Cowboy]

For my MK3.1 build that was delivered in Sep 2008 and not on the road until Nov 2019 ... I kept all receipts ... to come up $50K in that car. Now, I did get a great deal on my engine as my nephew built it, and was ready to move on to something else so sold it to me for $4K. It's a 347 with full race components in it. The T5 was sourced from Levy, also $4K. I wasted some money - $1K for AC that will never happen (system is in the car but never charged) as once I got the car built I figured out I would not be able to get into and out of the car with a soft top on it. Now the body remains as Factory Five delivered it - gel coat gray (they went to red on the MK4 of course) - so no body work and paint when would be another $10K or so. Fact is - I kinda like it that way as I built it to drive it, and certainly can in the gel coat with zero worries about rock chips, bugs, etc damaging paint.

All in - the only regret now is that it took me 11 years to get it on the road. I very much enjoy driving it. It's got way more capability than I have skill, and I respect that each and every time out.

[gbranham]

Ive built two FFRs, and owned many high performance sports cars. I can't say I love the FFR more than cars I've bought, but nothing compares to the process of building an FFR. That's the intangible you can't figure in to your financial analysis.

Greg

[gbranham]

For me I’ve always wanted a Cobra…preferably a 289 Street (slabside). I don’t want to finance a toy project, so I have to be able to cash-flow it (pay as you go). A car built the way I want would be $60k-$80k or more, especially if I could get an ERA Slabside or a Superformance MK2. I don’t have $60k-$80k disposable income. I can afford $25k-$35k cash…but all those cars are questionable quality to me. And I wouldn’t have the satisfaction of “I built it”.
So I’ve started with a $24k Complete Kit of a 289 USSRC and adding a 289 built by me. I’m into it for about $35k so far and maybe another $5k to go. But it’s all mine, no one to point fingers at, no excuses from a shop putting it on a back burner. I can walk into my garage every day and see what I’m accomplishing. Hopefully I’ll be building some equity into it along the way.

If you sell a complete car you built, you'll never fully recover the expense. There is no equity in these cars, regardless of how they're built.

[Guy G]

I’ve gone through the same thoughts. I’ve been building cars and bikes for over 40 years. If I built them with the only thought being depreciation I would have never built any of them. Let’s face it….its a toy. The joy,excitement,plenty of frustration, and pride are all part of the journey. Sure, you could spend less and get a great corvette, mustang or whatever, and go to the shows and meets with a car that has subtle differences from the other guys there…but go with one that you sweat, swore at, sat and stared at for hours to make sure that piece you just put in looks perfect…. That’s the best part. It’s yours….its you! You’re not gonna tear out the interior of a Vette and replace it with diamond pleat. That’s what makes it yours.
If you go into it looking for good ROI….take up another hobby.
These are bought and built for the journey and emotion. Enjoy every rewarding and ****ty moment that it will hand up.
Most of all, enjoy whatever you choose, to the fullest!!
Good luck my friend

[FFinisher]

If you sell a complete car you built, you'll never fully recover the expense. There is no equity in these cars, regardless of how they're built.

Not necessarily true.

But if you are doing it for financial reasons, it's the wrong reason.

[Stangrob]

It's a very valid question, and it's a decision based on your particular needs. Are you looking for a fast, fun car that will get a lot of attention - if so then there are lots of options out there, including buying a built FFR roadster. But if you like to get your hands dirty and want the satisfaction of rolling your own, then the list gets a heck of a lot shorter. Also, if you want to have something a bit more unique, that also shortens the list too (unless you have tons of money, and I don't believe that applies to most of us here). I want to start off by saying that I respect the guy that buys a car versus building it - you need to know what is best for you. But for me, I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of buying a built car, then telling folks that I didn't build it. That "build" piece is important to me - I want to know my car inside and out. My last car was like that ('65 Falcon wagon) and I really enjoyed showing her and explaining how I got that car done. I also relish a project and knowing that my 289 car will be here in a few weeks is awesome. BTW, I also went through the mental exercise of considering other project builds, such as a '65 Mustang fastback. When you look at what folks are getting for rusted out hulks, the FFR roadster looks even better. I know I will not get my money back down the road, but you also can't take it with you, so you might as well have some fun. Good luck with your decision!

Rob

[Ares675]

what do you think about their value? I did poke around to see what they sell for, seems like they get listed around 70k, but dont sell very frequently...

[Reddrig]

I wake up every day wondering what will I do to the car today! I go to bed working through everything I did that day to the car! It keeps me young at heart and also challenges me in ways nothing else can at this time in my life. A very small percentage of people can say they built a car, that number is probably decreasing every year.

I have friends and family that always talk a big game about building a car or other bucket list items, somehow it mostly ends up as talk. I’m actually living the dream!

[Tango]

My build is underway and for me there is a real frustration/satisfaction cycle that comes along with each new component/step of the process. I find that challenging and rewarding. But what amazed me … a few months ago I showed up at the London Cobra show….I was the guy without a car. I mean my car (frame) was at home on jack stands without an engine. I made my way to the Bluegrass (KY) Cobra Club tent and introduced myself. I asked one of the members if he would show me his car, and instantly a queue formed. All the other members walked over with us as the first owner explained his car…..waiting patiently each of the other owners took turns escorting me to their car and repeating the process. My point is the pride of craftsmanship vs the pride of ownership (A.K.A. Built not bought) was very intriguing. I look at my car and see every misaligned rivet or scratched panel all of which will eventually be covered…..but when visitors see my car they are amazed at the detail and “craftsmanship”. I have been fortunate to own several high end sports cars and motorcycles (in the past)…..I am not building this to compete with any of those. I am building it for a different challenge and the satisfaction of knowing the end result is the sum of the effort I put into it.

[edwardb]

My response is similar to some others, but here goes. Yes, you could walk into a dealer and pay the same money for one of the cars listed. But, (1) If you really want a Roadster (aka Cobra) Factory Five is the biggest and within reason probably the most economical way to go. There are several other kit brands still around. But none have the volume or user support base like Factory Five. A factory built car, e.g. Superformance or Backdraft will be more. Likely a lot more. (2) For me, it's not just what it is but also the enjoyment of the build. (3) If you aren't passionate about building, maybe not for you. It's a lot of work and takes significant time. There are already built ones out there for sale and for many that's a valid option. Although the quality varies so buyer beware. For me, that would take half or more of the enjoyment away though.

[CW_MI]

Performance cars were always my passion, right from a little kid. As I got older I had several muscle cars, then turned a street car into a 10 second street racing car (Fox body Mustang), then got out of cars completely, and got into performance boats....yeah, fun, but a quick way to go broke. All through this time I snowmobiled and had ATV's, along with other hobbies. Hobbies and things with engines kept me busy.

Then 2008 hit, along with marriage and some of the hobbies had to go. We kept snowmobiling and riding ATV's but as the years progressed, the hobbies just didn't hit like they used to. Around 5 years ago, I really lost interesting in the hobbies I used to partake in. I started selling things off, and now, we've got a SxS, and a collector car that is pretty much sorted out, so it's just basic maintenance and detailing. So, I've found my self bored quite a bit. I was showing more interest into cars again at the same time. I wanted something to fill the time up, and I'm done with working on houses so figured I'd get another car. I didn't want to go down the route of another race car. I have zero fabrication skills, so building something or doing a restoration is out of the picture.

I ended up running across a YT video of someone building a RCR GT40. They are local, and I actually have a friend that works there. So, I started researching those...found they do need a fair amount of fabrication and the cost to build one the way I'd want it, was not within my budget. I remembered a friend of mine, years ago did a Mk1 Roadster, and a cousin of mine actually had a real 289 Cobra, that I was lucky enough to get a ride in. So, I started looking at Factory Five. It is right up my alley, and it will get me out in the garage doing something very challenging. At the same time, I was doing my research, I started talking to a couple of friends about it. They got hooked as well.

So, now I've got one friend doing a coupe build, another friend picking up is Mk4 Roadster later this week, and I'm going to order a Mk5 in the next month or two. Basically, this is all about the challenge of the build. The funny thing is, I don't even know if I'll like the driving the car when it's done. Hopefully I do, I don't see why not, but one never knows. I am definitely looking forward to the build though.

TL;DR
Bored, mid life crisis, didn't want a Corvette, let's build a car !

[Papa]

For me, the itch started as a kid who was always around cool cars. My dad was a mechanic and body & paint guy. The funny thing is, I always liked cars, but never had much interest in working on them. Fastforward a few decades, and I came across Factory Five. This was pretty early in their time and the donor build was a very attractive concept of how to transform a Mustang into a Cobra. With kids in school and being "early mortgage poor", it remained as just a thought for several more years. When Factory Five released their 33 Hot Rod, I fell in love with the idea of building a car again. I was torn between the 33 and the Cobra, but the more I thought about driving the cars, the more I leaned toward the Cobra. I finally found myself in a situation that would allow me to follow my dream, but then, like you, I started to question the financial aspect. I was seeing built cars that were far less than the build estimate I had for the Cobra I wanted to build. I actually started looking at cars that were listed on-line and found that none of what I was seeing in those lower price points were what I felt I'd be happy with. That's when I decided to pull the trigger and bought my MK4 kit. After starting the build, I fell in love with the car and have met dozens of other builders along the way that I consider friends today. There is nothing better than talking to someone at a gas station, car show, etc., and seeing their reaction when I tell them I built the car. So, for me, it is about the pride of building a machine that attracts so much attention everywhere it goes, the camaraderie of the relatively small builder and enthusiast community for these cars, and the sheer pleasure of driving a car that I built that make this all worth it. After eight years since diving into this hobby, I'm now building my second Factory Five; a Type 65 Coupe this time.

[Jacob McCrea]

It's tough to make a financial argument for building one of these things yourself. The real "value added" to my life has been the quality people I met, friends I made, skills I gained or refined, and other intangible benefits. I couldn't put a value on the enjoyable conversations I've had with people over the years, the fun of giving people rides or letting them drive the machine, having a few more good friends I wouldn't have otherwise met, and so on. The cars are cool but the people are what makes it really special and adds to your life.

[Nigel Allen]

It's tough to make a financial argument for building one of these things yourself. The real "value added" to my life has been the quality people I met, friends I made, skills I gained or refined, and other intangible benefits. I couldn't put a value on the enjoyable conversations I've had with people over the years, the fun of giving people rides or letting them drive the machine, having a few more good friends I wouldn't have otherwise met, and so on. The cars are cool but the people are what makes it really special and adds to your life.

This sums it up for me nicely.

[Al_C]

There isn't much I can add here. Nevertheless, I am compelled to respond. A weakness of mine, I suppose... In the six years my car has been on the road, I don't think I have had a trip where no one commented on the car, either with a thumbs up, comment or a wave. When you build a cobra, you are creating a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It is truly a custom built car. Irrespective of color, your car will be different from every other cobra on the road. If that adds to your enjoyment, go for the build. As stated already, you will know, intimately, every bolt and wire on it. You will know every in and out of your drivetrain. And, again as already stated, you will have friends all over the world. In my mind, that's one of the best parts of this whole process. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the place. If that is important to you, go for the build. If you want to maintain a low profile, buy a Corvette.

[Shamilton289]

Not necessarily true.

But if you are doing it for financial reasons, it's the wrong reason.
Agreed. I’m doing it because I’ve always wanted to, and for the thrill,of the journey. After a couple dozen Mustangs it was time for a change.

[UpstateCobraGuy]

My 2 cents...

As a long time ('05) customer, I will tell you there is nothing like comradery you will find by building your own car. IMHO, FFR owners are a totally different group of people. I keep track of a good number of guys local to me and we will help with builds, just sit around B.S.ing during the winter, talking at car shows or driving our cars together. Plain and simple, there are no other cars that gets more attention. I've seen $200K exotics get tripped over so people can get up close to my basic Mark III Roadster. You will learn skills you didn't know you needed and be better for it. Yeah, maybe you could own another car for the same money, but in the end, it will be just a car and NOT your BUILD. :cool:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213525&d=1746709329

HIH,

Pat

The Benevolent Dictator of the Upstate (NY) Cobras

[Tooth]

I was torn, but the day I went in person to purchase my kit I the silver roadster in the showroom stood out to me.

I have friends that don't understand why I built this. They say things like "if you wanted one, why didn't you just buy one". They will never understand. Just got mine on the road last week, and I'd build another now if I wasn't paying college and private school tuitions.

[Flashsuperstar]

For me I agree, if you sell your car after you have built it you will never get the price of what you have put in to the build. I have built several cars on my own and have have helped on the builds of more, from Model A's to muscle cars. To me the true love is in the JOURNEY OF THE BUILD. I plan on starting the build of my next car a FFR MKV in 2026, and I know I can always turn to this forum if any help that is needed. Thank you in advance, I know I will receive the helpful and knowledgeable answers that I will need!

[GoDadGo]

Not necessarily true.

But if you are doing it for financial reasons, it's the wrong reason.

Amen To That!

[ggunter]

The only reason probably 90% of the answers on here are just the love of the Cobra. Fo me the first time I saw one was on TV at a Sebring race in the 60's. I was only about 13 years old, but the shape of that car just caught my eye and never left. I even had Cobra slot cars back then. If I had to sell mine, I would be happy to come close to breaking even on the costs of all the parts. So, it's not for financial gain. But I'll never sell it. There aren't many of them out there and everywhere you go people want to talk to you about the car and for me, there is a sense of pride in having built every aspect of the car. The FFR moto, "Built Not Bought" kind of says it.

[LSX]

All of these responses are perfect. Everyone has their reasons to either buy or build one. Cant wait to start my journey as well!

[RoadRacer]

All of the above, but I don't think anyone said this - I may have $50k in my car (hell I may have much more, I don't count) - but you don't need all that upfront.

You buy the kit. I even bought in stages (hot rod allows this). You can scrounge junk yards if you're cheap. I got my 8.8 rear from a junkyard. Bought an engine from an old drag racer for $1000. Bought wheelsd and tires from FB marketplace for $500 all-in.

DROVE THE WHEELS OFF IT. I was probably $35k on the road.

Then you start learning, tweaking, perhaps making it go faster - at a speed you can afford. (Heaven help you if you get the racing bug, but perhaps you go the show route.. may be just as expensive!!)

So, yes, money really isn't the point, but this was possible for me, in a way that spending $50k on a new car was not.

[jcarcustom]

I think the process of building/creating something is the most fantastic part, each evolution, each achievement. I believe most people who build an FFR already have another cool car and then decide to venture into building their own. My biggest automotive dream is to build a FORD GT40, but before that, I want to build a Cobra; the GT40 will probably be the last project of my life.

[Presdough]

I bought a partially finished one for my auto shop students to work on. We built a sequential fuel injection system from scratch.

[mrmustang]

Obviously expecting biased answer, not stirring the pot either, I want to be convinced to follow my heart, but the brain keeps saying stop.

Ive done the best math I can. a mk5 coyote build with minimal upgrades (AC and IRS basically), with the powertrain comes out to $66k (lot of things you NEED to buy that arent in that "complete kit" for 25k). Thats just the kit and powertrain, and everything I read says there WILL be other expenses. Incidental Parts, tools, body and paint (which I can *possibly* do myself... I have a high end HVLP sprayer and paint booth that will fit a car, but Ive only used it for woodworking) but even just the paint is probably $2000.
So let say I manage to close it out for $70k. but could be 75 or even 80+...

Id LOVE to build my own car, its a dream of mine, ultima Evo/RS is my dream,, but a roadster is a good place to cut my teeth.

but then logical side comes out. 70k isnt chump change to me. but if I spend 70k on a toy... theres a lot of options. Stingray and Mustang GT500 come to mind. certainly safer, easier to drive fast, and potentially faster overall despite their pork. Not sure who will do better on depreciation...

So in a world of 70-80k cars, why do you choose the roadster?

What you build, or what you decide to buy is always a personal choice. Whether you have $5,000 to spend or $5,000,000 it really does not make a difference, as once again, it's your hard earned money, and your personal wants and needs. Reading the responses above, there is a plethora of wants and needs, but in the end, it all boils down to a desire by an enthusiast and nothing else.

Now, the questions I have for you are as follows:
Respectfully:

Are you looking for something to build?
Are you capable of building a car such as a roadster?
Are you planning to road race, drag race, or just have a ice cream/show cruiser?
Are you actually scared about getting behind the wheel of a roadster knowing it is unlike anything else you have ever driven, light weight, 90" wheelbase vehicle without any safety features?
Are you looking at something to buy?
Are you looking at such a vehicle as an investment?
Why are you really here? (this one requires some soul searching at the very least)


Bill S.

[Aleinsteingenius]

I am building a Mk V. I am retired and needed something to keep my brain busy so I don't go crazy and drive my wife crazy lol.

[Presdough]

For that ear to ear smile every time you turn the key!

[Aleinsteingenius]

I believe the answer to this question can be found in the best-selling philosophy book of all time, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". In this book, he argues that there are two types of thought. The first is "Classic Thought," which is basically how things work. All the nuts and bolts. Very factual, measurable, and finite, as in fixing a motorcycle. The other type of thought he calls "Romantic Thought". This mostly involves feelings, opinions, personal ratings, etc, as in enjoying a trip on a motorcycle. I suggest that building an FFR Roadster satisfies both types of thought. The "Classic Thought" while building, and the "Romantic Thought" when you have the experience of driving it with all the sounds, feelings, and FUN.

"That's way more than I wanted to know Einstein....now my head hurts" lol

[cv2065]

If you sell a complete car you built, you'll never fully recover the expense. There is no equity in these cars, regardless of how they're built.

Although I agree for the most part, that's not entirely true. I sold my last one for a couple of thousand more than I had in it. Labor hours excluded of course. Right place, right time.

[cv2065]

Obviously expecting biased answer, not stirring the pot either, I want to be convinced to follow my heart, but the brain keeps saying stop.

Ive done the best math I can. a mk5 coyote build with minimal upgrades (AC and IRS basically), with the powertrain comes out to $66k (lot of things you NEED to buy that arent in that "complete kit" for 25k). Thats just the kit and powertrain, and everything I read says there WILL be other expenses. Incidental Parts, tools, body and paint (which I can *possibly* do myself... I have a high end HVLP sprayer and paint booth that will fit a car, but Ive only used it for woodworking) but even just the paint is probably $2000.
So let say I manage to close it out for $70k. but could be 75 or even 80+...

Id LOVE to build my own car, its a dream of mine, ultima Evo/RS is my dream,, but a roadster is a good place to cut my teeth.

but then logical side comes out. 70k isnt chump change to me. but if I spend 70k on a toy... theres a lot of options. Stingray and Mustang GT500 come to mind. certainly safer, easier to drive fast, and potentially faster overall despite their pork. Not sure who will do better on depreciation...

So in a world of 70-80k cars, why do you choose the roadster?

I built my first one, then sold a couple of years later. Thought I'd try my hand at some other options. Ultima, Superlite, RCR, DDR, etc. After months of research, all roads led back to FFR. Why? Because many of the aforementioned options had a variety of issues in terms of manufacturing flaws, very few design updates, lack of instruction (no formal manuals), parts availability, poor community and manufacture support. None could hold a candle to what FFR offers. So, I came back and started building another Roadster.

The grand idea of building a car is farfetched from actually doing it. Some think these are paint by number kits but they are not. Many get in over their heads for whatever reason and either have someone else finish it or abandon the project all together, so you really have to be committed mentally and financially before hitting the purchase button. In regard to ROI, it really shouldn't be a consideration. I got lucky when I sold mine but that's not the norm and I don't expect it on this as I have more invested than the first go around.

Boils down to this. The FFR Roadster is unique and you'll probably never see one out in the wild. There is a reason for that. We are an exclusive club. Go drive a modern Mustang or Corvette. Great cars teeming with technology, but you just blend in with the crowd, and I'm not just talking about looks. Jeff Kleiner has a tag line on his avatar...."Not a Waxer". I may be misinterpreting that phrase, but I always took that as making a point that we enjoy wrenching just as much as we drive and look pretty. In some cases, more. I'm guessing that most of the C8 and GT500 drivers can't say that. :p

Good luck with your decision.

[mrmustang]

And just like that, a 2 hit wonder, having not been logged back on the forum since the initial posts to this thread.


Do we think the forum was trolled?


Certainly appears that way.