View Full Version : Built vs Bought Observations
GoDadGo
03-08-2026, 06:09 AM
Hey Gang,
Yesterday we kicked off the "Car Show Season" in our area with a bunch of different events. We had "Cruise Around The Lake" and a few car shows in the area and all were a lot of fun.
One of the three (3) shows I attended was an "Invite Only Booshie Event" that I reluctantly showed up at. That event had some Super Cool Vintage English offerings, some Porsche products, a few Ferrari's, one very a real 289 Slab-Side Cobra and quite a few two wheelers. Much to my Sha-Grin, the only hand built Hot Rod at that event was my Little Red Roadster. What blew me away was the crowd that ended up around my Factory-5. Unlike the other two (2) shows I attended, at this event nobody restored, nor even wrenched on their on cars except me. Even the fellow with the Cobra, who founded a "Booshie Car Shop" for his son to run, admitted that he purchased his 289 Shelby after it had been "Completely Restored & Sorted" but had his son's staff maintains it and his fleet of collectibles.
Booshie Car Shop Link:
https://www.ppgcars.com/
Anyway, all of the events were fun but the best part of the day was driving my Factory-5 to each of them.
Steve
NOTE: If you are still building your dream car, know that your efforts, bloody knuckles, thrown tools and swear words are all worth it so never give up & never surrender!
https://youtu.be/SJ2hJezvd2I
cv2065
03-08-2026, 08:45 AM
I’ve had mostly the same experience Steve. I’d say 70% of the people know it’s a replica right off the bat, but whether it’s sitting by a Ferrari or Lambo, they always end up hanging out by the car. Of course, most are interested in what it took to build the car. I think most of us also fall into the leisurely camp where if a kid wants to sit in the car or someone wants to take a family photo, it’s all good when many of the owners at these car shows, sitting in their lawn chairs with ‘don’t touch’ signs makes us builders a little more approachable. The builder is more accommodating to the fans than the ‘waxer’, go figure.
Because this is a hobby that we talk so much about on the forum over the years, I think sometimes we forget how special of an adventure it is to build one of these and are surprised at the reactions we get, when most will never get or make the opportunity.
I made a photo book that shows a lot of the build up of my roadster that I take to shows. I usually get a few guys that are curious about building their own and they love looking through the book. I'll do the same for my Coupe when it is finished up.
I made a photo book that shows a lot of the build up of my roadster that I take to shows. I usually get a few guys that are curious about building their own and they love looking through the book. I'll do the same for my Coupe when it is finished up.
That’s a great idea!!
TrackDay17
03-08-2026, 10:19 AM
I made a photo book that shows a lot of the build up of my roadster that I take to shows. I usually get a few guys that are curious about building their own and they love looking through the book. I'll do the same for my Coupe when it is finished up.
Papa, I'm build my car now and I've got another takeoff of the photo album I'm going to attempt when I get my car finished.
I talked to my stepdaughter at Christmas about making a small website with pictures and my build process and then having a small barcode on my windshield or a sign that people can scan and take them right to your website like a business does.
I'm no internet guru by any means but my stepdaughter says she'll help me set something up when the time comes.
Papa, I'm build my car now and I've got another takeoff of the photo album I'm going to attempt when I get my car finished.
I talked to my stepdaughter at Christmas about making a small website with pictures and my build process and then having a small barcode on my windshield or a sign that people can scan and take them right to your website like a business does.
I'm no internet guru by any means but my stepdaughter says she'll help me set something up when the time comes.
Like this?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226506&d=1772984108
TrackDay17
03-08-2026, 02:06 PM
Like this?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226506&d=1772984108
That's exactly what I had in mind except build my own little picture website or link to a specific photos.
GoDad, thanks for posting this thread! There really is something special about building your own car, and I think people - even those who bought their sport/exotic - appreciate. I'm looking forward to warmer weather when I can get mine out again!
GoDadGo
03-08-2026, 04:52 PM
Thanks for the responses one and all.
Seems we've all had similar experiences.
The journey of our builds changed our lives.
For most of us, it was a change for the better.
Wow! Who Knew?
Aleinsteingenius
03-08-2026, 05:14 PM
Years ago, we were anchored out with a classic sailboat I had restored from the keel up. I re-made all the varnished teak woodwork, did all the carpentry, plumbing, wiring, and painting myself. I even took out the engine and rebuilt it down to the bearings. A friend came with his brand spanking new yacht, which he had just purchased, and rafted up with us. Some people going by in a small boat complimented me on our beautiful classic boat. I said thank you. Then they complimented my friend on his boat as well. He said, "Thank you". I said, "What are you saying thank you for?...all you did is write a check," lol
BEAR-AvHistory
03-11-2026, 10:51 PM
After a cars & coffee someone posted a picture of my Cobra with the heading "How to Make a Ferrari Disapear"
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226672&d=1773287317
The guy in the white hat owns the Ferrari. He sells the custom wheels.
cc2Arider
03-12-2026, 05:35 AM
:cool:
TrackDay17
03-12-2026, 09:24 AM
After a cars & coffee someone posted a picture of my Cobra with the heading "How to Make a Ferrari Disapear"
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226672&d=1773287317
The guy in the white hat owns the Ferrari. He sells the custom wheels.
I think this sums it up perfectly why some of us choose to build our own rather than buy a production car and throw a few mods at it.
Yes, its cool but there might be five other similar ones at the same cars and coffee.
Beautiful car btw, nice color choice.
edwardb
03-12-2026, 09:39 AM
I see this repeatedly at events I attend. I enjoy an occasional car show or cars and coffee because I enjoy talking to fellow enthusiasts, talking shop and builds, etc. I routinely see people walking past sometimes very exotic factory built cars and spending time looking at mine, asking questions, etc. Many are interested in learning more about Factory Five, what it was like to build, and so on. I even had a guy complain about it one time. He had a nice special interest car (don't remember exactly what it was) but wasn't happy that people were walking past his and spending time at mine.
I had a similar experience. I took my unfinished MKIV to a local car show last summer and was shocked at the amount of attention it drew. I wasn't in the show, just attending but even driving up to the parking lot which had all sorts of exotic Porsche, Ferrari, etc, in it I got a bunch of waves, people asking me about it, etc...and my body was still in gel coat! But I feel the same way. I really have no interest in exotic cars with bolt on mods. Write a big check and that's about the extent of your involvement. I love talking to the guys who own classic cars. I want to hear the stories of what they have, where it came from, what they did to it and why. So much more interesting than another pristine and pampered modern supercar.
Mike.Bray
03-12-2026, 05:31 PM
After a cars & coffee someone posted a picture of my Cobra with the heading "How to Make a Ferrari Disapear"
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226672&d=1773287317
The guy in the white hat owns the Ferrari. He sells the custom wheels.
This is so true. Years ago I built a 32 Ford Roadster, a true piece of art. Virtually everything was hand crafted including the chassis, front & rear suspension, and even the wheels. Fiberglass body that was heavily modified. Hand formed three piece hood and a full belly pan. 2500 hours I invested in this car.
After that I built a Component Craft Cobra kit car. It was okay, not nearly as nice as the Factory Five stuff. It was pretty simple, basically bolt together. It was very fun to drive and those memories are what got me to build another one. But the one thing I remember is people would stand on my Deuce to look at the Cobra. Nothing attracts a crowd like a Cobra that's for sure.
Joel Hauser
03-12-2026, 05:41 PM
I agree with all that has been said. I bring my cobra to 2 or 3 car shows each year, and the reception I receive from the spectators and participants is always great. I know my paint job isn't the best, but I've never received a negative comment. And people love to have their picture - or their kid's picture - taken in my car. You'd be surprised how many people love the color yellow. Built not bought is something to be proud of.
GoDadGo
03-12-2026, 06:32 PM
I agree with all that has been said. I bring my cobra to 2 or 3 car shows each year, and the reception I receive from the spectators and participants is always great. I know my paint job isn't the best, but I've never received a negative comment. And people love to have their picture - or their kid's picture - taken in my car. You'd be surprised how many people love the color yellow. Built not bought is something to be proud of.
Another Big Take Away is how many folks like to sit in my car at nearly every event I attend.
I love it when parents take pics of their kids in my car or an enthusiast sits in it and decides to join the Factory-5 Family.
When my pal Dave and I attend an event together, we are treated like Hot Rod Royalty.
The link below is to his 500 HP Hot Rod:
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/dave-e-graduates-his-33-hot-rod-build/
nashuanuke
03-13-2026, 10:21 AM
someone posted on reddit a while back that folks lie about whether their cars are original or replicas, I responded I've never heard of someone that built their own not proudly telling folks they built it themselves
someone posted on reddit a while back that folks lie about whether their cars are original or replicas, I responded I've never heard of someone that built their own not proudly telling folks they built it themselves
I know I've had a lot of people ask if my car is an original. People simply don't know as much about these cars, original or otherwise, to know what they are seeing. My typical response is to tell them it's a replica built from a Factory Five kit. I also tell them that the odds of seeing an original Shelby 427 Cobra on the street are astronomically low given that those cars are valued in the many millions of dollars.
cv2065
03-13-2026, 10:54 AM
I know I've had a lot of people ask if my car is an original. People simply don't know as much about these cars, original or otherwise, to know what they are seeing. My typical response is to tell them it's a replica built from a Factory Five kit. I also tell them that the odds of seeing an original Shelby 427 Cobra on the street are astronomically low given that those cars are valued in the many millions of dollars.
I was at a show with my car and another roadster that was in gelcoat. A young guy with his girlfriend walked by the car in gelcoat and he told her that is how you tell a real Cobra from a replica, is that it has to have the parting lines. :p
Mike.Bray
03-13-2026, 12:47 PM
Mine is very real to me!
Jeff Kleiner
03-13-2026, 01:17 PM
When I built my first one 19 years ago the most frequently asked question was “Is it real?” About 10 or 12 years ago things changed and the most often asked question became “Is it a Factory Five?” :cool:
Jeff
Most of the “it’s not real” trolls arrived at the car show in a Camry and don’t have one of their own (real or otherwise).
Most of the “it’s not real” trolls arrived at the car show in a Camry and don’t have one of their own (real or otherwise).
Yes, but they all know someone that has or had a "real" one.
Whenever someone asks me if it is "real", I respond that it is indeed a real car that drives and handles well. But I am sure to then tell them that it is not a Shelby from the 1960s, but a 'component built' race car that meets safety standards for street use. If they ask more, I tell them about Factory Five and their quality products and customer support.
GoDadGo
03-14-2026, 06:32 AM
When I built my first one 19 years ago the most frequently asked question was “Is it real?” About 10 or 12 years ago things changed and the most often asked question became “Is it a Factory Five?” :cool:
Jeff
Ditto Sir Jeffski!
.
I'm always thrilled to tell them; Yes, it is a Factory-5.
As you know I came on the scene back in 2015 and my car has been street legal since 2020.
The fun thing is I can now tell the taller fellows to look at the new MK-5 because they will Really, Really Fit!
.
I Am Especially Proud When Someone Asks Me That Question!
Stay Motivated You Fellows Currently Building Your Dream!
https://youtu.be/GpqvBPwIbzI
Railroad
03-14-2026, 10:19 AM
While mine was in go-cart stage, I loaded it on my open car hauler trailer and took it to a local cruise in.
I got a lot of viewers, bending over, pointing and looking. They could see all the hoses, nice new Wilwoods, fresh Coyote Aluminator, with CJ intake standing proud.
Wife sat nearby while I strolled. She said, heard of a lot of wows and compliments.
Wayne r mckee
03-14-2026, 10:22 PM
226789 the is it real question is why I got my plate !
Andrew Davis
03-15-2026, 03:02 AM
I get a lot of hand gestures, phone cameras and people commenting at stop lights. My biggest smile is when a small kid points or drags his parent near the car. I laugh and tell the parent, "it's like something out of their toybox".
tonywy
03-15-2026, 07:48 AM
A friend of mine was recently at Barrett Jackson and came home with sticker shock. We talked about what he had seen there and prices. He was telling me about some new Mustang offering from Ford that he was entertaining, no discounts it is like 125K . Albeit those cars like that are cool and I had my share of Corvettes and such. I told him I call cars like that " Bored by the Third Payment ". When asked the is it real question I never use the "K" word I tell them it is a replica of an original.
OSU Cowboy
03-15-2026, 09:00 AM
SloPoke has been out of business since July 4, 2025. Engine failure. Turned out to be a failed hydraulic roller lifter at 25K miles on a 347. My son in law knows and trusts an old guy that's a "Ford guy" and has been rebuilding motors for years. He is a disabled Vietnam veteran. We got the motor out and delivered to him two weeks ago today, and he is making excellent progress. Suspect I'll have the rebuilt motor back around mid-April. I have really missed driving the car over that 9 to 10 month period of time and hope to have it back on the road by May or June. I routinely attended the local cars and coffee and looking forward to getting back to doing that along with enjoyable drives on the two lane asphalt roads in central Oklahoma. Route 66 passes near our house, and this being the Centennial of The Mother Road there may be some cool things to participate in.
BEAR-AvHistory
03-16-2026, 01:25 PM
This is so true. Years ago I built a 32 Ford Roadster, a true piece of art. Virtually everything was hand crafted including the chassis, front & rear suspension, and even the wheels. Fiberglass body that was heavily modified. Hand formed three piece hood and a full belly pan. 2500 hours I invested in this car.
After that I built a Component Craft Cobra kit car. It was okay, not nearly as nice as the Factory Five stuff. It was pretty simple, basically bolt together. It was very fun to drive and those memories are what got me to build another one. But the one thing I remember is people would stand on my Deuce to look at the Cobra. Nothing attracts a crowd like a Cobra that's for sure.
Looks like we have a similar taste in cars. Built this 1933 coupe in the dim past. Mix of hand built, fiberglass, steel body parts. Modified 1932 reproduction chassis, 1970 Chevy LT-1 solid lifter 370BHP crate motor, manual shift TH-400, 9"Ford rear, Mustang front suspension. A lot of sweat. :D
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114130&d=1568174852
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226884&d=1773685386
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226883&d=1773685348
Presdough
03-16-2026, 01:46 PM
226789 the is it real question is why I got my plate !
I got AINT SLO
narly1
03-18-2026, 10:07 AM
All I'm going to say as I work my way through my own build is that my respect for those who build or restore has only increased.
Buy on Friday, show on Sunday?
We're not the same.
Earl
GoDadGo
03-19-2026, 06:23 PM
Buy on Friday, show on Sunday?
We're not the same.
Earl
Amen Sir Duke of Earl, Amen!
rich grsc
03-19-2026, 09:30 PM
Yes, but they all know someone that has or had a "real" one.
Dave here is a fun fact, at one time a few years back, the GCC had 3 original cobra's in the club. One even went on a day cruise with the club, about 40 miles in, one of the original pin-drive wheels cracked and had to be flat bedded back. That was the last time he ever took it on a cruise. The owners have since dropped out of the club, and have lost track of them.
You can verify the story with Tim.