Ingress / egress

[Marc B]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a kit. I'm partial to the coupe but have heard that they can be hard to get in and out of. I'm 5'-11", 200lbs and, like all old guys, have a stiff back and creaky knees. Anyone out there in a similar situation have any input? If I don't get the coupe my second choice will be the MK5 roadster.

[JTG]

Your height and weight shouldn't be a problem, but there's definitely a technique to getting in and out of these cars. Depending on where you're located it would be worth finding a coupe in the area to test the ingress / egress process. If you haven't seen it already Dave Smith made a video about the best way to enter and exit the car.

My observations getting in one for the first time was it's much lower than I expected. Also having a removable steering wheel helps to give your knees a little more room when getting in and out.

Good luck!

[Indy Shu]

Need to be a little more limber with the coupe but once you get used to it, you should be fine. Removeable steering wheel is a must.
Good Luck!

[Dgc333]

I am 6', 200lbs and 72 years old. I went down to FFR to try on a 65 Coupe. I just could not get in and out comfortably, plenty of room once I was in. Since I was planning to drive the car a lot and didn't want to be contorting my body every time I wanted in or out I decided to pass on the 65 Coupe.

I wound up getting a Speedstar, it is actually easier to get in and out of than my 4x4 pickup. The truck I have to step on the running board, then stoop down to get my head in. With the Speedstar I just sit down backwards on the seat and swing my legs in.

[MPTech]

The Coupe may be a challenge if you have a stiff back. I don't know where you are located, but if you can make it to the Factory Five showroom, they have multiples of every car they manufacture and you can probably try them all out for ease of access. Second best would be to find a Cobra club in you are and try that (they are GREAT for knowledge too). Call FFR to arrange a visit, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[edwardb]

Assuming "reasonable" height, weight, and agility (which I would put you into that category) it's all about technique and practice. There are several ways to do it. But don't expect it to be as easy as you hope the first time or even after a little while. It takes time to figure out what works for you. Don't let first impressions or attempts make the decision for you. Additionally, I would suggest to be careful about the seats. Some competition seats have wide wrap-arounds that cut down on the door opening and will hinder you. Also agree with the post for a removable steering wheel. Make that a mandatory part of your build. I don't need it for getting into my Gen 3 Coupe. Gravity does its work. But for exit it helps tremendously. Good luck.

[Marc B]

All, Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be making a trip up to MA to the FFR showroom

[JTG]

All, Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be making a trip up to MA to the FFR showroom

Smart move! If you can time it right and the weather is good ask if Dave Smith can take you for a ride.

[Smith is Retired]

I have a Gen I coupe that I built 20 years ago. I'm 5'4", weight about 145 and it is a tight squeeze. Fact that I'm also 79 yrs old does not help but I'm not in that bad of condition either. I enjoyed building the coupe for a couple of reasons including (a) it is more rare; and (b) I perceived that it was a bit more difficult than the roadsters and I liked the challenge. However, looking back, I think the roadster is a bit more practical (if that term can be applied) and would probably be easier to sell when the time comes.

[OSU Cowboy]

I had planned to get a soft top for my MK3.1 - to the extent that I added all the AC components (wife's suggestion). Once I got the car done, I figured out that if I had a soft top on the car and actually got into the car, that I'd probably need to call the fire department to get me out of the car. Simply no way I have the flexibility to be able to do that. So - no soft top. AC was a complete waste. To get into the car I step into the upper floor with my rear end on the top of the seat back, and slide down into the car. Exit is reverse of that process.

[edwardb]

I'm going to pile onto my own post #6. I've told this story before. I was at the Factory Five open house when the Gen 3 Coupe was introduced. I was looking for another project and this had my interest. There was a line waiting to climb in and check it out. When my turn came, I got in OK but promptly sunk to the floor and could barely see over the steering wheel. Factory Five had the Kirkey seats bolted directly to the floor. No doubt to illustrate how much room there was in the Gen 3. But for a person of "relatively" average size like me, a non-starter. It was tough to get back out because of how low it was plus I didn't have a method or any practice. We decided to go ahead with a build assuming I would select seats that fit us. Which I did with Corbeau seats and we love the Coupe. Our favorite FF build to date. If i had made our decision based on that first impression and configuration, likely we wouldn't have the Coupe today. Just saying.

[edwardb]

...I think the roadster is a bit more practical (if that term can be applied) and would probably be easier to sell when the time comes.

We've had both. At least around here (SE Michigan) I find the Coupe more practical because it extends the driving season. Earlier in the spring and later in the fall. The A/C is nice in the summer too, even though we don't get as hot as some. And I don't get wet when caught in the rain. Even though I do my best to avoid it. As far as value and selling -- the Coupe is considered a premium around here and easily sells faster and with a better return than a Roadster. Lots of Roadsters. Very few Coupes.