Question for Type 65 Coupe Owners

[terrygandy]

I've settled on the Type 65 Coupe, although it's still a year or two before I pull the trigger. I decided on the Type 65 Coupe for the building experience, the thrum of the Ford 302 @ 350+HP, and its history. But I have a dilemma. I would expect to spend upwards of $50k in the build and that seems to be a lot of scratch for a car you have never driven or even sat in. So, here's my question: For those who own the Type 65 Coupe, is it worth the money? I'm not asking, "Was the build experience worth it?" because that's an entirely different kettle of fish. Fit is important; I'm 6'-2, 275# with longer legs (35" inseam) and shorter torso.

[Russ Thompson]

Seat placement will be key for you and it's best having a short torso. :-) To answer your question, in my opinion YES. You can build a very nice car for 50K, I did. If you expect all the parts and pieces to fit perfectly your looking at the wrong car but if you do enjoy the build part it gives you a really good canvas to work with. Take a look at everyones builds and you will see a wide varity off different interpatations and so increditable builds. I really suggest checking out some builds or taking a trip to the factory and seeing one first hand, you'll find a car that is ment to be on the track but one you can build to be a good steetcar with a little effort.

[riptide motorsport]

Yes........great experience,can't be beat. For $35-40,000 you can build a great Coupe.

[tirod]

Is a worth $50k for a car that will likely have a power to weight ratio of one at twice the price? I'm a few years out, too, but I see the assembled price much lower. The focus of that price might be how much of it is using after market parts. It drives up costs exponentially.

There's a lot of room in the price structure of a $95,000 super car. They also have politically imposed requirements not easily met in volume production. However, buying in train car load bulk saves them money - we buy at retail one Fed Ex box at a time. Our pile of parts is going to cost more than theirs, our labor helps even things out. We don't have to pay ourselves a profit, much overhead, or use 5 mph bumpers, either.

On the other hand, their corporate overhead allows them to finesse a lot of consumer issues. Type 65's aren't the average daily driver. They are a kit based on a race car that never went thru a corporate civilizing. It takes time and money to knock the rough edges off, in some cases, literally. The interior doesn't seal up 100% to the body, the driving experience is much more elemental. Not necessarily raw, but I wouldn't plan to cut diamonds in the back seat...

Fitting your frame into the Coupe means dropping the seat lower and back, already done by others. With the F5, you get 4 inches more wheelbase to help. These are small cars, in the same class as RX7's, Miatas, etc. There's a thread to compare, and sitting in some of them might help visualize. http://www.ffcars.com/forums/21-ffr-type-65-coupe/292024-pics-coupes-next-other-cars.html

Getting the expense to a comfortable level probably means prioritizing what is important to you. Again, one quick way to drop a lot of cost is to avoid the "haute" rod culture that substitutes expensive unreliable parts for factory stuff that can go 250,000 miles. That's where we can take advantage of their corporate engineering, and concentrate on areas like drafty firewalls or lack of air conditioning.

Worth it? It's hard to say how it will resonate with you, just like any other car. Some are everything you dreamed, others, not so much. Most of us seem to know what we're getting into, and it cuts down on the second thoughts.

[terrygandy]

Thanks tirod. Good thoughts and great link.

[Roy Hewson]

It is worth it ! After 30,000 miles it still makes me smile ear to ear. The performance, sounds and it's appearence excite me and everytime I drive, it uplifts my day, there is never a bad day in the coupe. Getting to build it is a bonus, there is a real feeling of pride when you can say I built it. It doesn't matter if you build a coupe for 35 or 60 thousand, as long as it is your vision of the coupe.
Roy

[terrygandy]

Amen, Roy. I really like the history of the coupe and, in all reality, it's a historical, honest-to-goodness race car you can drive to the burger stand. That strikes a Walter Mitty chord in me.

[willy]

I agree with Roy I have watch my budget and am rebuilting the engine right now but have well under 30K in mine did all work and paint myself in the garage, looked on E-Bay and Craigslist for the deal, it not so much the money but when I go to a show and can say "I did Frame to paint myself in my garage" that is priceless.

[petergriesbach]

Terry I'm 6'2" as well but long in the torso. I think you will have to talk to Kevin at Kirky seats about a custom seat and you might consider a Gurney bubble if you ever want to wear a helmet. My car is a roller now with the engine almost complete.

[terrygandy]

Thanks Pete. I doubt I will ever need a helmet.

[turbonut48]

Where in SE Wis. are you?
Im on North side of Milw. You can come over to see how you fit in mine.
Im 5ft 9, and 205 lbs.
I have to crawl in head first, but once Im in, its comfy. Dont even ask about exiting with hot pipes nearby. lol
Plan on building with heat and AC. There s NO air movement in the footboxes.

The Nut

[terrygandy]

That would be great, turbonut. I'm in Kenosha and would love to see it. North of Milwaukee is not that far of a drive for me. I'll IM you.

[RonSchofield]

It is worth it ! After 30,000 miles it still makes me smile ear to ear. The performance, sounds and it's appearence excite me and everytime I drive, it uplifts my day, there is never a bad day in the coupe. Getting to build it is a bonus, there is a real feeling of pride when you can say I built it. It doesn't matter if you build a coupe for 35 or 60 thousand, as long as it is your vision of the coupe.
Roy

Roy is right. The price can range, but it is your decision on how much you want to put into it and what your vision is. My build went extreme, and while I have had days thinking i was nuts, the reaction from people when I show them the unfinished car is well worth it. Mine will be a street (corporate) version of the coupe. You can check out my build site and take any ideas from it you want or non at all. Everyone has a different version on how to build a coupe. Make it your own.

http://www.mycoupe.ca/modules/wordpress/images/mycoupe.jpg

Have fun.