New build - MK4 vs 289 USRRC vs Challenge Car

[msbrown6]

After recently attending an MK4 build school, I will be ordering a roadster shortly. I've read about the 3 types of roadsters available from Factory Five - but would love to hear from forum members about why you chose which car you built. I like them all. Someone convince me why I should be considering one model over another. Thanks! Looking forward to the journey!

https://www.factoryfive.com/roadster/

[GoDadGo]

I looked at several other manufacturers and went with Factory Five Racing because Racing is in their DNA!
I went with the MK-4 since it has the look of the Pre-Restored CSX-3178 because I simply liked that car.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/m...sx-3178/380123

I think I captured the flavor of Mr. Shelby's beloved car with a bit of a Dark Side Twist.

https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

[edwardb]

I'm assuming you mean the three different Roadsters Factory Five offers. Of course the 427 Roadster is the most popular by far and probably what most people recognize as the traditional car. I've done several and while the others are interesting never were my choice. The 289 is very similar to build and uses a lot of the same parts. Body is obviously different. Hasn't been a big seller. I'm personally not a fan of the angled roll bar. Exhaust is also very different and wouldn't have the aftermarket options the standard Roadster does. The challenge car is very specific and personally IMO unless you're planning to track the car I'd be hesitant to recommend. I assume you know the doors are fixed and requires climbing over the side to get in and out. Maybe OK for you but not so much maybe for passengers or your significant other. It's set up for a fuel cell so trunk space is reduced. Also has a lift off vs. hinged hood. All the extra bars make it a slightly more challenging build as well.

[Jim1855]

The Challenge Car will be the safest of them all. There's a lot of extra steel surrounding the occupants, I think the documentation mentions 150 pounds but not sure about that. No functioning doors, climbing in is part of the deal. But there's no steel in the trans tunnel making accessing the trans easier. The rest of the steel really isn't in the way but does change a few things. There are other differences but I haven't worked through them yet.

At the same time, with a new outlook on things I'd be tempted to build a FIA car. As light as possible, aluminum 331 at maybe 400 hp, new TKX, full width roll bar, 15" Avons and a few other goodies.

Jim

[edwardb]

The Challenge Car will be the safest of them all...

Very good point Jim. Should have included that in my comments and will remember to do so in the future.

[Mike DiGiorgio]

unless you are doing a strictly track car. i would stay away from the challenge car. the cage can be cumbersome on the street. 289 vs mk4 is mostly a cosmetic difference. So figure out which one you like the look of more.

[svassh]

Not sure where you are located but there is a well done 289 car in the Dallas area for sale at a dealer. I went and sat in it last Friday and started it up. This one is really done up as a race car with additional roll bars in the doors and doors non operable similar to the challenge car. It was clear to me pretty quickly that my wife wouls not be happy jumping into the car. On the plus side at 6' 1" and 230lbs I was able to get in and out of the car pretty easily. Was also happy to find that my big size 12.5 feet had no issues in the footbox.

[cnutting]

289 builder here. I chose this because there are fewer on the road vs the 427. Also, the 289 was what put Shelby on the map. Another factor was engine choice. I would have felt obliged to put an FE block in a 427. More money, more weight. I was able to get a 1965 289 block for cheaper. Granted, this was a personal choice. As Paul pointed out, the forward bar isn't for everyone. My wife actually finds it helpful to get in and out on the rare occasion she rides in it. The only aftermarket source for the side pipes is Bob Boig. Others have succesfully installed rear exit systems.

Again, all personal choice. Your car, your vision. Don't buy based on other people's opinions.

[NiceGuyEddie]

Due to it's heritage, the 289 really needs to be built in that style. It would make no sense to modify it to death.

The MK4 roadster lends itself to more "acceptable" options based on your imagination.

[Fman]

I just finished building a Mk4, really like the car thus far, I chose the Mk4 because there was a lot of information available on them to help me with my build. I am planning another build in the future. I am really leaning towards the 289, I met a forum member on this site who has a 289 and it is stunningly beautiful. It reminds me of a James Bond car, no roll bars, no stripes, 15" wheels, elegant with a Roush 427 under the hood that is all business. To each is own but I would not hesitate to build a 289 if you like the car.

Here is a picture of his car... I think it is totally BA. One of my favorite builds I have seen yet.

[msbrown6]

I've decided to go with the MK4 - thanks all! Car is ordered.

[AdamIsAdam]

I just finished building a Mk4, really like the car thus far, I chose the Mk4 because there was a lot of information available on them to help me with my build. I am planning another build in the future. I am really leaning towards the 289, I met a forum member on this site who has a 289 and it is stunningly beautiful. It reminds me of a James Bond car, no roll bars, no stripes, 15" wheels, elegant with a Roush 427 under the hood that is all business. To each is own but I would not hesitate to build a 289 if you like the car.

Here is a picture of his car... I think it is totally BA. One of my favorite builds I have seen yet.

Some interesting comments above. I LOVE the look of this car, and yes, the color especially is reminiscent of James Bond's Aston Martin.


I've always wanted to 427 S/C Cobra, since before I even knew what S/C stood for. I've also always loved anything Shelby did, especially the early GT350.

Since I bought my cobra rather than build it, I looked into all the different brands. I found that factory five has the best frame, safest design and is the most thought out car in the market. Because I like to drive my cars, I'm more concerned about drivability and safety than I am about authenticity. Price and resell were a factor also.

I found my exceptionally well built cobra in the state of Washington clear across the country. Had it inspected, had it shipped to me, and have not looked back since. This thing is truly a dream come true and the bucket list item that I enjoy every time I see it.

Oh, and I also picked up a new Shelby GT350 in 2018. I know it's only a Shelby in name, but the performance is nothing short of outstanding. And it's fun having a two Shelby stable.

Get what you love, love what you got.

Good luck with your build.