The Legend of "The Traveler": A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

[SnyderJD]

There are cars that sit in garages, and then there are cars that live.

This is the "Half-Million Mile Cobra," the legendary Factory Five Mark 1 owned by my dad, Ralph Button—known to the Factory Five community across the country as "The Traveler." This isn't just a machine; it is a witness to hundreds of thousands of miles of open road, a dozen different horizons, and a lifetime of my dad's passion.

A Masterpiece of Dedication

Meticulously cared for and constantly refined, this Cobra is as striking as it is storied.

The Look: Wrapped in a breathtaking Brandywine color-shifting paint with crisp Oyster White stripes.
The Power: A 347 stroker motor (new block/build just 4 years ago) paired with a single Holley carb and a smooth Borg Warner T5 transmission.
The Sound: A signature growl delivered by a Gas-n performance exhaust system.
The Build: Featuring carbon fiber doors and trunk lid on a Factory Five tubular chassis, sitting on 17-inch performance rubber.

A Piece of History

With a rare 4-digit VIN, this car has been licensed in six states—Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas—carrying my dad through every turn of his long journey.

Why We Are Parting Ways

For my dad, this Cobra was more than a hobby; it was an idea that took root in his mind and became his greatest adventure. Sadly, he has been diagnosed with dementia and can no longer get behind the wheel. Our family is now seeking a new caretaker—someone who doesn't just want a fast car, but someone who understands the soul of a vehicle that has seen the world.

Asking Price: $44,000.00

Help us honor my dad’s legacy. Come see a piece of Factory Five history and take the keys to a legend.

For inquiries or to schedule a viewing, please contact Patrick McGrath @ 315-967-4091, a family friend helping with the sale locally.

Thank you all the Button Family,
Jason

[SnyderJD]

[SnyderJD]

[Dave Smith]

I've been absent for way too long and Jason told me he was going to post this soon so I was on the lookout! What can I say. Words fail me and I'm absolutely overcome with emotion, sadness, gratitude, great memories, a life with machines and it is ALWAYS the people who make the machines meaningful. I'm not in a position to buy this car, but if ever there was a candidate for the FFR Car Hall of Fame, Ralphs 500+K mile Factory Five would be it! I hope someone from the community buys it so that they can sell it to me in few years for a huge profit when when I'm breaking ground on the FFR Museum.

Ralph, if you read this, I want to tell you how grateful I have been for all the miles you drove your amazing car and always acted as an Ambassador for me and the crew here at Factory Five.

[mrmustang]

Ralph is a great man, sorry to hear about his diagnosis......I'd be surprised if the car does not end up in the middle of FFR's showroom as a testament to the longevity of their cars. Would open up a whole new segment for those who believe these are just weekend toys.


Bill S.

[65 Cobra Dude]

There is so much more to Ralph’s story. The deer strike and duct tape, taking Jake to the shows as well as his grand daughter to the London Cobra Show 2 years ago, stacks, dual carbs, just to name a few. He’s been such a fixture in the FFR community from the very early days. I always loved seeing him at shows or rides. This car was the chariot of a great man that drove it everywhere. I’m so sorry to hear about his diagnosis and I hope to see him again.

Henry

[Waterman]

I met Ralph at a NY(Rockstream) car show back in August 2025. We talked for at least 30 minutes. Great stories and suggestions on what to do with my MK4. I really liked the window stickers.
IMG_3138.jpegIMG_3139.jpeg

[GThompson]

These are a couple of pics from the opening day at Watkins Glen in April of 2019. I was lucky to see Ralph there and get a few pictures of some of the 35 laps he bought that day there. He's a wonderful part of Factory Five's history!

Traveler 1.JPG Traveler 2.JPG

[weendoggy]

Sad to hear the news. I met Ralph on the Stooges Across America tour, and I can't even remember how long ago that was. Met up again in AZ at a track event. Fun guy for sure!

[John4337]

Such devastating news. Like many of us, when I started researching factory five, I came across the famous video and watched it many many times before and during my build. Helped keep me pushing forward. Best wishes to Ralph and his family.

[bil1024]

When I blew my engine, Ralph was kind enough to donate his original engine to me, great man

[Aleinsteingenius]

When I first read the mileage on Ralph Button's car I assumed it was a typo. A life well lived. Best wishes Ralph.

[R. Button]

These are a couple of pics from the opening day at Watkins Glen in April of 2019. I was lucky to see Ralph there and get a few pictures of some of the 35 laps he bought that day there. He's a wonderful part of Factory Five's history!


Thanks for the pics!!
Traveler 1.JPG Traveler 2.JPG

the red strip on the front driver side fender is holding the fender together! It was the result of the encounter with a deer!!
The deer made a bad choice. On the 4 lane highway was a concrete barrier. The deer was making the right choice and going to hop over the barrier. BUT turned and ran right into the car - front headlight, cracking the front driver side fender, and plastered all along the driver side - sad, he had it made.
I used some strong tape to hold the fender. Then continued my trips!

[John Phillips]

Sad to hear the news. I met Ralph on the Stooges Across America tour, and I can't even remember how long ago that was. Met up again in AZ at a track event. Fun guy for sure!

Weendoggy, the Stooges Across America trip was in 2001, almost 25 years ago now, can you believe it? Driving cross-country with Ralph & meeting & racing with all you California guys made some of my favorite FFR memories ever. Here we are the night before the American Muscle Team Autocross, with the plaques you made for us commemorating the trip. I think Ralph already had more than 200,000 miles on his car at that point.
Stooges with plaques presented by the NorCal FFROG.jpeg