Factory Five Racing MkIII
Radiant Red/Silver Ice stripes

Photo above is hotlinked (same view, much larger size).

This special Factory Five Roadster (#6228) was meticulously built by a former ASE-certified mechanic to be a fun, dependable street machine with a modern drivetrain and 21st century technology. The stunning professional paint job is by Don Maggorie. Factory Five produces the hands-down top-selling Cobra replica due largely to the car's authentic 4" round-tube frame, improved with CAD technology, better materials and manufacturing methods rendering it twice as strong as that of the originals. The Arizona title and registration call it a "1965 Cobra" but under the skin it's all modern technology and materials.

engine photo is hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

Often exalted as "bulletproof," this Ford 4.6 liter V-8 engine is constantly monitored and adjusted by the computer (PCM) for optimum performance which makes it relatively maintenance-free, for quintessentially dependable fun. As outfitted it delivers about 300 horsepower (and 315 ft./lbs. torque) for heart-pounding acceleration. The drivetrain is engineered to handle fast cruising, aggressive corner shifting as well as stop-and-go traffic. You can get the engine (and the entire geartrain) serviced by a Ford dealer. This roadster gets up to 24 mpg on regular 87-octane pump gasoline... unless you tromp on it, which is irresistible. Never raced.

Internal engine componentry includes:

• Ford 4.6L SOHC V8, ver.2, with Performance-Improved heads
• Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
• electronic distributor-less ignition system (EDIS) with coil-over-plug (COP)
• Accufab 70mm throttle body & plenum
• Dorman intake manifold and K&N filter
• Champ oil pan and pickup

• Tremec T-45 5-speed manual transmission
• Ford 8.8" independent rear suspension with Traction-Lok
• 3.27:1 gear ratio—cruises at 70 mph/113 kph at only 1,900 rpm

above cockpit shot is hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

To the casual observer the interior may appear period-correct, but it was subtly designed and built primarily for comfort, convenience and safety. The dashboard was designed to be easily removable for future upgrades and servicing, as were the door panels.

• period-correct hardwood-rimmed steering wheel with custom column bezel
• custom dash & console in durable marine-grade black vinyl
• Kirkey road racing seats with black fabric and covered backs
• electric seat heaters with individual high/low dashboard-mounted switches
• Simpson 5-point harnesses, driver & passenger
• custom glovebox, 3" deep with press-to-open latch and key lock
• passenger grab bar with strong hidden braces [mounted to frame]
• custom door panels with storage compartments and padded arm rests
• Lobucrod R-14 insulation throughout cockpit
• plush black carpeting throughout
• custom red floor carpet pads (over rich black carpet)
• beverage holders (2) inset into console
• expanded driver footbox with hinged dead pedal
• 12V power outlets (2)
• flash-to-pass high beam button
• battery cutoff switch, removable
• interior lights (3) with dash toggle switch
• hinged under-dash panels hold fuse box and master module
• recessed radio/cruise console controls
• instrument panel lights dimmer control under dash
• rod-mounted inside rearview mirror
• dual bullet-style outside rear view mirrors, chromed
• custom storage pouch at driver's knee
• clear wind wings
• tinted sun visors

As in all modern motorcars, the engine, brakes and lights are monitored and controlled by computers to provide improved performance, low maintenance, and optimal dependability. Here's a roster of the onboard electrical and electronics componentry:

• I-Squared 1+1 chassis and dash wiring systems
• computer master module on hinged panel—concealed behind dash
• power module in waterproof box, concealed beneath the trunk floor
• hidden battery box [also beneath the trunk floor]
• onboard battery tender port
• self-cancelling turn signals
• LED diagnostics for chassis wiring
• OBD-2 port for engine diagnostics
• Audiovox cruise control with lighted switch on console
• Clarion AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/USB receiver with Apple Ipod control input in glovebox
• Autometer Ultralite electric gauge array (7 gauges)
• clutch interlock switch
• starter toggle switch under red racing flip-cover
• Optima battery with Streetwires terminals

above 3/4-rearview shot is hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

In accordance with my objective of building a naturally responsive street machine, we installed a fully independent 4-wheel suspension, power 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering and adjustable coilovers to the strong Factory Five tubular frame.

• Factory Five tubular frame—powder-coated gloss black
• riveted/bonded 6061-T6 aluminum panels
• triple-chromed 2" frame-mounted dual rollbars & body grommets
• 4-wheel upper & lower tubular control arms
• adjustable Koni coilovers (springs 500# front/750# rear)
• quad shocks at rear
• 4-wheel power disc brakes with Anti-skid Braking System (ABS)
• 10.8" front vented discs, 10" rear vented discs, cable-operated parking brake
• Hydroboost power rack & pinion steering
• upgraded 17" Halibrand-style wheels (17x9 front, 17x11 rear), fitted with lug covers & spinners
• Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR tires (255/40 front, 285/40 rear)

above frontal shot is hotlinked [alternate frontal shot, MUCH larger size, shot out in the sun].

As with any project, attaining high quality is all about the details. With no schedule or deadline to meet, I built this FFR MkIII Roadster for the fun and satisfaction of "doing it right." Though most details are now unseen except in the build book, all rivets are precisely spaced in straight lines, wires are neatly bound in self-fusing silicone wrap and pass through grommeted holes, and the insulation seams are sealed with aluminum tape. It's all about details, so here for you are a few of the self-evident details:

• custom 1-piece radiator front shroud
• stainless steel radiator screen
• clear 8-mil protective film on front and rear fenders
• chromed bumper overriders (steel quick-jacks included)
• upgraded hood hinges with gas struts
• custom radiator-hood baffle, painted red/silver
• custom engine bay side panels, removable
• custom engine wire covers
• under-trunk storage box with hinged cover
• D-rings (9) and bungee cords in trunk
• trunk lid supported by gas struts
• shielded brake and fuel lines

I began work on this Roadster in July 2007, and had it on the road in February 2008. I added many enhancements through May 2010. After 8,300 trouble-free miles (±13,400 km) I can't discern any more improvements to perform on my baby. I miss the fun of building so now I need space to build another FFR rolling reptile—a Type 65 Coupe. This beautifully-built Roadster will provide you with white-knuckle driving fun, lots of thumbs-ups from admiring motorists, and is fully dependable for daily driving.

Contact:
Peter Hildt

(480) 518-7350 (cell)
email:  Gearhead9093@cox.net
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona

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