18 replies to this topic

[Matt Sheldon]

Last two years been a little crazy and I have been contemplating what new toy to build to celebrate perseverance. Been through 20+ years of the Volkswagen scene, for a long time wanted a WRX STI, but might be a little too juvenile at this point, cannot really come to terms with a muscle car because I like them all, but am not in love with any and finally the last car that is all that is left on my bucket list is a Porsche GT3 but financially I cannot justify it right now.
 
I will always be a coupe guy regardless of the model of manufacturer, but the Daytona coupe has to be my all time favorite. While I never pictured myself as a kit car owner I have been following the progress of Factory Five Racing for years and years. Their Gen 2 '65ish Daytona Coupe is and absolute stellar example that has been praised since inception. The pricing is reasonable in my opinion and the kit and company seem to be pretty polished. They always seem to do specials in the fall so we will see if my interest maintains until then and if so it just might be go time.
 
Bigger issue just might be which livery to build or which fantasy combo to choose.
 

[Tex]

I assume you're asking ME to pick which one for you... the bottom livery.

[Matt Sheldon]

As of right now is my favorite as well.

[Cheater]

Matt,

I'd suggest as an initial step that you visit the company for a test drive of a demo unit, assuming they have one available.

While the car's looks and link to history are exerting their appeal on you, you really need to find out if you can live with the car at the level you envision. The original Shelby coupe was often referred to by its drivers at the time as being a very uncomfortable car to drive for multiple reasons. If your intention is for a car actually to use in a significant manner, as opposed to something that will get a few miles a few times per month, I really feel you need to get some seat time in one before making a commitment.

A former co-worker who often worked on late model Ferraris and Lamborghini Countachs has opined to me that the Lambos are so uncomfortable and loud that they would very difficult for him to live with, whereas the Ferraris are much more refined and driveable. And when he did plunk down for an Italian supercar, it was a Ferrari for just that reason.

[Hworth08]

Agree with Greg.

Things that make race cars fast do not make them smooth. Average person will tire quickly of the bumps and jolts of a true racing suspension. But a company won't put an actual race-tuned suspension on a street car.
 
Those are pretty machines though! Believe I've read one of them almost won the whole race at LeMans one year.

[Matt Sheldon]

I have seen a couple in person and have inspected them pretty thoroughly. I have owned enough good and bad performing vehicles to know what I am getting myself into. I would actually spec mine out as primitive as possible in this case as the car will be lucky to get 2,500 miles put on it a year and I want to experience its bravada to its fullest including some track days. 
 
Funny about the Ferrari to Lambo comparison, Greg, as I have a friend that has had both and swears all Ferrari owners still want a Lambo. 
 
I am perfectly fine with giving up a little comfort to be C@@L.

[TSR]

The problem I have with the "Factory Five" is not of the company that appears to be on solid footing, but as they missed with their Ford MK2 replica, the body lines are simply not accurate and frankly they are off the mark. I would be looking into the McCluskey replica if still being produced, that is oh-so much better. Maybe a combination of the two kits, the McCluskey body with everything else from Factory Five?

Of course as as often noted here by all my friends and non-friends, I am quite a picky SOB as far as design and maybe most could not care less if the back of the car is 6" too low compared to the original Pete Brock design. 

 

[John Streisguth]

Just don't let anyone with a tape measure within 25 feet of it...

[TSR]

That ought to do it! 

[Matt Sheldon]

Since I am short the 7 million for a real one I will have to spot them 6"'s in the rear, but at least the roof is "more correctish" than the Superformance version, amongst other details.

[TSR]

Matt, it's the front and the back that appear to droop from the original well-balanced design... but again, 99% would not know the diff, so have at it! 

[beardogracing]

Philippe,

 

You are 100% right, but I'm afraid it's very obvious, they've got droopy snoots and a dragging arse. I think anyone who's ever lusted over these cars will notice...

 

Don, you did notice didn't you?

[Cheater]

Matt,

 

If all you want is a toy to play with and to enjoy looking at in your garage, go for it.

 

I still think my advice about driving one as a first step is worth considering.

[TSR]

Greg,

 

I drove one from Superformance on a road course about four years ago and it was actually not as bad as one would imagine from some put-together fiberglass kit. It was rather comfortable, handled fine, and was not that noisy. Of course I am damn-near deaf but I can hear the low frequency, and there are plenty of those from a 289 Ford Cobra engine!

 

I do not know what the other kits are like, but I know that the McCluskey Cobra owners appeared satisfied. Bob Bondurant owns one and he told me that it is a really good machine.

[Matt Sheldon]

We all sag with age LOL.

 

Greg, I definitely agree and would do my paperwork at the factory when placing the order. You are welcome to come.

[Gary Donahoe]

Matt,

 

I’m a car guy like you and I suspect that our automotive tastes are very much in line. The Daytona Coupe is certainly one of my favorite racecars of all time.

 

I work for a racing-related fabrication company. From time to time I get phone calls from owners of vintage race cars and replicas that are trying to drive them on the street. Cars like the Daytona coupe and the Cheetah are almost impossible to make quiet enough to be enjoyable to drive or pass street sound regulations. As you can see from your pictures, with the short wheelbase and side exhaust there is just no room for an ascetically-pleasing muffler that will do the job without killing power.

 

Although thrilling initially, most of owners of these cars tire of them very quickly. My bet is that 90% of these cars use less than three tanks of gas per year.

 

If you must own one, my advice is to find someone who has owned his for a couple years and is ready to move on. After a couple years you can in turn sell it to another person that must own one without a big financial loss. 

 

If you go forward with a new car, do so knowing that the chance of getting anything close to your investment back will be very unlikely. 

 

My opinions from past experiences, your results my differ.

 

Happy motoring!

 

Gary

[SlotStox#53]

Looks nice although major need of a butt and nose lift! Never seen one of the originals in the flesh, but just from pictures it's obvious how much droop the kit has! Although it does look mighty fine all the same. 

 

I'd be happy with an original "Cal" look VW bug with 2-litre engine and twin 48IDA webber carbs sucking the fumes in. 

[MSwiss]

Matt,

IMHO, all of Gary 's advice is terrific.
 
I have a customer with an F5 Cobra (roadster) and it is absolutely stunning (the dark blue with two white stripes) and incredibly loud.
 
When I think about the 13K I have on my 6-1/2 year old Cayman, (with 1.5K of it from a vacation) which is absolutely civilized, your thoughts of a possible 2,500 miles a year seems highly unlikely.
 
Long Sunday drives wearing earplugs?
 
Is that even safe?

[slotcarone]

Matt,

I agree with Gary, too. Find a used completed car and you will save a lot of scratch and also building aggravation.

As for color I go with the Guardsman blue and Wimbledon white combo!!