Factory Five Racing, founded by brothers Mark and David (Dave) Smith in the 1990s, popularized a single-donor approach for replica and kit cars. Best known for Cobra-style roadsters and a Daytona-inspired coupe, the company later introduced the GTM supercar. Factory Five emphasizes chassis engineering, track testing, and customer support through resources and community. Performance varies by build; some GTM examples have targeted very high speeds depending on configuration. Official details and current model information are on factoryfive.com.

Who they are

Factory Five Racing is an American kit-car company best known for replica Shelby Cobras and a lineup of purpose-built kit cars. Founded by brothers Mark and David (Dave) Smith in the 1990s, the company built a reputation around straightforward, buildable kits and a strong racing presence.

The single-donor idea and early success

Factory Five popularized a "single donor" approach for some of its early kits - designing bodies and chassis to use a single, commonly available donor car (often a Ford Mustang) for many major components. That idea made building a competitive replica more practical for home builders and helped the company grow quickly. By the mid-2000s the Cobra replica was the model most closely associated with the brand.

Key models and development philosophy

Factory Five's best-known kits include the Cobra-style Roadster and a Daytona Coupe-style racer. The company later introduced an original GTM supercar kit and expanded its catalog to include other roadsters and specialty builds. 1

A consistent theme in their work is chassis engineering. Factory Five races many of its cars, and lessons from track use feed directly back into production designs. The company emphasizes handling, safety and the idea that a kit should be both buildable and usable on the road or track.

Performance claims and real-world use

The GTM was promoted as a high-performance, Corvette-based supercar kit capable of very high speeds in the right configuration. Exact performance depends on the builder's engine, drivetrain and setup. Some GTM builds have been reported to target or exceed 200 mph in ideal conditions, but top-speed figures vary widely with powertrain choices and verification methods. 2

Support and customer relations

Factory Five's growth hinged not just on design but also on customer support and community. The company maintains forums, tech resources and a parts supply to help builders complete projects. Enthusiast clubs and racing teams have helped validate and refine designs over the years.

Where to find more information

Factory Five's official site remains the primary source for current models, technical updates and build manuals: https://www.factoryfive.com. For regional dealers and builder groups, the site lists contacts and community links. 3

Bottom line

Factory Five Racing turned a simple, practical donor concept into a lasting kit-car business. Their Cobra replicas, Daytona-inspired cars and GTM supercar emphasized chassis design and track-proven development. For people interested in building a kit with strong community and track support, Factory Five remains a widely recognized option.
  1. Confirm founding year and founders' full names and spelling
  2. Verify total kits sold to date and historical sales milestones
  3. Confirm GTM introduction year and verified performance claims (200+ mph reports)
  4. Check current model lineup and availability on factoryfive.com

FAQs about Factory Five Racing

What is Factory Five Racing known for?
They are best known for replica Shelby Cobra-style kits and a small lineup of purpose-built kit cars, including a GTM supercar kit. The company emphasizes chassis design and track-tested development.
Do Factory Five kits require a donor car?
Some early and popular Factory Five kits were designed around a single donor concept (commonly a Ford Mustang), which simplified parts sourcing. Other models use different donor or dedicated component approaches, depending on the kit.
How fast is the GTM?
Top speed depends entirely on the chosen engine, gearing and build quality. The GTM was marketed as a very high-performance, Corvette-based kit with some builds reported to target 200+ mph, but speeds vary and require independent verification.
Where can I find build manuals and support?
Factory Five provides parts lists, build manuals and owner forums on their official website. Regional dealers and enthusiast groups also offer support and events for builders.
Is Factory Five still active and selling kits?
Yes. The company continues to publish kit information and community resources on its website, though specific model availability and production details should be checked with Factory Five directly.