DIY Supercar! 2013 Factory 5 GTM

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

Undoubtedly, there are more kit Cobras than real Cobras. Does that cheapen the experience? I would argue a kit Cobra is more valuable to the owner than a real one because you can actually drive a kit car without the overhanging fear of getting in a fender-bender with a million-dollar sports car. One of the most prolific Cobra builders is a company based in Wareham, Massachusetts called Factory 5. Cobras are not their only offering, though. They had the new Corvette down well before Chevrolet did, and offered it at less than a third of the price. The catch: you need to build it yourself. A small price to pay (literally) for your own supercar. You can find this Factory 5 GTM here on eBay.

It’s a 2013 model and features an aluminum space frame design, composite body, and a choice of engines and transmissions. The benefit to building it yourself is you can put whatever powertrain you want in there. I wasn’t lying, though, when I said that Factory 5 got the new Corvette down before Chevrolet did. Far and away the most common engine choice is a GM LS V-8. Which LS you choose will be up to you, potential buyer. Opt for the LSA and hear the supercharger whine as you pull away from Ford GTs. Or, if you want to get real weird with it, GM will offer a bolt-in electric option for small block-equipped cars and you can teach your neighbor’s Tesla some manners.

There’s not much of an interior to speak of. There’s a dashboard and seats, but the steering wheel is only sometimes in the pictures, as are the door panels. And the dashboard, for that matter. You’re going to need to build this car, but you can build it to your liking. The seller states this was originally ordered with the optional Vintage Air-developed air conditioning system, so A/C shouldn’t be an issue. Good thing, too, with the heatwave going on in many parts of the country right now.

Yes, you’re going to need to basically build your own car here, as with a lot of projects. Unlike most project cars featured on this–and every other–site however, there is zero rust, rot, or damage to speak of. This is 100% a new car, it’s never been driven. How could it be? How could you drive it when it’s in pieces? Worth mentioning: the seller takes pictures of it in their driveway on the bare wheels. At worst you’re probably looking at some slightly damaged rims, but that’s easily fixed when they come with a Corvette bolt pattern. So, have at it! Build the supercar of your dreams!

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    These tires just keep getting skinnier!

    Like 23
    • Barry Traylor

      Tires. HA HA

      Like 1
  2. Johnny Gibson

    Those wheels are just swinging in the breeze, doubt there would be any damage at all to them. Nice project but too much work for me, I did a nut and bolt resto on a 1980 Holden WB Utility and while it wasn’t vintage when I started the job it was by the time I finished it. I would die of old age attempting this one for sure.

    Like 19
  3. Victor Anderson

    These are going to become basically worthless now that the C8 corvette is out — which is all this really is — ya know minus the safety features and engineering.

    Like 5
  4. jeffro

    It would just be easier to put on a 4×4 chassis, pour a glass of bourbon, sit back and call it a day!

    Like 3
  5. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    Oh to be young again. If time were on my side, I’d definitely go for this. You don’t have to be an automotive engineer to put this together but it would help. Figuring out weight distribution, alignment specs, braking, differential, transmission and engine design you might become an engineer by the time your done. But what a ride it would be. I personally would go with the electric power as that’s where the future is heading. I hope some spirited young buck gets this car and builds it their way.
    God bless America

    Like 2
  6. Raymond

    Where do you get glass?…parts and pieces would prob amount to a new C8 with no warranty….a fun dream build buts about all…

    Like 4
  7. Howie Mueler

    Wow!! all most $14k now.

    Like 0
  8. Honi

    Jeffro, you are a wise man

    Like 0
  9. Steve

    And you still need to buy a engine,transmission and rear end. Factory 5 cars don’t come with them.

    Like 1
  10. JMB#7

    Anyone with money can go to the dealer and buy the new Corvette. This baby may take some money and a reasonable amount of talent. But when it is done it will be your creation. I have great respect for the person who buys and completes this project.

    Like 3
  11. PRA4SNW

    SOLD for $20,850.

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds