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!
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