.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
Ever since Shelby first added his magic touch to the AC sports car, the world has been obsessed with the little V8 monster.
The Shelby Cobra and by extension the arguably more original AC Cobra are living legends. Such is their reputation that they gave birth to several kit versions over the years ranging from awful to better than original. If done right, the Factory Five kit is certainly one of those that are better than the original and costs a fraction of what you would pay for either of the original Cobras, no matter what condition you find them in.
10 Kit Car
You can look at its glass as half full or half empty, we choose to look at it half full. Getting it in kit form keeps costs right down and also allows you to add your own personal touches.
Admittedly, if the budget is limited, you need to have some mechanical skill to execute this build safely, and you will also need to be willing to spend hundreds of hours in a garage or on the driveway.
9 Trusted Brand
Technically, you could also hire somebody to do the work for you, but it will cost you. Thankfully, this is a trusted brand and almost a household name, so they won't leave you hanging.
Their reputation for quality is unrivaled in the kit car world, and they also offer support throughout the build process. You will also have the assurance that once built, the car will be worth more than what you spent building it, unlike pretty much every other kit car on the market.
8 Incredible Replica
No replica will be perfect, but the Factory Five version might be as close to perfect as it gets, thanks to their incredible attention to detail.
The Factory Five base their replica on the pretty modern '97 to 2004 Mustangs, so if you opt for the more affordable base kit you will need to source a donor car. The complete kit might actually work out to be more affordable if you intend to go racing, all you will need is an engine of your choosing.
7 Best Selling Cobra
While several companies that have shot up and just as quickly disappeared, these guys have hung around and made a name for themselves.
Their Cobra is the best-selling kit car of all time and that didn’t happen by accident, they work with their customers and will gladly help find solutions for them.
6 Modern Touches
The frame alone is twice as strong as the original thanks to them using modern materials and manufacturing processes.
They also make use of laser cut aluminum instead of fiberglass for all interior structure, making it significantly safer out on the road and on track.
5 Timeless Design
Although the engineering is from the 21st century, the design and lightweight shell is very much period correct.
Composites have been in use for racing purposes since the '60s, but they have been making their shells since '95 and have shipped more than 11,000 of them.
4 Light Weight
The tubular space frame and composite shell design is a tried and true method for weight reduction and will maximize whatever powertrain you put in it.
The low weight combined with the low center of gravity and rigid chassis will make it feel like you are in a go-kart, no matter what speed you are going, it will always feel faster.
3 Improved Handling
Even if you choose the base kit and rely on the suspension and brakes from a late model Mustang (that may or may not have been in a massive accident), it will still handle well considering how much less this weighs.
It is also a good 30 years newer than what the originals were running, and benefits from KONI coil overs that come with the kit.
2 Exhaust Note
Well, the caveat to this is firstly if it is actually something you like, which we simply assume you will, even if you think you won’t.
Most will look for a V8 for this project, and the sound is amplified by those side pipes, and the fact that it is next to your ear takes the experience to another level.
1 Classic Sports Car
Ultimately, kit cars are not for everyone, but anyone can see the appeal of building an incredible little sports car with timeless looks for under $20,000.
If you find a donor/wrecked-stang for under $5,000 (not out of the realms of reality) that already has some decent wheels on it, the base kit will only set you back $14,990. For those mechanically minded gearheads, this might be the deal of the century!