The Shelby Cobra is one of the greatest sports car icons ever created. For almost 25 years, Factory Five Racing has been producing kit cars. The company started from a small backyard start up. Then it became the world's largest manufacturer of "build-it-yourself" assembly automobile kits. From the roadster to the classic car, they built all their vehicles in New England!

"The best-selling, best-engineered, and best-performing replica of all time," in the example of the Shelby Cobra. This enigma has endured long after the limited run of the original model stopped. During its lifetime, from 1962 to 1968, fewer than 1,000 Cobras made their way to the streets. The Cobra was one of the best-performing automobiles of its time. It also brought popularity to both Shelby's firm, which built the car, and Ford Motor Company, as Ford built the Cobra's engines.

You feel like a superstar when you ride one of these. People are always giving you a thumbs up and cheering for you. They remember the Cobra from the 1960s when they were extremely popular. Carroll Shelby used to race them, and also there are so many songs about them.

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The Plan: Selecting The Body Kit

Shelby Cobra Replica Side View
via Mecum Auctions

Consider Factory Five kit vehicles as the ultimate adult Lego set for the person who decides to build it himself. A weekend fighter can assemble a hot rod, a mid-engine supercar, or a replica with basic equipment for around 200 hours of free time.

The Roadster is available in three trim levels, with the Mk4. It was the most similar to the original Shelby Cobra 427 in terms of appearance and fundamental design. They base the Factory Five Roadster kit on the iconic 427 Cobra. It provides buyers a far lower cost of entry into that rarefied experience if you're preparing to put in the effort. The entire kit comes fully constructed and ready to use.

The FFR Cobra's basic concept is light years ahead of the competitors. On average, the all-purpose kit costs $12,000. This includes all the parts needed to make a Cobra except the suspension, engine, wiring, wheels, tires, and paint, as well as a few other items. Some manufacturers, on the other hand, make and sell kit vehicles for between $6,000 and $50,000. You can spend anywhere from $125,000 to $1,595,000 depending on the amenities you want.

Those missing parts are from the aftermarket's beloved and junkyard favorite, every Mustang made between 1979 and 2004. Their concept is that you buy a Mustang, then buy their kit and put the two together to construct the Cobra. When choosing an engine for your kit car, go big because suitability should be your top priority.

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The Challenges In Store For Factory Five Builders

One of the positive things about the Factory Five kit is that it can tolerate just about any variety of drivetrain, brakes, suspension, and other miscellaneous components. This is a positive factor, but it's also a terrible thing since, depending on your mix of parts, you're bound to run into some issues since it's a one-of-a-kind vehicle that you assemble yourself. When you're building an automobile from the ground up, it doesn't get much simpler.

Before tackling a project like this, keep in mind that you'll need to know how to use a screwdriver and a glue gun, but you don't need to be a NASCAR Cup designer. There are a few things you'll likely need to farm out. Especially bodywork and paint, because it's not a whole bolt-together item. But it's something that even the most novice hot Rodder can do.

Maintenance Cost

The 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 engine.
Via: Mecum Auctions

A kit automobile is much like any other car, and car ownership may be quite costly. Planning for your kit car maintenance will assist you in detecting and resolving any maintenance issues that may emerge. It can also help you save a significant amount of money in the long run. Your kit car comprises many sophisticated parts. Hence, you'll need to inspect them one by one from time to time. Kit automobiles, like any other vehicle, suffer from wear and tear; the more you use, the more you lose. The longer the distance and the faster you go, the more likely you are to hit the mechanic. According to the CAA, car maintenance should cost between $500 and $700 each year.

If base models aren't your cup of tea, Factory Five Racing also unveiled the 25th Anniversary limited version Cobra with a slew of extras. Factory Five Racing will produce 25 of these kits, each with a starting price of $34,930. These include a long list of standard features. Some of them are an independent rear suspension, Koni adjustable shocks, a carbon fiber dash, a chrome roll bar, and more. Is this Cobra worth the $34,930 asking price?