Build Your Dream Cobra: The Factory Five Racing Roadster
If you're chasing the raw thrill of a 1960s Shelby Cobra without the million-dollar price tag, the Factory Five Cobra—officially known as the Factory Five Racing Roadster—delivers that experience in a modern, build-it-yourself format. As one of the most respected names in the kit car world, Factory Five Racing has made it possible for gearheads and performance junkies to build their own Cobra replica, tailored to their exact specs and driving style.
What Is the Factory Five Cobra?
The Factory Five Roadster is a high-performance Cobra replica kit car, designed to capture the style and soul of the original 1965 Shelby Cobra 427, while upgrading the performance and safety using modern technology. Produced by Factory Five Racing in Wareham, Massachusetts, this kit car offers builders a tubular steel chassis, composite body panels, and the flexibility to run everything from vintage Ford small blocks to modern crate engines like the 5.0L Coyote or even GM LS swaps.
Mk4 vs Mk5: What’s New?
The Mk4 Roadster, released around 2010, quickly became Factory Five’s best-selling Cobra replica kit. With its race-inspired frame and compatibility with widely available Mustang donor parts, it balanced affordability and performance. Enthusiasts loved its aggressive styling, light weight (~2,250 pounds), and ability to go from 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds when powered by a 400+ horsepower V8.
In 2025, Factory Five introduced the Mk5 Roadster—a completely reengineered version that builds on the success of the Mk4 with several key improvements:
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A chassis four times stiffer than the Mk4, and 17 times stronger than the original Cobra’s frame.
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Modernized interior with a more ergonomic cockpit.
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Revised body molds with sharper lines and available LED lighting.
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Optional independent rear suspension for enhanced ride quality and handling.
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Compatible with Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla, Coyote, and other performance engines.
Performance That Rivals Supercars
Thanks to its light curb weight and powerful drivetrain options, the Factory Five Roadster offers supercar-level performance at a fraction of the cost. Popular engine choices include:
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Ford 302/351 Windsor
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4.6L Modular V8
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5.0L Coyote V8
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Ford FE 390/427
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GM LS series
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Ford 7.3L Godzilla crate motor
Paired with coil over suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, this Cobra kit car handles as good as it looks. Whether you’re building a street cruiser, track weapon, or show-stopping retromod, Factory Five gives you the flexibility to do it your way.
Kit Options and Pricing
The Factory Five Roadster kit comes in several configurations:
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Base Mk5 kit: $24,900 (solid rear axle)
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Complete Mk5 kit with IRS: $27,800+
Buyers must supply the engine, transmission, wheels, and other components. Many builders use late-model Ford Mustang GT donor parts to keep costs manageable. Whether you're doing a home garage build or hiring a shop, the Factory Five Cobra kit offers unbeatable value for performance.
Why Choose Factory Five?
Factory Five Racing is one of the most trusted names in kit cars, with a 25+ year history, strong community support, and exceptional build documentation. Their Cobra replica isn’t just a tribute—it’s an evolution. You get modern engineering with vintage style, making it one of the best Cobra kit cars for sale today.
If you’re looking to build your own Cobra, there’s no better platform than the Factory Five Mk4 or Mk5 Roadster. It’s a car you don’t just drive—you create.
