The AC Cobra – and Shelby Cobra that came later – have become truly iconic vehicles that many have tried to replicate in various forms, which isn’t surprising given how valuable the originals are. Many companies offer kit cars or total turnkey versions of the Cobra in various forms, but one of the more well-known such entities is Factory Five Racing. Now, that same outfit has debuted an all-new Shelby Cobra replica that furthers this particular mission with what’s known as the Factory Five Racing Mk5.
The Factory Five Racing Mk5 is a continuation of the Mk4, which debuted way back in 2010. Now, as the company celebrates 30 years in business, it has launched a new version of its Shelby Cobra replica, which has been in development since 2017. For starters, the new Mk5 features a chassis that’s four times stronger than the Mk4, as well as 17 times stronger than the original 427 Cobra, but it weighs 55 pounds less than the Mk4 chassis and is 400 percent more rigid. The new chassis also enables Factory Five to deliver a cockpit large enough to accommodate folks up to 6’5″ in height, weighing as much as 330 pounds with a size 14 shoe.
The composite bodywork present on the Factory Five Mk5 has been reworked to cut down on the need for bodywork by 60 percent, and it utilizes new forged aluminum upper and lower control arms, an independent rear suspension, and an optional removable hardtop. On top of that, customers have a bevy of engine options to choose from including the 289/302 V8, the 351 Windsor, 390/427 FE V8, the 4.6L V8, 5.0L V8 Coyote, and the LS series of GM powerplants, plus the 7.3L V8 Godzilla.
The Factory Five Racing Mk5 has added a bevy of new features as well, including self-canceling turn signals, new roll bars, double-adjustable shocks, updated wiper motors, a new HVAC system, a choice of several different kinds of seat harnesses, an optional carbon fiber hood scoop, new side mirrors, various power brake options, vintage-appearing LED headlights, quieter side pipes, anchored floor mats, and 17-inch Halibrand wheels, to name just a few.
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Man, I love the Mk V car with the hard top, wish they would fully integrate the hardtop into a body though.