Customer Marshall M. has dreamed of building a Factory Five Type 65 Coupe for over a decade, and his dream finally became a reality when he placed his order in April 2022. The kit arrived just one day before his wife Trina’s birthday, making it an extra special moment.

Thanks to Trina’s full support—despite Marshall jokingly calling it his “mid-life crisis car build”—his journey has been a true family affair. “These cars are technically ‘kit cars,’ but there’s nothing ‘kit’ about them. They all end up 100% custom,” says Marshall.

When we last checked in with Marshall in January 2023, his goal was to have a functioning go-cart by the end of summer and a fully completed car by summer 2024. With three teenage sons and the usual challenges life throws at you, he knew it would be tough. But true to the “Built, Not Bought” mentality, Marshall has met every milestone and continues to push forward.

Marshall’s build features a Blueprint 408 SBF engine with Holley Sniper EFI, a Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission, an 8.8″ live axle rear with 3.27 gears, and a Torsen T2 differential. The car is also equipped with A/C, heat, power steering, side windows, vinyl roadster seats, a leather steering wheel, GPS gauges, and upgraded braking components from a 2003 Mustang Cobra (13″ Alcon 4-piston front brakes and 11.65″ rear brakes from a 1994 Mustang Cobra).

Marshall’s goal is to create a fair-weather daily driver that can handle the Texas heat, while also ensuring comfort with A/C and heat for year-round driving.

Build Timeline:
Order: April 29, 2022
Delivery: January 25, 2023
First Fire: August 13, 2023
Go-Cart: September 30, 2023
Registration: June 14, 2024
First 1,000 miles: December 27, 2024
Bodywork & Paint: TBD

One of the highlights of Marshall’s journey was touring the Factory Five facility with his family in the summer of 2023, where they had the chance to see the behind-the-scenes action. Most recently, Marshall’s son Garrett took his senior photos in front of their iconic Coupe!

Senior Photography Credit: Monica Torres Photography 📸