Matt R. “first dreamed of building a Cobra replica in high school auto-shop class in ’79.

In ’05 I was finally able to purchase a Mk3 and built it using as much of my ’95 Mustang GT donor as possible, along with 15″ Halibrands, 3 link rear suspension, and 3.55 rear gears.

Factory Five always has always had a family vibe, and a sense of community. This was especially important to me as I now had a family of my own.

I built the car with day trips in mind, ensuring my wife Mary would be comfortable driving it. It features power steering, power brakes, heat, a/c, defrost, wipers, and a full width roll bar.

Through the Ohio Cobra Club we were invited to autocross and caught the performance driving bug! We’ve met so many people through this car, some even famous. Many are like family now.

Mary and I have a blast competing against each other for the best lap times. Over the years I’ve upgraded the front suspension to Mk4 specs, added adjustable sway bars, double adjustable Koni’s, Hawk brakes, Torsen T2R diff, and 17″ FF Halibrand wheels with Toyo r888r tires. The car still surpasses my driving abilities, as more experienced drivers have turned faster lap times than I.

Mary and I have recently taken the car on vacation to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor areas, and Texas Cobra Club Spring Meet.

This car is truly a Swiss Army knife for us – it does anything we ask of it and never fails us. My adult kids say they want the car when we can’t drive anymore, so it will be staying in the family.

I am immensely grateful to Factory Five and the Factory Five community for making this dream come true. We’re having the time of our lives!”

Alayna Baldwin Emerald River Photography