Quotes and excerpts from Engineered Perfection by Shane Wishnowsky, with photography by Glen McNamara.
Llewellyn Picton’s Factory Five ’33 Hot Rod is a stunning blend of classic design and modern engineering, with inspiration that dates back to the iconic ’33 Ford coupe, reimagined by Factory Five Racing. As the article “Engineered Perfection” says, “Henry Ford may have been a visionary, but even he could never have imagined a ’33 looking like this!” Llewellyn first spotted the interpretation of this classic at the SEMA Show in 2016 and knew right away he had to have one in his garage.
Llewellyn’s hot rod, the first of its kind in New Zealand, is not just about looks—it’s about performance too. Powered by a bespoke LS3 416ci engine built by Wegner Motorsports, it’s packed with high-end components like a forged 4340 crank and Mahle pistons. This powerhouse is capable of pulling incredible g-forces through the corners, thanks in part to its “inboard cantilever suspension” system paired with Koni coilovers, and a lightweight design that tips the scales at just 1,100kg.
This car is meticulously engineered, from the custom Boze Forged wheels to the sleek Porsche deep gray-black body finish. The article perfectly captures the essence of this unique build, describing it as “a very modernized interpretation of the traditional ’33 shape.”
Llewellyn collaborated with Fraser Cars and a host of other specialists to bring his vision to life over six years. The attention to detail continues in the interior, which was inspired by Lamborghinis. Upholstery by Scott crafted an angular and luxurious cockpit, complete with Autometer carbon series gauges and custom billet components from Auckland’s Ditron Precision Engineering.
In the end, as Llewellyn says, this car is “unlike any other,” both inside and out.
“Age: 41
Occupation: Managing Director
Previously owned cars: Currently – ‘69 Camaro, ‘67 Mustang with Nelson Racing engine, 20 turbo RX-3 coupe, Mazda 1300 wagon
Dream car: Still dreaming
Why the Factory Five?: Saw them at SEMA and loved the idea of a modern Hot Rod/StreetRod
Build time: 6 years on and off
Length of ownership: 6 years
Thanks: Dan, Scott and team at Fraser Cars; Carl and AJ at C&M Performance; Jason Adams for the paint; Alex Gillespie at AG Fabrication; Ethan Lunjevich; Brixton Picton at OUTLAW Performance riding shotgun; Walter Bracey for the chrome detailing; Ditron Precision Engineering for the billet parts; LVVTA for the tech assistance; Gary Ann at Tint lab
Specifications:
Vehicle: 2023 Factory 5 Racing, ‘33 hot rod
Engine: 416ci LS3, forged 4340 4.00-inch crank, forged 4340 6.125-inch rods, Mahle pistons,
Cleveite rod and main bearings, Bullet camshaft, Comp pushrods, ARP fasteners, LSA cylinder
heads, upgraded rocker arms, upgraded rocker arm stands, Manley intake and exhaust valves,
polished crank, CNC ported heads, Holley Dominator EFI, GM carb style LS3 intake m, billet
fuel rails, Shaun’s Custom alloy billet intake manifold, custom dual filters, custom fuel tank,
Holley Hydramat, in-tank fuel pump, twin 2.5-inch custom exhaust, alloy radiator, Holley
Dominator efi, Wegner billet drive system, custom valve covers, GM hydraulic roller lifters, GM
timing chain set
Driveline: Tremec T56 gearbox, Mcleod twin plate clutch, Ford Mustang 8.8-inch diff, LSD
center
Suspension: Double wishbone suspension, inboard shocks, 3-link rear, panhard rod, Koni coil
over shocks, Factory Five Racing springs, electra-steer electric power steering
Brakes: Ring Brothers brake reservoirs, Tilton floor mounted pedal box with balance bar,
Wilwood Dynapro 6-piston calipers, 12.88-inch 2-piece front rotors, Wilwood single piston rear
calipers, 12.19-inch rear rotors
Wheels/tires: 18×12.5-inch Boze forged wheels, 335/70R18 Toyo R888 tires
Exterior: Factory Five ‘33 body, Ditron billet door handles, Ditron tail lights, Ring Brothers
mirrors, billet side window surrounds, custom wiper system, PPG Porsche gray black paint
Chassis: Modified Factory Five Racing mild steel tubular spaceframe chassis
Interior: Custom interior, re-trimmed Billet Specialties steering wheel, Bowler billet shifter,
Ring Brothers billet gear knob, Autometer carbon series gauges, custom center console, custom
door panels, billet AC ducts
Performance: 700hp
Driver: Llewellyn Picton
Car Club: Southside Streeters / Pro Touring Garage“
