The Factory Five '33 Hot Rod can now be purchased as a completely assembled and painted roller from Tasca Ford. Image courtesy Factory Five Racing
Factory Five Racing made a name for itself in the 1990s by developing component car kits that allowed users to create their own roadster replicas, reminiscent of the AC Cobra, but with the then-unusual twist of being both affordable and of high quality. What separated these kits from the myriad others on the market was the approach to its mechanical bits, which were to be taken in large part from a Fox Mustang donor vehicle.
The concept brought a new level of affordability and simplicity to the Cobra replica market, and not surprisingly, the FFR’s Roadsters quickly became popular. The company continued to expand its line, later adding a spec-racer style Roadster for use in a new racing series sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and following up with a Cobra Daytona Coupe replica and a mid-engine exotic.
The most recent addition to Factory Five’s lineup is a bit of a departure from the road-race inspired offerings it was built on. The FFR ’33 Hot Rod draws cues from classic street rod versions of the legendary three-window coupe, but differs from typical street rods in that it utilizes a modern independent suspension system and offers a removable hardtop. The ’33 Hot Rod took Best in Show honors at the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas, and has been gaining popularity, but like all of FFR’s cars, it is offered as a custom vehicle chassis kit, which must then be built.
Tasca Ford needs little introduction among car enthusiasts. The Rhode Island-based dealership gained fame in the 1960s thanks to its racing efforts, and for its influence with Ford Motor Company in developing new performance products, including the 428 Cobra Jet Mustang. Today, Tasca is still going strong as a third-generation family company, operating multiple car dealerships in addition to the Tasca Mod Shop, which specializes in Ford performance, while also remaining active in drag racing by campaigning a Top Fuel Funny Car driven by Bob Tasca III.
Now, Tasca has teamed up with their fellow New Englanders at Massachusetts-based Factory Five to offer turn-key ’33 Hot Rods for customers. “[Factory Five Racing] build the best ’33 Hot Rod chassis package on the market,” said Bob Tasca III. “It only made sense to offer the Hot Rod as a complete roller with the skills that we have at the Tasca Mod Shop. This new program will allow hot rod enthusiasts all over the world who may not be comfortable assembling the car on their own the option of getting a professionally built custom car at a great price.”
The Tasca Ford ’33 Hot Rods will be sold as complete rollers, assembled and with paint jobs, but no engine or transmission. Vehicles can be purchased directly from Tasca or through Factory Five.