At the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, Factory Five Racing launched the latest Gen 3 version of their Type 65 Roadster, which looks quite wonderful, from what I can see.

Said to be the world’s largest kitcar manufacturer, in volume terms, FFR’s MD, Dave Smith and R&D chief, Jim Schenck got to work completely re-designing the car originally launched 15-years ago.

The old 4in round-tube chassis was ditched and an all-new spaceframe was created with the aid of CAD, plus floors lowered by 2½in with the result being a frame said to be over seven times more torsionally stiff when compared to the Generation 2 Type 65. The car’s suspension remains unaltered and is shared with the FFR’s Mk4 Roadster.

The company’s demonstrator is powered by a Ford Racing-supplied highly-tuned Coyote V8 delivering 750bhp. The current FFR range also includes Challenge Car (race version of Mk4), 33 Hot Rod, GTM Supercar and 818.

The cockpit has been attended to with more interior space thanks to the lowered floors, while head and leg-room have been increased by 1½in – the dashboard has also been revised so is now much closer to being period correct while the exterior has also been completely revised and is now completely symmetrical, a restyle at the rear end with opening glass tailgate more flowing and accurate rear wheel arches.

Prices have been raised by a $1000 meaning that the starter kit now costs $15,999. More information is available from www.factoryfive.com ENDS.