Vehicle Description
This 2006 Factory Five GTM is a special treat. These are mid-engine
V8 sports cars that can take down some big competition on the
street or track. But you can't just walk into a showroom and drive
one out. Just like the other FF creations, you have to add time,
money, and effort to build one. Except for this time, if you're
quick enough, this LS6-powered, five-speed GTM that's up for grabs
lets you skip ahead to fun immediately.
Factory Five are the masters at building the pieces for some
serious sports cars. That's why they are arguably the top name in
track-worthy Shelby Cobra replicas. So when it came time for them
to wrap that expertise into their own package, they really had some
fun. Factory Five took some of the best design elements from
contemporary supercars and created an attractively unique design.
It's hard not to make comparisons to a Ford GT in the front, a
Saleen S7 silhouette, and a rear reminiscent of the Mosler MT900 -
that's some pretty fast company! The Galaxy Grey was borrowed from
Mazda, and it lives up to its name with a metallic element that
radiates in the light like it assembled millions of little stars.
In fact, since there's only about 650 miles on the full build, the
finish, fit, panels, and glass all are quite nice. There's a touch
of darkness on the car, and that seems to point to the most
aerodynamic pieces, like the smooth headlight covers, hood
extractors, rear diffuser, and the rear panel with those
awesome-looking header-fed dual exhaust tips. The Aerolarri forged
wheels have a fan-style look that's like they want to move the wind
as much as the body, and they have a thoughtful tone that adds
flair while still harmonizing with the metallic gray paint. It all
makes for a total package that looks powerful, thoughtful, and
distinct.
The interior does a great job creating a hardcore performance car
that's also every day comfortable. It starts with custom bucket
seats that completely envelop you and your passenger. The high
central tunnel is at the exact right height to rest your arm while
your right hand is firmly planted on the stick shift. Your left
hand takes command of the Momo three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Beyond that is a complete set of AutoMeter Pro-Comp Ultra Lite
gauges. There's even a Joycar OBDII head-up-style display on top of
the dash. While all this seems like everything you want in a track
car, there are also features like the power windows and provisions
for air conditioning (it likely needs a recharge) that make this
one comfortable to drive well beyond the racetrack.
Factory Five developed the GTM utilizing some of the best
components around. It starts with a mid-mounted fuel-injected LS6
Chevy V8 producing 400+ horsepower. This is mated to a Porsche G50
five-speed transaxle. The total package gives a good weight balance
to Factory Five's custom chassis. After all, the entire car is
supposed to weigh a mere 2,200 lbs. It makes the ultra-light C5 Z06
seem portly by comparison, and so the power-to-weight ratio really
brings it into supercar territory! Many of the suspension
components are borrowed from a C5 Corvette, including the
four-wheel power disc brakes with drilled & slotted rotors. Keeping
you firmly planted are also Michelin Pilot sports tires. But what
this car understands better than most others you'll look at is
aerodynamics. One of the best places to understand this engineering
is by taking a look at the undercarriage photos. Those smooth flat
panels on the bottom help move more air and are rarely seen on
sports cars that don't share a price with premium Ferraris.
We have a build receipt file that documents the work and components
that have gone into this car, including the initial professional
assembly work. It all proves that this Factor Five GTM is the right
combination of big power, light weight, proven engineering, and an
awesome exotic style. Rarely do you find one already assembled and
ready to go. But if you want to start having fun tomorrow, you need
to call today!
