New GT V8 Video! Check it out! (WMV, 5 Megs)

Spyder wins Petersen Publishing Award at Knotts Show!  Click for details.

Concept
FFR Owner Mark Smith was the driving force behind the new FFR Spyder GT.  The original goal was to develop a completely new kit package that was 100% FFR in terms of performance, and truly groundbreaking with regards to comfort, style and usability.  We were looking to design a chassis kit that had the raw muscle and high speed manners of the Coupe, yet captured the open-car fun of the roadster in a more civilized package.  The Spyder GT was the result.

Style and performance in one great package.  The kit has both vintage lines and a modern aerodynamic shape.  The chassis is based on the high performance race-proven FFR Coupe.  The Spyder GT has a confidence inspiring chassis and daily driver comforts that make it a capable and versatile package.

The design follows in the strong traditions of classic European GT cars that incorporated excellent handling, great high speed stability, and distinctive styling.  The attention to detail, refinement and comfort has set a new high water mark for us here at Factory Five.

The Spyder GT kit includes parts like a high strength tubular steel frame, aluminum chassis panels, hand-laid composite body, adjustable suspension components, interior and exterior trim items, and many more parts needed to complete your project.

Following in the strong tradition of ours, the Spyder GT can be built with donor 5.0 Mustang parts, as well as a variety of engines and running gear.  The options are a virtual clone of those offered for the Coupe and Roadster kit, but especially the Coupe kit, since the basic chassis components are identical.

Just about every part that works with the FFR Coupe kit works with the new Spyder GT.  We completed engineering on the new Spyder GT in 2002 and pilot production began at the beginning of 2003.  The silver car featured in the above photos was the second prototype and made its debut at the November 2002 SEMA show.

The running gear selection is similar to the Coupe in that you can currently use the 289, 302, or 351 Ford engines and T-5 or Tremec transmissions.  The dash layout is all-new with a tight cluster of silver-faced Autometer modern gauges in a black wrinkle-finish pod dash.

Performance testing has not been done.  With the rigid Coupe chassis as a foundation, and 2275 (est.) weight combined with a potent small block V-8, the car can better anything you run up against.  We are currently developing a high-end weather-tight retractable soft-top for all-weather usability.  The car has had a limited introduction to the press.  At the 2002 FFrogFest-West National Meet and Spec Race held in Sonoma California, Kit Car Builder Magazine editor and longtime industry leader, Jim Youngs got a close-up look at the new car and a chance to drive the thing.

"We think Factory Five has a winner in this Gran Touring car because it is not only a departure from snake clones, it is a beautiful car... the look quickly reminds us of those fabulous early GT cars that are among the most beautiful automotive designs ever."

Jim Youngs

Editor, Kit Car Builder Magazine