Factory Five BEV 818 Runs 9.8 Seconds at 129.6 MPH!

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Dave Lindsey in What's New

Last September, we told you about Chris Tapp’s 818 build. Chris at Tapp Auto in Ontario, Canada installed a Chevy Volt batteries with a Tesla S electric motor into a Factory Five 818C and ran a 10 second 1/4 mile. After updating the P85 engine of the Tesla sedan, Road & Track reports that Chris recently clicked off an amazing 9.869 second 1/4 mile at almost 130 MPH. Check out the video. Congrats Chris on this exceptional build!

Read the article on Road & Track’s website here.

Chris ran a 10.1 second 1/4 last year with the car still in red gel-coat. The car is now finished in a nice metallic silver.

Here’s the video of the 9.8 second run. The car is amazingly quiet as it sprints down the track.

Here’s the cockpit view of the same 9.8 second run.

You can see more videos on Chris’ YouTube channel.

Latest Factory Five News

Bill B. Shares an Update on His Mk5 Build

April 20, 2026

Every build has a story—but some take a lifetime to begin. After decades as a technician, engineer, and business owner—building companies, leading teams, and designing critical communications systems across New England—I decided at 50 to return to where it all started: a passion for cars. That decision became Blue Hills Customs. This MK5 Roadster is more than a project—it’s the first expression of a vision to create ultra-premium, one-off roadsters that blend classic design with modern performance and reliability. Factory Five Racing provided the perfect canvas. The MK5 isn’t just a kit—it’s a foundation that allows builders to bring something truly… Read More »

Paul H. and his Mk4 Earn 2nd Place at Spokane Speed!

April 14, 2026

Customer Paul H. from Spokane, WA took home 2nd Place in the Handbuilt Sports Car Class at this year’s Spokane Speed and Custom Car Show! Paul purchased his Mk4 Roadster (chassis #9847) in June 2020, and built the car with his son after attending the Factory Five Build School at Mott Community College. They built the Mk4 with a 5.0 Coyote from a 2013 F150, Trememc 2650, IRS, 17″ Halibrand wheels, vinyl dash with glovebox, leather seats, and vintage gauges. They painted the car Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue stripes. This past winter, Paul add front and rear sways bars… Read More »

Mk4 Customers Chris and Wendy D. Visit Factory Five

April 9, 2026

It was a pleasure to host Mk4 Chris and Wendy D. from Navarre. FL at Factory Five this week! Chris built a Mk4 Roadster the other year, and was also featured in Coastal Lifestyle Magazine. While on vacation in New England, they took the opportunity to visit Factory Five in Wareham to meet the team and tour the factory. “It was great to meet the FFR team! I had an amazing time. I’m still riding that high. I only wish I would’ve come up sooner. Dave Smith is awesome. Reminds me a lot of my dad and myself. I could’ve… Read More »