Type 65 Coupe Frame & Chassis
The Type 65 Coupe Frame & Chassis
High-Strength Spaceframe Chassis. The Factory Five Racing Type 65 Coupe frame is the heart of the kit. It is computer designed to be extremely strong and light. The frame is shipped as part of an assembled chassis kit, ready to accept bolt-on components. The frame is a completely welded assembly and is delivered in bare steel or with an optional gloss black powdercoating.
Each of the six original Coupes were built on vintage AC chassis. Racing rules changed at the end of the 1964 season to allow for the “modification” of the exterior body shape, while using the same frame/chassis of an existing homologated design. What we did with the Gen 3 Coupe was the opposite! We kept the period-correct, authentic body shape, but designed an all-new modern chassis upon which this great car is built.
“...Galloping to 60 mph takes only 3.6 seconds. Bye-bye Porsche 911! The quarter mile passes in only 11.9 seconds at 119 mph, faster than a Dodge Viper GTS...”
Larry Webter
Technical Editor
Aluminum Chassis Panels
Right Materials, Made Right, Here in the USA. While our talented engineering staff uses advanced computer CAD designs right up front, our manufacturing team finishes the job by using the right materials, tools and training to build a better part. Not only does Factory Five lead the component car industry in engineering technology, we set the bar just as high in manufacturing.
The Type 65 Coupe is made in our factory in New England, not Taiwan or South Africa. The end result of all this work is that this most American of cars is made by American craftsmen using the right tools, and the right materials, the right way.
Our welded parts are made in the USA with American labor.
The Factory Five Mk4 frame is computer designed on Solidworks™ software using Hewlett Packard workstations.
Type 65 Coupe Suspension & Brakes
The Type 65 Coupe features the same proven suspension parts and geometry as the Factory Five Mk4 Roadster.
Front Suspension Base Kit
• Fully independent front suspension with unequal length upper and lower A-arms
• High-end KONI mono-tube adjustable coil-over rod-end shocks
• Uses donor Mustang front lower arms, spindles, and brakes
• Optional tubular steel lower control arms
Front Suspension Complete Kit
• The Factory Five Racing Type 65 Coupe complete kit includes the entire front suspension assembly and Ford brakes.
• Includes Ford GT brakes with 11” rotors, twin piston calipers, and stainless steel brake lines, fittings, and fasteners
• Includes brand-new spindles and tubular control arms
The Type 65 Coupe kit is delivered ready to accept bolt-on rear suspension components in one of three rear suspension configurations:
1. Four-Link Rear Suspension
Our standard 4-link suspension comes with custom anti-squat geometry and ready to accept Ford Mustang 8.8” solid axle donor rear suspension parts. The standard 4-link rear suspension is a great performance street car suspension.
2. Three-Link Rear Suspension
The upgraded 3-link rear suspension is standard in Type 65 Coupe complete kit. It includes the frame brackets, panhard bar, control arms, coil-over shocks and springs. Recognized as a proven and worthy upgrade to the standard Mustang 4-link, this suspension eliminates any bind and provides an amazingly predictable ride at the track or on the street.
3. Independent Rear Suspension
Our Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) option is designed for those looking for the most comfort, authenticity, and performance. The IRS can be added to either the base or the complete kit. It includes a welded-in cage, upper and lower tubular control arms, high-end KONI mono-tube rod-end coil-over shocks (matched to the fronts), and custom assembled axles and CV joints. The IRS option for the Type 65 Coupe kit requires the 8.8” center section, rear spindles, and brakes from a 2015 Ford Mustang.
Brakes/Wheels
Like the Mk4, the base Type 65 Coupe kit uses the rear end and brakes from a 1987-2004 Mustang donor car. The Type 65 Coupe complete kit comes with brand-new front brakes including S/N 95 style spindles and Ford GT 11” front rotors with twin piston PBR aluminum calipers. We offer a range of optional Halibrand replica wheels that are affordably priced and in the correct sizes/backspaces to work with our cars.
Type 65 Coupe Body & Exterior
The Type 65 Coupe Composite Body
The body shape and style was an accident … a lucky one. We started out to make an authentic 90” wheelbase Coupe, using our Roadster chassis and pick-up points for reference. That first 90” wheelbase prototype was simply too small. So we made the difficult decision to increase the vehicle dimensions. But we didn’t simply stretch the wheelbase, rather we enlarged the entire vehicle about 6 percent to maintain proper scale. The result was a jaw dropper!
The truth is the car simply looks right. It looks better than the original car and it’s also sleeker and more attractive than any of the three or four replicas out there that all seem to miss the mark by some distance — we nailed it.
“There’s something magical about having a racecar on the street. It’s enough to make anyone a little giddy, and the beauty of this beast is that all you need to do to make the illusion a reality is strap on a helmet and take it to the track.”
Scott Lear | Journalist, Grassroots Motorsports Magazine
Type 65 Coupe Running Gear
Type 65 Coupe Running Gear
Engine bay and deck height limit engine selection to Ford small blocks (289, 302, 351-based engines), the 5.0L Coyote, and the LS-series of engines. It’s important when taking on this project to decide on an engine and transmission configuration that will deliver the power you need and is within your budget.
Type 65 Coupe Interior
Type 65 Coupe Interior
We kept the interior period correct and functional like its forbearer, however we designed in modern comfort and controls like supportive seating, air conditioning, and improved visibility. All these things combine to enhance the driving experience rather than affect it.
The kits come with a complete interior and include quality items like the original style bucket seats. Vintage details abound, like our beautiful wood and aluminum steering wheel and safety items like the heart-attack serious race-cage, and 5-point racing harnesses for passenger and driver round out a nice package.
Jack Roush signs the dash of the Factory Five-Ford Champ Car Coupe.
Type 65 Coupe Specifications
Type 65 Coupe Specifications
The Hard Numbers.
The Coupe backs up its dramatic good looks with performance to match — something that is rare in the kit car world. A modestly built FFR Coupe powered by a 345hp Ford Racing 302 crate engine will sprint to 60 mph in less than four seconds! It will also out-brake a Ford GT and out-handle a brand new Porsche 911 Carrera.
Engine
- Configuration: V-8 iron block aluminum heads
- Displacement: 302 CID / 4942 cc
- Maximum Horsepower: 345 at 5800 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 330 at 4500 rpm
- Redline: 6000 rpm
Drivetrain
- Transmission: Tremec TKO 5 speed manual
- Final drive ratio: 3.27:1 limited slip
Suspension
- Front Suspension Type: Independent double arm
- Rear Suspension Type: Solid axle FFR 3-link rear suspension
- Shock-Springs: KONI™ mono-tube dampers
- Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
- Brakes: Mustang GT 11” F/11.65” R
- Wheels: 18” and 19” Ford GT Rims
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 245/35ZR18 front, 315/35ZR19 rear
Vehicle
- Weight: 2400 lbs.
- Weight: Distribution F/R 43/57 (Percent)
- Wheelbase: 95 in.
- Overall length: 173 in.
- Overall width: 72 in.
- Track F/R: 58.5 in./60 in.
- Overall height: 46.5 in.
- Ground clearance: 4.5 in.
Construction
- Layout: Front/mid engine RWD Coupe
- Frame: Spaceframe with cage
- Roll cage: 6-point SCCA designed competition cage with roof halo integral to frame
- Sub-structure: Aluminum panels bonded/riveted
- Restraint System: 5-point Simpson harness
Performance
- Acceleration: 3.6 seconds, 0-60 mph
- Quarter mile time: 12 seconds at 115 mph
- Road Holding: 1.05 Lateral G
- Braking: 70-0mph 112 feet
- Top Speed: Above 150 mph
Tested by Car and Driver Magazine, November 2000.
