No matter how many Roadsters you see, you never get tired of looking at this classic shape.
The 16th Annual Factory Five Open House held last weekend was definitely one for the record books! The weather was absolutely perfect with clear blue skies, and mid-70s temperatures. There were close to 150 Factory Fives that made the trek to our headquarters in Wareham, MA.
The format this year was similar to other years. The fun began at 9 AM with car registration, and the Factory Five crew was busy parking cars and directing traffic. Spectators parked at the nearby Wareham Crossing shopping mall and were taken to the plant by a shuttle bus. The band fired up at 10 AM, and at the same time, the Engineering Department drove in to the showroom with two 818 sports cars to give everyone a close-up look at the 818R and the 818S.
As the 818S was introduced, Factory Five President Dave Smith and Grassroots Motorsports Magazine Executive Director Andy Reid covered the highlights of the car. The 818S was driven onto scales and weighed in front of the crowd. The final street-ready, driving curb weight of the car was a featherweight 1828 lbs.!
After only 24 months of development, the 818 sports car is now in production and on schedule. The first two production kits were on display in the warehouse. Also in the warehouse was our famous scratch and dent parts sale where customers and visitors scooped up bargains on Factory Five parts.
At 11 AM, Factory Five President Dave Smith conducted a walking tour of the plant and showed off recent changes and upgrades made to the facility including our brand-new Mitsubishi laser cutting machine, hydraulic press, and air-handling system. Dave answered questions at each manufacturing node.
At noon, car show judges Joe Leone, Henry Renaud, Erik Hansen, and Dave Hodgkins were on hand for the car show awards presentation. Here are the winners by category:
Best in Show Coupe – Greg Pellegrino
Best in Show Roadster – Bob Scocca
Best in Show Challenge Car – Rick LaCourse
Best in Show GTM – Bob Levine
Best in Show ’33 – Matt Robichaud
Best in Show Under Construction – Kevin Sullivan
Best Use of Chrome – David Dagget
Most Innovative Improvement – Dennis Surette
Best Paint – Bob Scocca
Best Engine – Mark Dipiero
Best Interior – Bob Levine
Best in Show all Classes – Bob Levine
Long Distance Award – Paul Woodward
Most Accrued Milage –
Factory Five Legacy/Robert Fedderson Memorial Award – Don Vaught
Grassroots Motorsports Magazine was on hand, as was Automobile Magazine and Kit Car Builder, to report on the event. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful day, and it was a great chance to show the world the changes we’ve made to the company. Thanks to everyone who came out, and especially to all of the Factory Five customers who drove their cars and enjoyed good fellowship on such a great day. See you next year!
Dave Smith
President
The Factory Five staff had a lot of fun at this year’s event.
Craig Lindsey drives his venerable blue and white Mk3.
Hot Rods, Roadsters, and Rock ‘N Roll make for a good combination!
T-shirts and promotional items were sold by the Smith girls and two of their friends.
One of the few places you’ll ever see a traffic jam quite like this.
There was a strong contingent of ’33s this year.
Awesome license plate!
The car show judges had a very difficult time picking awards like “Best Engine”.
Factory Five Director of R&D Jim Schenck spent the day explaining the features of the 818.
Factory Five stalwart customers Gary Cheney and Joe “OldGuy68” Leone.
Adam Smith and his friend Jake check out a SolidWorks designed custom bike.
Standing room only around the 818s.
Factory Five shipping expert Jessie Riha with her grandparents.
The cars in the show field were stunning!
A good group of BEAUTIFUL GTMs arrived.
This car didn’t win “Best in Show,” but it was second to nothing else!
The 818 was available for folks to sit in.
The 818 kit was on display in the Chassis Assembly area.
Matt Robichaud’s beautiful ’33 Hot Rod.
There were plenty of places to sit and enjoy the delicious hot dog lunch.
License and registration, sir.
The 818S in the showroom.
The showroom was packed when the 818 was introduced.
Great deals on used parts!
Huge thanks to everyone who helped and everyone who came! Sally, Tony, and Erik pause to take some well deserved credit.
Click here to view more photos from the 2013 Factory Five Open House.
Photos taken by Gary Bean and Dave Hodgkins.