Customer David C.’s Superb Speedstar
David’s Factory Five Speedstar has already earned a name for itself, winning first place at its first car show and getting looks wherever he goes. His most recent award was a Vintage Motorsports Cruise Award plaque at the annual Factory Five Night put on by Mass Cruisers at Patriot Place.
When David drove his car over to Factory Five Racing to show the crew the car, we talked about how the car drums up conversation when David stops for gas. He mentioned how great it handles and how much he loves to drive it. We couldn’t help but smile when we heard David drive in, and the crew hopes he comes by more often just to see that beautiful Sunset Orange Pearl color and hear that Hemi engine drum.
“I picked up my Speedstar kit in August 2022 and started assembly the following month,” said David. “After 21 months, I completed the build. In June 2024, I finished the VIN, title, and registration process, and have been driving it for a month now.”
“The car is powered by a 5.7 Hemi that I rebuilt after purchasing it used. The transmission is a rebuilt Tremec T5, and the rear end is an 8.8 from a Fox Body Mustang, which I converted to 5-lug axles and disc brakes. I ordered the kit with a 3-link rear suspension, side window kit, Autometer gauges, and a powder-coated chassis.”
“Building the chassis and wiring the car was straightforward. I fired the engine for the first time in February 2023, and took it for a go-kart ride in April 2024. It became clear that the standard 11.6″ front and 10.5″ rear brakes were insufficient, so I upgraded to 13″ front and 11.6″ rear Cobra Mustang brakes, which work quite well. During go-karting, I realized I wouldn’t be happy with manual steering and added electric power steering.”
“For the remainder of 2023, I worked on fitting the body panels and preparing the body for paint. Although I initially planned to paint the car myself, my wife insisted on having it professionally done. I dropped the car off at Coffey’s Rod and Custom in Kingston, MA, in January 2024. The paint job, in a breathtaking Sunset Orange Pearl, was completed in early April. I spent the rest of April and May finishing the final assembly.”
David attended our recent Cruise-in in his Speedstar and has been attracting a crowd and winning wherever he goes. He’s already won awards at all three car shows he’s attended, and we’re excited to see what he’ll do next! Congratulations David on the incredible new addition to your family, that you built yourself.
Featured image at top taken by Wayne Deslauriers.
