Factory Five 818C Model Getting Closer To Launch

In January, we showed you our prototype shape for the new 818C removable hard top. Since then, production molds have been built and the tech/R&D team has been building an all-new car that will serve as the first 818C model. Here are some photos of the first part out of the mold. We have decided to make some minor changes to the part, but these pictures give a good idea of what the final shape will be. The production car will be unveiled at our summer Open House on June 13th here in Wareham, MA.

Pricing is still not finalized, but will be announced at our Open House when we introduce the car.

DSC_3830
The 818C shape was made by Jim in R&D and John in Shaping.

DSC_5209
The hard top is a removable part that replace the rear deck panel and includes a glass hatch and glass quarter windows. The glass hatch in the photo above is the plug that was made for the glass molds. DOT compliant glass is being made by our supplier.

DSC_5214
The 818C follows the 818R and the 818S models. One of the biggest advantages of the 818 is that, with a body that is made of smaller panels, we are able to change body styles with a minimum of effort. This makes the 818 a very flexible platform, and a fun car to build because it can be upgraded and changed easily.

DSC_5231
Rear spoiler options are not finalized yet.

DSC_5238
Almost everyone who has visited the company remarks how the 818 is much more dramatic and aggressive in real live versus in photographs. The 818C has a very aggressive stance.

DSC_5241
The 818C hard top is designed to retro-fit to all current 818S models. It will not fit the 818R.

The 818C design includes the following features:
Power side windows
Rear quarter glass and side-vented engine bay
Hinged rear glass hatch
Inner bulkhead with rear window
Inner hard top linear with air intake duct to engine bay
Comes with front windshield glass

Latest Factory Five News

Rob M. Reaches First Start Milestone!

There’s many milestones when building a Factory Five including getting the kit in your garage, making it a roller, engine install, and of course, graduating the build. One of the most exciting ones though is the first start, and customer Rob M. from Suttons Bay, MI recently shared his Mk4 firing up for the first time on The Factory Five Forum! “First start was a success!” wrote Rob on the forum. “Dad made it up and we had perfect weather. I primed the fuel pump with my power probe and got the pressure right at 65 psi per the Gen… Read More »

Read More

Five Deals from the Factory Five Guys Sunday, 6/28!

2026 is off to a great start, and the team wants to keep the momentum going! They have put together a sale for all of our kits to help you build your car your way this year. Score a Free IRS Upgrade OR Save $2,026 Off Options on Mk5 Roadsters, Mk4 Roadsters, Type 65 Coupe, and ’33 Hot Rod To ensure your finest ride is possible, we are offering FREE IRS Upgrades (up to $3,199 in value). Our Independent Rear Suspension is the best suspension configuration Factory Five has to offer. This upgrade package includes: OR you can save $2,026… Read More »

Read More

Charles M. is Show Favorite with ’33 Hot Rod

Charles M. from Lakeland, FL purchased a built Factory Five ’33 Hot Rod in February 2026. This Hot Rod was built by a company in California that builds cars for movies and TV shows. It was sold at auction with the proceeds being donated to a charity. The auction winner then sold the car to Charles with 594 miles on it. Charles brought the Hot Rod to the 21st Annual Bay Life Car Show the other week which saw 675 cars attend. As the car show awards were being handed out, Charles was presented with the Show Favorite award! The… Read More »

Read More
Top