Godspeed Ron Preston

Last Friday, I received a call from Nancy Preston, the wife of customer Ron Preston. Ron has had a huge presence in the FFR community, helping many build their cars and providing great feedback on The Factory Five Forum over the years. Nancy kindly asked if I could spare a moment to speak with Ron… I was deeply touched by the request. It turns out, Ron had kept his battle with stage 4 cancer private from everyone. Despite his circumstances, Ron and I laughed it up remembering good Factory Five stories and mutual friends. Ron let me know that he was in hospice and wasn’t going to make it long. He wanted to thank me for the cars, community, and adventures he had enjoyed for more than a decade. He told me that FFR was such a big part of his life. What an honor it is to run a company that makes such a difference in the lives of others. I ended the call humbled and in tears knowing this good man was facing the end of his road.

Ron helped many people build their cars, and was a skilled mechanic and lifelong Ford lover. He passed away on Tuesday morning.

Ron with Factory Five customers Jim K., Tino, and Joe M.

Ron Preston reminds me that the “stuff” only matters when it brings us together with the ones we love. How lucky am I to run a company that understands we build far more than cars. What an honor to know Ron and offer my condolences on behalf of everyone at Factory Five Racing.  

Godspeed my friend.

Nancy has informed us that the funeral will be held on Monday, March 25th, from 10 am to 12 pm at Candle Light Funeral Home in Catonsville, MD. If you wish to honor Ron’s memory, Nancy kindly asks for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Candle Light Funeral Home
1835 Frederick Rd.
Catonsville, Maryland

Click here for full service details.

Latest Factory Five News

Five Deals from the Factory Five Guys Ends Soon!

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

Damon P. Graduates 30th Anniversary Mk5 #11 of 30

Congratulations to Factory Five customer Damon P. on graduating his Mk5 Roadster build! Like other recent Mk5 graduate, Doug S., Damon also built one of the Factory Five 30th Anniversary Special Edition Mk5 Roadster, #11 of 30. Damon received his Mk5 in June 2025, and built it with a BluePrint Engines 427 CID Stage 2 HO, Tremec TKO 600, Holley Sniper 2 EFI, Ansen tri-color valve covers, IRS, 18″ 30th Anniversary Bronze Halibrand Wheels, Holley returnless fuel system, Radium Engineering fuel dampening system and fuel pressure gauge power steering, power brakes, and bronze Anniversary chassis with almost all other bare… Read More »

Read More

SoCal Factory Five Owners Meet Up for Some Cars & Coffee

It’s officially car show season everywhere, and 12 Factory Fives in SoCal met up at the Cars and Coffee event this past Saturday in San Clemente. Among them were customers Hal C., Tim W., David H., Bud C,, John S., Kevin H., Bart H., Tony V., and Dennis A. The San Clemente Cars and Coffee is a weekly event and is the largest in Orange County so we’re stoked to hear that Factory Five was well represented with these customer builds. Click here to watch a quick YouTube short of the Factory Five Roadsters and Coupe from this event. Photos… Read More »

Read More
Top