He Sold His Dream Car to Take Care of His Family. Now, He’s Building a Mk5 with Them!
Some stories come full circle, and Jason K.’s is a great example.
Jason bought his first Factory Five Mk1 Roadster, kit #1413, in May 1998 at just 24 years old. He spent a year building it and loved it so much that he even included it in his will for his two sons. He never planned to sell it, but life had other plans.
Over the five years he owned it, Jason made plenty of memories, including attending Run & Gun at St. Louis International Speedway in 1998 or 1999. He was still building his car when he met Dave Smith, along with many other great people, including the legendary Dick Smith.
One memory really stands out. During the event, Dave rolled his Roadster and a group of enthusiasts jumped in to help, duct-taping damaged body panels. Jason says, “in true Dave Smith fashion, Dave took that car back onto the track and won!” He witnessed the whole thing firsthand!
(Photo from the iconic roll that was patched together with duct tape and went on to win!)
(Photo of Jason and Dick Smith!)
That’s the kind of story you don’t forget, and it’s a perfect example of the people and passion that make the Factory Five community so special.
(Photo of Jason and his family in their original Mk1 build.)
Eventually, Jason faced a difficult decision. With a wife and two young boys at home and bills piling up, he sold his beloved Mk1 for $30,600 to help support his family. It was heartbreaking, but it helped lay the foundation for his family’s future.
His original roadster has since traveled from Indiana to Washington, D.C., California, and all the way to Scotland! Jason has kept in touch with its current owner, who recently sent him a photo of the car in front of a castle.
(Picture of Jason’s Mk1 in Scotland!)
Nearly three decades after buying his first kit, Jason is ready to build his dream car again. This time with his two adult sons and their kids! After attending our Mk5 build school in July 2026, they decided to build the all-new roadster together.
(Photo of Jason and his two sons at the Mott College Build School.)
Their new Mk5 will feature a Ford Godzilla V8 targeting around 600 horsepower, a Haltech Nexus S3 ECU, independent rear suspension, adjustable shocks, and 17-inch Halibrand wheels. They’re planning to have Jeff K. out of Indiana paint it blue inspired by a 1997 Dodge Viper, with white racing stripes, just like Jason’s first roadster.
(Left to Right: Cam B., Jake B., Jason K., Dave S., and Jason’s two sons!)
For Jason, this build is about much more than horsepower. It’s a chance to share his passion with his sons, spend time together, and create memories for the next generation.
Jason has been part of the Factory Five family since 1998. We’re grateful to have him back and excited to see his multi-generation build come together.
(Left to Right: Jason and his two sons!)
Welcome back, Jason!
