A Holiday Tribute: Nick A.’s Crimson Coupe and New Mk4 Roadster
Dear Factory Five,
As we approach the holidays, I want to share a special journey that started with a dream—and a tribute to my daughter, Briaana, who we lost to leukemia in October 2018. She was only 18, full of love, and the light of our lives. As we head into this season of giving and remembering loved ones, this car has become a way for me to carry her spirit with me on every drive.
I’ve always been a fan of the Daytona Coupe. But like many of us, I never thought I’d be able to own one of the originals—they were always out of reach. Then, I stumbled upon Factory Five. From that moment, I knew I had to build one of these cars.
In November 2020, I placed my order, and after a long five-month wait, the big day finally arrived. On April 11th, I watched as the bright red semi-truck pulled up in front of my house, and it felt like Christmas in April! The neighbors gathered around, curious about the excitement—and I couldn’t help but smile. The car I had dreamed of for so long was finally here!
I chose the complete kit, including the straight axle and a host of options—power steering, disc brakes, A/C, heater defrost, and a better wheel package. For the engine, I went with a Blueprint Engine 347 and a 5-speed manual transmission. The build itself went smoothly, and though there were a few back-ordered parts, I kept moving forward. The assembly manual was incredibly detailed, and with my background in construction and car restoration, I was ready for the challenge.
Whenever I hit a bump in the road, I reached out to Dan and Jim at Factory Five, who were always there to guide me through any issues. Then came the moment I had been waiting for—the first startup. When it came to life, I was one of the happiest guys in Oklahoma! It was a feeling of pure joy—like unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning.
I didn’t stop there. I decided to take on the body and paint myself. I built my own spray booth out of PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and house filters for ventilation. After hours of sanding and perfecting, I painted the car a custom crimson red with a white/peril stripe and a lucky number seven gumball. Three coats of base, six coats of clear, and a final polish later, it was ready. It was truly a work of love, just like the memories I carry with me of Briaana.
The car is a blast to drive and every time I get behind the wheel, it reminds me of the love and strength I feel from her spirit.
I loved the experience so much that I’ve already ordered the Mk4 Roadster, and I’m currently installing the wiring, hoping to get the engine in soon.
This holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to build these cars and for the memories they hold. Thank you, Factory Five, for helping make this dream—and this tribute—come true.
Wishing you all happy holidays and a Happy New Year!
Your totally happy customer,
Nick A.
