Factory 5 GTM

 

The Factory Five GTM is a mid-2000s Ford GT kit car with a Corvette LS V8 and other GM parts. GTM in this instance stands for Grand Touring Mid-engine. Factory Five Racing is known for making legitimate kit cars that perform well and are budget-friendly alternatives to other serious performance cars. The vehicle can be fitted with either an LS1, LS6, or LS2 V8 producing 350-400 horsepower in stock form but can provide up to 700 horsepower with an additional turbo or supercharger. Its LS V8 can be paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed manual. The GTM launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 180 mph with the 5-speed manual and 200 mph with the 6-speed manual. It borrows running gear from the C5-gen Corvette from 1997 to 2004. Besides the engine, these C5 Corvette parts include the front and rear control arms, suspension, brakes, and fuel tanks. On the other hand, the GTM borrows its transaxle from the Porsche 911, and the rest of the vehicle is entirely customizable.

The GTM consists of a mild-carbon steel frame with a six-point roll cage and aluminum chassis panels. Its interior is lined in leather and suede upholstery and features standard power windows and carpet flooring, which are surprising for a vehicle like this. Notable options that can be added on to the GTM include air conditioning, an infotainment system, and door-mounted speakers. It shouldn't come as too much of a shocker that when it's fully built, the Factory 5 GTM can weigh as light as 2,250 pounds. Pricing for the GTM starts at $24,990, making this a bargain for a serious performance car. I saw a Factory 5 GTM up close for the first time ever at last year's Exotics on Broadway in Monterey in August, and it definitely stood out to me since it is a rare and legitimate kit car. In addition, the one featured here, which is the only one I've seen in person, features extensive modifications, a custom grille, and more than likely a significant power upgrade over stock. Many kit cars get bad reputations for being cheaper ripoffs of expensive performance vehicles, but the Factory 5 GTM is not your average kit car, and it combines Ford GT styling and signature Corvette elements to create one impressive package.

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