When Scott Spencer began to think about what kind of car he wanted to have fun with on the weekend, he was met with a large list of possibilities. After spending some time considering his options, Scott ultimately pulled the trigger on a Factory Five Mk4 Cobra replica kit. Opting for the Mk4 Roadster Complete Kit, Scott was able to build his car exactly the way he wanted using all new parts. With Factory Five providing just about everything needed minus a drivetrain and paint, the sky was the limit.

To power the Cobra, Spencer selected a Ford Racing Coyote crate motor and mated it to a Tremec TKO-600 5-Speed transmission. Already a powerhouse out of the box, the Coyote motor was treated to a custom tune by Lund Racing, dynoing in at over 460 HP. With performance being an important factor to his build, Scott also opted to install the independent rear suspension from the S550 Mustang instead of using the typical live-axle rear end. Lastly, 18” Halibrand style wheels with Falken rubber were installed to bring the power to the ground, Wilwood brakes were added for increased stopping power, and a set of Flowmaster Slim Line sidepipe mufflers were employed to maintain the car’s classic looks and create a head-turning tone.

Far from typical already, Scott decided to add an additional touch of exclusivity to the car: the flight control stick from his father’s Air Force fighter jet. After being removed from the plane, Scott used to play with the control’s buttons and dream of being a pilot just like his father. Spencer eventually became a second generation pilot and for years the stick lived in his office. When the time came to build his dream car, Scott found the perfect way to incorporate this memento into his Cobra. Spencer repurposed the vintage flight control stick, using it as the shifter handle for his Mk4’s TKO overdrive transmission. The stick not only looks cool, it also provides a functional feel and fit to the car’s interior accommodations. Of course, the trigger and missile buttons are no longer operational, but Scott jokingly mentioned that he enjoys toggling them when bad drivers are about.

Overall, Spencer told us that the entire assembly process took 10 months from delivery to registration, and was almost entirely completed at home. The only exception being the two toned paint, which was laid on professionally. With a symphonic exhaust note, exquisite looks, and a sub 4-second dash to 60, Scott couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Not bad for a car built in a garage!