With Sidepipes, No One Can Hear You Scream

I'd driven at 80 MPH many many times before, but never in a small, crowded parking lot. Around a right angle turn. In an opposite lock powerslide.

I'm riding shotgun in a Factory Five Mark IV roadster in Wareham, MA, and Mark Smith the President of Factory Five is at the wheel. He's driving with one hand and speaking to me as casually as a Sunday stroll through the park. I am trying to look cool and not hurl all at the same time - but it isn't easy.

We'd read about Factory Five for years, and how their Mark III roadsters and world-class business practices had revolutionized the formerly shady (to say the least) kit car industry. One spring morning we finally decided to browse the showroom and grab some sales literature. As we eyeballed the Factory Five cars (Mark III roadster, Type 65 Daytona coupe, 1933 Hot Rod and their newest LS1/LS2 powered GTM Supercars) Mark Smith came out to greet us. And what a truly excellent guy he turned out to be. Gracious, smart, passionate - totally tuned in to the soul of an enthusiast.

For over an hour he gave us a personal tour of the spotlessly clean Factory Five manufacturing and warehouse facility (that looked capable of passing any modern ISO certification). The tour concluded in the shipping dock, where Factory Five engineering leader Dave Riha's Mark III roadster was parked. Equipped with a 32 valve twin cam 4.6 Ford V8, TKO 5 speed and the racing spec 3 link rear suspension - the car looked simply spectacular.

Mark motioned me to jump in, and I buckled into the Simpson 5 point racing harness. The 320 horsepower Ford barked to life and Mark lit out of the building with the tires ablaze. I was probably screaming, but with the sidepipes blatting away just inches from my ears, I can't be certain. For almost ten minutes, Mark subjected me to more lateral, accelerative and braking G forces than I'd ever experienced before. At the end of the ride, I was broken - but positively exhilarated.

What the Factory Five team has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. They have built a successful company, renowned for excellent customer service, an empowered, passionate staff and they have developed a product that is without compromise.

For several years, my wife has been hinting that she might like a Mazda Miata as her Sunday driver. I'm going to start a grass roots campaign to convince her that what she REALLY needs is a Factory Five Mark IV. Wish me luck friends - and stay tuned!

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5 Cars Under $30,000 that Scream for Summer Fun!

It's coming. Summer that is. With its long warm days, who hasn't been tempted to
go out and get a convertible. So here it is. 5 cars that know what fun in the sun is all
about. Just don't forget the sunscreen.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Introduced to North America 17 years ago, the Mazda Miata has become as
American as apple pie. And like many of us, it has grown in just about every
dimension over the years. But don't be fooled, this guy has some muscle. With a
2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 170hp, the Miata can hold its own,
especially when it comes to the twisty bits. Great handling, strong brakes and a
well-finished interior round off a top-notch package built for summer fun.

Pontiac Solstice

Not since the Pontiac Fiero have we seen a 2-passenger vehicle from GM's
performance division. But all similarities stop there. The Solstice is a thoroughly
modern car with a 2.4L 4-cylinder generating 177 horsepower. Available 18" wheels
and distinctive styling mean the Solstice doesn't go unnoticed. Starting at just over
$20,000, don't except to see many of these sitting on dealer lots anytime soon. In
fact, many dealers have sold the vehicles for more than MSRP, a sign that this car is
in huge demand.

Jeep Wrangler
It's no sports car but the Jeep Wrangler is all about summer fun. Put down the roof
and head for the hills. With 4-wheels drive and a rugged suspension, the Wrangler
is just at home on the Rubicon trail as it is in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Jeep will be
introducing a revised version of the Wrangler for the 2007 model year and rumors
have been swirling about a 4-door version. If so, you'll now be able to bring your
friends along in comfort as well as style.

Ford Mustang Convertible
Who could forget about the original pony car? Whether you opt for the standard 210
horsepower V6 or the heart pounding 300hp V8, the Mustang grabs your attention.
Open the door and you'll be greeted by a handsome interior with just enough retro
cues to make it interesting. Though you could fit someone in the back seat, I
wouldn't ask the in-laws to jump back there unless I was looking for trouble. Sorry,
the back seat is reserved for junior. But who said buying a convertible was about
being practical?

MINI Cooper Convertible
It may not be the most masculine car on the market, but the MINI Cooper
Convertible is certainly one of the most fun convertibles available at any price.
Check out that handling. Sticks to the road like a go-kart. Spring for the
supercharged engine and its 170hp will pull this MINI around without hesitation.
Truck space? Uh, yeah just about enough for a couple of gym bags but who cares?
Fold down the top and put your golf clubs in the back seat. Nothing else will fit back
there anyway.