Driving-Fun Forum

Kit car enthusiasts already think highly of the Factory Five 818, but it’s newest version in the 818C comes with even more impressive features. It was already designed for stellar performance on and off the track with a bargain price tag of around $15K, but the newest DIY model can go topless among other things while still sliding under the $20K mark.

Aside from the removable hard top, this newest Factory Five model features a more modern look to the exterior than its predecessor and also gains power windows, rear glass corner windows, and a rear glass hatch. The front end has also been refashioned with new fenders and a front grille insert. These additions only add $2500 to the price previously attached to the 818. It is even possible to outfit earlier 818 models with the 818C’s new nose design and hard top with a special kit.

The only possible downside to the Factory Five 818C is that it carries a little extra weight. Previously weighing in at around 1500 lbs, the new removable hard top adds an extra 300 lbs to the total. We expect that won’t deter would-be purchasers too much, however, since there’s such an appeal to this kit car’s convertible nature.