By Steve Temple

Photos by Steve Temple and Larry Weiner

While it was mostly Cobras muscling their way into Huntington Beach in late April, they weren’t the only Factory Five models sunning themselves. There were also all sorts of other buildups, everything from rip-snorting rods to high-tech exotics to an electrified vehicle. 

How did this colorful array of rides come together? A few years ago, Dave Smith, president of Factory Five, arranged for a casual cruise to his former surf spot. It was so popular, it quickly swelled in size to the premier West Coast gathering for kit builders. And don’t think it’s limited to just a single manufacturer, as other makes are welcome to join the Huntington Beach party, as noted here. So if you couldn’t make it in your personal ride this time, feel free to join the festivities next year!