In 2011, the low-volume handbuilt sports car manufacturer Factory Five held a design contest, executed by Grassroots Motorsports, which was open to the public to help direct the overall shape of its next kit-build sports car, the 818 Roadster. Contestants were held to a few dimensional guidelines and requests based on production capability but otherwise any design style was encouraged.
Bradford Ink/Scott Bradford met the challenge with 4 overall views of a unique concept that blended the classic 60’s sports car curves shared across most of the Factory Five product line with components of a new aesthetic that incorporated some of the modern parts that Factory Five would be using in this new kit to keep costs reasonable.
The results were well received and garnered “Week 12 Design Co-Winner” recognition by the Grassroots Motorsports judge staff during the 12 week design submission period.
Grassroots Motorsports Web Content Manager, Tom Heath, also personally remarked: “Hey Scott- I’m not an official judge, but as the handler of the entry files I just had to say how much I liked yours. There’s definitely some stiff competition, but you’ve got my support. Good luck!”
My submission was ultimately not chosen for the final design, but the reception of the design within the motorsports community was overwhelmingly positive, and it was a ton of fun!
