MAY 2: Aardvark Meets Its DAD

Col. Gale Larson (USAF retired) and wife Lainie, drove down from their home in Michigan to Valparaiso, IN, to meet up with Aardvark and me today…Gale purchased this Factory Five Racing Mk4 roadster kit almost 10 years ago! Life, health, family and other concerns kept him from building the car for 7 years or so, until he sold the unfinished car to me almost 3 years ago. FINALLY, we were able to meet up here with the completed Roadster(Aardvark) just before the Route 66 effort begins. What a great day!

Short background: Aardvark is named after the F-111f fighter-bomber aircraft Col. Larson piloted during his Air Force career, many times in severely hostile war zones. This FFR build is dedicated to him and his service, with some graphics included on the car to explain why we call it Aardvark.

After some initial familiarization instructions and body-folding exercises getting into the driver’s seat, Gale got to drive Aardvark several practice laps of the motel parking lot , then some miles on the local roads. I got to ride along, and had more fun than anybody, seeing him finally get to drive his dream car after so many years. More fun was had when I gave Lainie a spirited “show-off” ride later! This was one of those special days to always remember. Thanks Gale and Lainie, for making the trip down here today, and for making my efforts to get the finished version of Aardvark up here so worthwhile!

Gale and Lainie meet up with Aardvark just after the rain shower
Lainie just before test-ride launch…first time Cobra ride ever

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John