Hardtop or no?

Tim M · Aug 12, 2026

A question came up at last night's meeting from Tom talking about ordering a hardtop. Steven, I think you're the only one in the club with a top, what's been your experience with the top? Hot? Makes it better in the summer heat? Hard to get in and out? Louder?

I told Tom best to drive the car first to see how he likes it open top. My opinion is there is no better view

Mike P. · Aug 12, 2026

Does F5 offer a soft top? May be an option if mainly wanting to keep the sun off?

Several cars at Superfest had their soft tops on to function like a bimini top and claim it helped. Just need to zip down the back window for good air flow. Myself, I don't use mine much. I believe Paul had one made for his roadster?

Richgrsc · Aug 12, 2026

Factory Five no longer has a soft top option. They will have a hard top for the new Mk5

WallyB · Aug 12, 2026

Hardtop wasn't originally my idea; it was my wife's, but I've grown to love it and haven't felt the need to remove it.

Hot days:
Great when the Cobra is moving because you get air movement but without the sun's rays beating down on you
Not so great when not moving. I feel it traps heat.

Cooler days:
Great since you don't have a completely open top in cooler temps (air movement). I feel it helps with the seat warmers (probably placebo lol)

Trackdays:
Difficult to don helmet with Hans device (tight)

General use:
You deal with a fixed/inflexible hardtop when entering/exiting (driver height might be an issue)

Style:
A little different from the norm, catches the eye, and it's removable; there are different styles (backdraft fastback hard top - scalped in the rear, Le Mans or Fastback styles from 427hardtop, or FF)

Hope this helps. Overall, we've been very happy with the hardtop

Ours