Austin Hatcher Foundation to Debut Roadster at SEMA Show
A custom 2026 Factory Five Mk5 Roadster built by pediatric cancer patients will be revealed in Las Vegas this November.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Car Culture
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The Austin Hatcher Foundation will showcase its 19th custom vehicle build, a 2026 Factory Five Mk5 Roadster, at the SEMA Show from November 3-6, 2026. The project highlights the contributions of pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings.
Why it matters
The vehicle build serves as a therapeutic project for children affected by cancer, helping them develop confidence and technical skills. Proceeds from the eventual online auction will fund the foundation's free services for these families.
The roadster features a 347 stroker engine and a 10.5-inch clutch. It will be showcased at the SEMA Show in booth #22951.
The players
Austin Hatcher Foundation
This non-profit organization provides specialized support and therapeutic services to families affected by pediatric cancer.
Factory Five Racing
The company is a manufacturer of component car kits that allow enthusiasts to build their own custom vehicles.
Bring a Trailer
This digital auction platform specializes in vintage, classic, and modified vehicle sales for automotive enthusiasts.
The details
Through the Industrial Arts Therapy Program, young participants engage in hands-on welding, fabrication, and wiring to transform a Factory Five Racing kit into the finished roadster. This initiative offers a creative outlet and technical skill-building for children like 10-year-old Cruz and 16-year-old John Allen.
Timeline
The public debut takes place at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 3-6, 2026.
The auction for the roadster opens on Bring a Trailer on November 27, 2026.
The auction is scheduled to close on December 7, 2026.
Roadmap
This project continues the trend of non-profits leveraging high-performance kit cars to drive fundraising and awareness within the automotive sector. It showcases how niche manufacturing partnerships can bridge the gap between hobbyist mechanics and philanthropic outreach.
Interested bidders can prepare for the auction by tracking the vehicle's progress on Bring a Trailer. The sale directly funds critical, free support services for families navigating pediatric cancer diagnoses.
The takeaway
Engaging youth in hands-on mechanical builds provides valuable therapeutic benefits beyond the final vehicle product. Prospective bidders should monitor the auction calendar closely to ensure they are prepared when the sale officially opens.
What happens next
The roadster will be auctioned on Bring a Trailer from November 27, 2026, until the auction closes on December 7, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about unique vehicle projects in our Car Culture section.
More information
To receive updates on the sale, subscribe to auction notifications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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Do you believe charity auctions are an effective way to fund local pediatric medical services?
