2008 Mustang Saleen Convertible

Saleen Mustangs were first envisioned in 1984 , built by career Racer Steve Saleen,  and they are best described as a Mustang on steroids. The "steroids" on the early models were the suspension  to  improve the handling of the Mustang over what was available from Ford at the time. To further spice things up, a custom package of aerodynamic enhancements were added  for the "Saleen Look" to further separate it from ordinary Mustangs . The interior got a Saleen instrument cluster, custom floor mats, upgraded seats, and a custom stereo. Saleen built 128 cars in 1985, 199 in 1986, and 278 in 1987. Production grew further in the late 80s, but then tapered off in the early 1990s. The low point was 1992 when only 17 cars were built. The 1992s are considered very rare and  valuable.

Early  Saleen models  were ordered as Mustang LX hatchbacks or LX convertibles. A handful of LX Coupes have been built over the years, but are very rare. SN95s (1994 and up cars) are ordered as either Mustang GTs or as SVT Cobras for the S281s. S351s start life as a V6 .

Mustangs were shipped from Ford  to Saleen, where they got converted. Springs, struts, and shocks went, and in their  place went  Saleen's trademark "Racecraft" suspension. Bigger wheels and tires are added. The 1987 to 1993 cars had 16" or 17" tire/wheel combos, while the SN95s used 18" with tire as large as P265ZR18 in the front and P295ZR18 in the rear. Body work consisted of ground-effects, front/rear bumpers, and spoiler. ( Windshield banner  standard ). Interior options varied over the years, and have included anything from Flofits to leather Recaro seats. Pre - 1994 cars also received a stereo upgrade, mostly Pioneer and Kenwood equipment.

Then there’s the S351. Introduced with the SN95 body style in 1994.  S351s started life usually as V6 cars with some exceptions. In addition to the usual suspension, cosmetic, and interior mod's, the entire drive train is tossed. In its place went a 5.8 Liter, 351-cubic inch with all the performance bells and goodies to build one serious street machine. Rated from to 484 to 507HP, depending on the year, the S351 is a monster capable of scarfing down a Dodge Viper.

Saleen’s have a metal plate under the hood with the Saleen serial number, and the date of production riveted under the hood. On early cars, it was on the left fender. ( Later cars post 1987have it on the firewall.)  Modern ones are always on the left, but some of the older ones have it on the right. Saleen has also hidden the serial number in a secret location on the car. The exact location varies over the years. A common place to find it, is stamped on the K-member.  Soooo…I guess it’s no longer a “secret” after all!