By: ERIC DESCARRIES on Friday, June 13, 2003
Original Article: AUTO123.COM
If you are a lover of high performance cars, you know the Saleen brand. Otherwise, know that Saleen is a small manufacturer that uses a base Mustang GT to produce a car with more powerful features that are astonishing, the Saleen S281. But this has nothing to do with a Mustang. Canada has a few copies of these cars, but most retain their American origins. However, we learn that soon the Saleen will not only be sold at home, but they will also be assembled in a small Quebec plant located near Dorval Airport, Saleen Canada.
In fact, when Steve Saleen, the Californian creator of the brand, wanted to explore Canada, he contacted Mr. Nicky Ruccolo, president of Pirelli in country, the brand of tires that shoe these performance cars. Mr. Saleen wanted to know who could take care of its Canadian subsidiary. He was then referred to Mr Joe Visconti, President of Auto Bugatti Cote de Liesse in Montreal. The latter accepted the mandate to take delivery of a brand new Canadian Mustang GTs and turn them into S281 or, even more powerful S281E. In addition to the suspension add a supercharger to the 4.6-liter V8 engine in addition to a host of other technical equipment. Then the car will be moved to the Canada Saleen body shop, Avoca Street, to receive new distinctive parts, fit for the brand.
Saleen Canada’s role will be to find the countries specialist Ford dealers capable of marketing the fireball offered in coupe or convertible. Giovanni Farinacci, Director of Sales Auto Bugatti, will support Mr. Visconti in this area. Initially, it has a dozen dealers who, according to their hopes, will sell a hundred cars a year in the country. Later, one might even see the exotic Saleen S7 in this business. Sale prices may vary, depending on the options chosen, between $65,000 and $68,000 for the S281 model. In addition, Saleen modifies a Ford Thunderbird, and you may see this version found in us as well. So an exciting record to follow.
[Source: auto123.com]