Saleen is awarded two contracts to build the new Ford GT (40) for Ford. Saleen was commissioned to engineer, manufacture and assemble the vehicles, including all of the paint production and shipping.
Saleen’s Chief Program Engineer was responsible for the design, testing and certification of the supercar, including chassis, powertrain, body, interior and electrical systems.
Steve commissions an all new facility in Troy, Michigan to accommodate the manufacturing and engineering. Over the model run just over 4,000 units were built. The vehicle on display’s VIN# is “1966”, coinciding with Ford’s win at Le Mans.
During the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca Raceway on August 19, 2000, the Saleen S7 debuts. The aerodynamic,mid-engined S7 ushers in a new era for Saleen, showcasing the company’s ability to design and engineer a complete ground-up automobile, and is the first true, production built American Supercar.
In 2001, the S7R (a racing-specific version of the S7) begins its inaugural year, campaigning on racetracks across Europe and North America, winning 4 different international championships, more than any other manufacturer. The S7 on display is the first S7 manufactured, as well as being featured in the blockbuster movie “Bruce Almighty,” as God’s car, starring Jim Carey.
In 1989, Steve enters the PPG Indy Car World series running an 88 March. Despite chassis and engine challenges, he manages to finish 13th at the Long Beach Grand Prix and 12th at the Toronto Grand Prix.
While qualifying for the Indy 500, Steve unfortunately hits the wall, ending his hopes of entering the race. Undeterred by significant mechanical challenges with his 88 Ford Cosworth March, Steve manages to be the fastest rookie at Indianapolis that year.
This race car competed in the 1987-1988 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship, enabling the General Tire sponsored Saleen team, consisting of Steve Saleen and Rick Titus, to win the coveted Driver’s Championship, as well as the Manufacturer’s Championship for Saleen and Ford Motor Company. This vehicle marks a significant improvement in the development of the Saleen Mustang. Power increases to 225HP, and 5 lug, 4 wheel disc brakes became standard equipment. In 1988 the team went on to an impressive 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Mosportin Ontario, Canada.
In 2015, Ford debuts its sixth generation Ford Mustang (S550). With a fully redesigned body, independent rear suspension and a host of other upgrades, Saleen raises the performance bar to even higher levels.
In current Black Label trim, horsepower reaches a class-leading 800HP. Further accentuating the new body work is Saleen’s exclusive carbon fiber air management system. Our unique design reduces frontal drag, while creating maximum down force for better handling. An all new alcantara/leather interior adds to the overall luxury and performance of this latest model.
The custom paint featured (California Sunset) was developed at a tribute to Paul Walker.
Saleen celebrates 30 years of business with its limited edition SA30 model.
Finished in a special paint called “Tire Smoke White Pearl,” the SA-30 maintains the Saleen tradition of white, yellow, and black paint hues. The 625 HP is courtesy of a double overhead cam 302 cid, V8, with a Saleen twin screw supercharger. Fully functional hood mounted butterfly valves feed cool air in to the engine compartment based off accelerator position.This model also includes the first of the electronic controlled all-glass roof, as well as rear seat delete, with matching spare wheel.
Only 10 units of this highly coveted model were produced.
18 Reasons to Visit the Saleen Exhibit at LeMay – America’s Car Museum
LeMay Museum, overhead
As you read this, many of you have seen coverage from last weekend’s grand opening of a new year-long exhibit honoring the racing and business achievements of Steve Saleen; witnessed through numerous videos and photos shared via social media from the LeMay Automotive Museum. If you were fortunate enough to attend the “Intimate Dinner with Steve Saleen” or “Saleen and Caffeine” or both, then you observed first-hand this impressive presentation of historic Saleen vehicles and vintage memorabilia collected under one roof. Steve, Liz and Molly were also in attendance and warmly greeted owners and fans throughout the two-day affair. If you did not go, don’t fret, I will convey why you should make plans to visit this “must-see” destination very soon.
Steve & Liz Saleen with March race car
As you walk towards main entrance of the LeMay Museum, you are dazzled by a 2019 Saleen S1 painted in signature Lizstick Red, glowing in its red with orange hues inside the main lobby. As you journey into the start of the main floor display area, be prepared to be instantly taken back by the Saleen Exhibit. In front of you and lined up to your left are some of the most iconic Saleen street vehicles ever built organized by their generation. Meanwhile lined up to your right are a few of the most historical and famous Saleen competition vehicles that have graced racetracks around the world. A lot is represented here, all in one place, from the very first Saleen Mustang ever made to the current Saleen 1 Cup racecar. Ornamenting the museum walls are a selection of important Saleen memorabilia that is gloriously displayed behind glass.
If you’re not impressed yet, then chew on this. Where else can you view some of the most iconic/historical Saleen vehicles and memorabilia all gathered in one accessible place? This exhibit is a cooperative effort through Steve Saleen as well as private owners and collectors across the USA to bring together this fantastic display of irreplaceable and priceless pieces of Saleen history. The kind of history that is interwoven into every Saleen’s (vehicle) DNA.
Still not convinced? Here are the 18 reasons why you should see the Saleen Exhibit:
1984 Saleen Mustang, the first Saleen vehicle ever built. On loan from Stu Akers.
1995 Saleen S-351, this Speedster was a corporate demo and famously used to promote the national Mcdonald’s Monopoly sweepstakes. On loan from the PAS collection.
2003 Saleen SA-20, to celebrate the company’s 20th Anniversary. On loan from Debbie Blaylock.
2007 Saleen S281 SC “Molly Pop” custom colored “candy pink” for Molly Saleen. On loan from Molly Saleen.
2015 Saleen S302 Black Label, custom colored “California Sunset” as a tribute to Paul Walker. On loan from David Weiner.
2007 Saleen S281 “Barricade” specially built for the “Transformers” movie. On loan from Robert Rendon.
2020 Saleen Sportruck XR, Baja capable, but daily driveable. On loan from Saleen.
2014 Saleen SA-30, to celebrate the company’s 30th Anniversary. On loan from Tim Anderson.
1996-1998 Saleen/Allen Racecar, “RRR” Speedlab racing team, with comedian/actor Tim Allen. On loan from the PAS collection.
1990 Saleen Race Truck, which competed at Des Moines, Road Atlanta, Colorado National Speedway, and Las Vegas. On loan from Mike Charles.
1988 Indy Car 88 March, in 1989, Steve Saleen enters the PPG Indy Car World Series. On loan from Saleen.
2001 Saleen S7, the first S7 manufactured and featured in the movie, “Bruce Almighty.” On loan from Bob & Linda Yallen Intermedia Racing.
2005 Ford GT, Saleen is awarded two contracts to build the new Ford GT for Ford. This vehicle’s VIN# is “1966” coinciding with Ford’s win at Le Mans. On loan from Saleen.
1976 March 76B Formula Atlantic, Steve sets 13 track records and ultimately wins the 1977 Pacific Coast Championship. On loan from Saleen.
1987 Saleen Mustang Racecar, competed in the 1987 – 1988 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship, winning the Driver’s Championship as well as the Manufacturer’s Championship. On loan from Dave Frezza.
2020 Saleen 1 Cup Racecar, 1 of 20 race cars built for tine inaugural Saleen Cup Series. On loan from Saleen.
2019 Saleen S1, Lizstick Red promotional car. On loan from Saleen.
Rarely seen collection of Saleen racing and manufacturing memorabilia.
If you close your eyes for a moment, you can picture a Mustang, a Bronco, a Model T, a Thunderbird, and yet year after year we attend car shows to see these cars with our own eyes. This Saleen Exhibit hosted by the LeMay Automotive Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feast your eyes on a selection of Saleen vehicles and memorabilia that you may never be able to see again.
In 1994 Ford debuts its new fourth generation Mustang “SN-95.” We uppped the ante by transplanting a naturally aspirated 351-cid engine, pumping out an impressive 371HP. For 1995 we created the S-351 Speedster with its custom tonneau cover. The vehicle on display was used in a national McDonalds sweepstakes where they gave away six S-351 Speedsters to the lucky winners.
This is the very first Saleen Mustang ever produced. What began as a sketch at his kitchen table in 1983, came to fruition in 1984. Steve’s sister was kind enough to donate her V8 Mustang hatchback so he could transform it into a street machine worthy of his name. While the V8 engine is left alone for emission reasons, the rest of the car underwent a major overhaul with revised “racecraft” suspension, chassis stiffening, and aerodynamic features. With an MSRP at a very reasonable $14,300, the world took notice of “Saleen” as the new kid in the automotive world.
This Friday and Saturday you’ll be able to see this car live here on Facebook when we broadcast from the opening of the LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s new Saleen exhibit. Tune in on Facebook between 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm PT on Friday and 9 am to 11 am PT on Saturday!
