All posts by Jim Dvorak

Managing Director of SOEC since 2005. Veteran of the Southern California automotive scene. Involvement with Saleen dates back to the mid 1990s.

SALEEN LAUNCHES S1 CUP SERIES

SALEEN RETURNS TO AUTO RACING WITH LAUNCH OF SALEEN CUP SERIES

High-performance vehicle manufacturer partners with SRO Motorsports Group
to introduce with world’s first professional-level “arrive-and-drive” series,
designed to showcase new Saleen 1 model

Five-race schedule will coincide with Blancpain GT World Challenge America,
June 7 to Oct. 20, 2019

AUSTIN, Texas (March 1, 2019) – One of the most successful marques in GT racing history is returning to motorsports with the introduction of a single make series designed to showcase the world’s newest turbocharged mid-engine sports car.

Steve Saleen with Saleen 1 Cup car
Steve Saleen with Saleen 1 Cup car

The Saleen Cup, which was announced today during a press conference at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is being presented via a partnership with SRO Motorsports Group, and will run concurrently with the Blancpain GT World Challenge America. The single-make series invites drivers to be among the first in the world to experience the Saleen 1 on five iconic race tracks throughout the U.S. As the first-ever professional qualify “Arrive-and-drive” series, the five events will be supported by 20 track-ready cars maintained, prepped and transported to race venues by Saleen – offering prospective drivers and enthusiasts a turnkey, once-in-a-lifetime racing opportunity – plus a chance to win a factory seat in Saleen’s GT4 entry throughout the 2020 season.

“I am very pleased to welcome the Saleen 1 Cup Series to the Blancpain GT World Challenge America schedule for the 2019 season,” said Stephane Ratel, founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group. “The Saleen name is instantly recognizable to every race fan and I have fond memories of the wonderful S7-R competing in the FIA GT Championship more than a decade ago. The new Saleen 1 is an exciting new project for the brand and the “arrive-and-drive” concept is the ideal way to showcase it al some of the most iconic circuits in the United States. I look forward to the inaugural event at Sonoma Raceway in June.”

2019 Saleen 1 Cup
2019 Saleen 1 Cup

“The Saleen Cup is the next chapter in our company’s return to motorsports,” and Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “Racing is in the DNA of everything we do at Saleen. The technology and design of the new Saleen 1 model is a direct result of extensive track-testing and development, so it’s only natural that the new model makes its debut on some of the most iconic racetracks in America.”

“Racing one of our cars on these legendary tracks will change your life – not to mention the way you look at driving – forever,” added Saleen. “The Saleen Cup Series gives racers and mainstream enthusiasts this unforgettable experience and serves as the ultimate proving ground for the Saleen 1.”

Gabriele Cadringher recently joined Saleen as director of motorsports and will lead the Saleen Cup. The former technical director and consultant for FIA and Grand-Am will use the five-race events to further hone the track capabilities of the Saleen 1.

Uniquely, the Saleen Cup is open to standard “D” licensed drivers, and offers a distinct professional-level racing experience, in which each car is equally prepared and maintained in-house, including back-up cars, plus transported to each race event. The Saleen Cup also features two racer teams, which can split the cost for participants and offer more affordable racing opportunities. At the conclusion of the five-race series, category champions in the Saleen Cup will secure a factory seat driving in Saleen’s GT4 entry for the entire 2020 season.

The Saleen Cup will consist of five racings scheduled for the second half of the Blancpain GT World Challenge America, and kicks-off at Sonoma Raceway in California Wine Country in June. Drivers who are able to compete in the five races through October 20 are now being actively recruited. Information on the Saleen Cup is available at www.SaleenCup.com:

  • Sonoma Raceway (Calif.) – June 7-9, 2019
  • Portland International Raceway (Ore.) – July 12-14, 2019
  • Watkins Glen (NY) – August 30 – Sept. 1, 2019
  • Road America (Wis.) – Sept. 20-22, 2019
  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway (NV) – Oct. 18-20, 2019

Saleen’s innovative Saleen 1 model was recently unveiled as a major breakthrough for the venerated high-performance vehicle manufacturer, headquartered in Corona, Calif. Boasting innovative chassis design and performance influenced by Saleen’s legendary S7 supercar, the 450hp turbocharged 2.2-liter, four-cylinder Saleen 1 marks the latest in the company’s Saleen Original line.

For more information on the Saleen Cup, visit www.SaleenCup.com. For more information on the Saleen 1 model, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social media using Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen , or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

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[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SPECIAL ORDER S302 YELLOW LABEL (17-0091) HITS eBay

Price: BID
VIN: 1FA6P8CF6H5259858
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 2017
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Trim: S302 Yellow Label
Sub Model: Saleen
Body Type: Coupe
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine: 5.0L 302 Supercharged
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Exterior Color: Yellow
Interior Color: Charcoal
Mileage: 4,500
For Sale By: Private Seller
eBay #: 153365304562

17-0091 S302 Yellow Label
17-0091 S302 Yellow Label

I’m original owner. Never tracked 2017 Saleen S302 Yellow Label (supercharged) with all saleen options.

Special Order car based on a 2017 California Special package equipped Mustang GT coupe. Not the typical GT Premium equipped chassis that most Saleen Mustang conversions use.

Over 700hp by Saleen Automotive.

FABULOUS FORDS FOREVER! AT ANGELS STADIUM: SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

Fabulous Fords Forever 2019
At Los Angeles Angels Stadium in Anaheim

* Registration for the 2019 show will open in January 2019.
* Bring your Saleen — no matter its condition — to the largest non-judged show of its kind in the world!
* Pre-Register — you can do so online or download a form at fabulousfordsforever.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 13:
You can help with goody bag stuffing in the morning — more information to come. A complimentary lunch will be served to volunteers.

Club Members: Join us for a members-only dinner event — RSVP Required for each person in your party — Send an email to jimd@soec.org for more info. Casual attire, pay-your-own meal and expect to pay $12-20-plus for your meal per person. Space is limited, and spouses (or significant others) and family are welcome. We expect a group of about 50 people. More info to be announced.

34th Fabulous Fords Forever
34th Fabulous Fords Forever

SUNDAY, APRIL 14:
We could use some volunteers to help with parking to arrive at 5:30 a.m. Please text Jim D. at 714-580-3572 with your name and who will be coming into the gate with you. You must have your vehicle registered for the event to drive in; otherwise you will have to park in the spectator lot.

We’ll do an early morning cruise to Angels Stadium (see lower map below) — Steve and Molly are expected to attend — unsure if they’ll do the cruise, but if you want to cruise to Angels Stadium, meet at Saleen at 7:45 a.m.; planned departure by 8:00 a.m. Everyone’s invited. You must be pre-registered for the show and have your confirmation card hanging from your rear view mirror as you enter the Stadium gate.

We might need additional helpers starting at 7:00 a.m., so if you arrive early, please let Jim D. know you can help and we’ll give you a vest or a task to help with.

After the event, a group of us will have an early dinner (often we dine with Liz and Steve) before hitting the road. Again, text Jim D. to be put in the loop on that.

Los Angeles Angels Stadium in Anaheim

More information on Sunday’s event itself and Facebook links at:
* http://fabulousfordsforever.org
* https://www.facebook.com/FabulousFordsForever

Click here to participate in the discussion.

VIDEO: ‘RAITI’S RIDES’ WALK AROUND OF 89-0356

From our friends at Raiti’s Rides.

Published on Dec 18, 2018

This 1989 Saleen Mustang is a time machine to the past. It is owned by the original owner with less then 13,000 miles on the odometer. Steve Saleen engineered these Mustangs to be track weapons! From suspension upgrades, chassis stiffening, and a ton of other changes. Find out all the details of the 1989 Saleen Mustang!

[Source: Raiti’s Rides via YouTube]

SALEEN AUTOMOTIVE SHAREHOLDER RELEASE

November 2018

We would like to provide you with our latest update of what has been happening with Saleen Automotive. To start with, I am very grateful to all of you, our shareholders, as well as our employees, suppliers, and friends who have supported us and allowed the company to get to where it is today.

SALES AND PRODUCTION

During the first half of our fiscal year, we have had exciting new developments in our Signature Car line:

● 2018 newly designed Mustang Model production began in February 2018
● S7 Lemans Edition deliveries began in July 2018
● Debut of the Saleen STX Street Sport Truck and the Saleen XR Off-road Sport Truck, with production starting in March and August 2018, respectively
● Debut of the Saleen 35th Anniversary Mustang 2019, with production starting in September 2018

In the first half of this fiscal year, we began production of our new 2018 Saleen Mustangs and two new Saleen High Performance Sport Trucks (street and off-road models). All of these new Saleen vehicles have been very enthusiastically received by the public and the automotive press. This marks the first time in several years that Saleen has had two different vehicle programs in full production at the same time. As a result, we expect increased revenue growth in the upcoming year.

We have successfully begun delivering our LeMans S7 Supercars in a limited production run. These new supercars have a 1,500 horsepower engine. Additional deliveries of the S7 Supercars are anticipated by the end of this calendar year and will add top line revenue.

We unveiled our newest supercar, the Saleen 1 at the LA Car Show and received overwhelmingly positive responses from the automotive press and car enthusiasts. We are continuing to work on the engineering, design and development of the Saleen 1 in order for it to be ready for production later this year. In April of this year, we renewed our agreement with our Chinese partner to continue the engineering, design and development of the Saleen 1 and received an advance on the contract of $1.9 million.

Over the past year and continuing on in this fiscal year, we have entered into arrangements with new dealers and expanded our relationships with existing dealers. We have experienced increased social media presence and increased fan base.

In August of this year, our CEO and Chairman of the Board, Steve Saleen, was presented with the Legends of Auto Award at a ceremony held in Monterey, CA. Previous recipients of the Legends of Auto Award include such automotive luminaries as Lee Iacocca, Jay Leno, Roger Penske, and the late Carroll Shelby.

Our Open House on September 15, 2018 had a larger than expected turnout and was well received by all in attendance.

FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING

The Company has completed the audit of its fiscal year-end March 31, 2018 financial statements and its financial restructuring program that was announced last year in October 2017. Virtually all of the Company’s $8.5 million of convertible notes was converted into equity, which had a dramatic positive impact on the Company’s balance sheet. The Company’s 2000:1 reverse split of its common stock was effective on December 19, 2017, with all preferred shares converting to common shares at that time.

Financial Statement Results:
● Current assets increased year-over-year. The majority of this increase related to an increase in cash and accounts receivable.
● Total liabilities decreased significantly year-over-year. The decrease in total liabilities was due to the conversion of $8.5 million of convertible notes and accrued interest during the fiscal year ended March 2018 and the reduction of other current liabilities due to the use of funds received from the Company’s private placement of preferred stock of $2.3 million in December 2017.
● Total shareholders’ deficit decreased year-over-year as a result of the conversion of $8.5 million of notes and accrued interest in December 2017.
● Revenue increased year-over-year and was attributable to increased revenue under the
Company’s engineering, design and production arrangement.

For the year ahead, we anticipate increased revenue from both our Signature Cars and under our engineering, design and development contract. Increased revenue and reduced expenses, combined with a stronger balance sheet, should lead to increased value for our shareholders. The Company is working toward re-registering it’s stock and hopes to be trading again in the first quarter of 2019.

COME JOIN US

Every Saturday morning, from 7:00am to 9:00am, the Company hosts Coffee & Cars in conjunction with the City of Corona. Held in the parking lot of our Corona headquarters, this event draws 100 to 150 classic cars and their owners every week who get together to share their knowledge and show off their prized possessions. Everything from Model A Fords and Chevrolet Bel Aires to Vipers and Corvettes are on display, along with Saleen automobiles.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Ronda Ferguson, CFO, for Saleen Automotive with any questions. She can be reached by email at rferguson@saleen.com or call her at 714-400-2121.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT – This release contains “forward-looking statements” that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “can,” “believe,” “potential” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in demand for Saleen Automotive products, the introduction of new products, the Company’s ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, and the adequacy of the Company’s liquidity and financial strength to support its growth.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SPP RE-RELEASES 2000-07 SALEEN FOCUS BODY KIT

From our friend Spring Hebler.

Saleen Performance Parts Re-releases the 2000-04 Saleen Focus Styling Kit

Breaking News!

Saleen Performance has just announced they are stocking the 2000-2007 Saleen Focus ground effects kits. These parts are available NOW!

Saleen offered their serialized N20 and S121 production cars in 2004 and 2005. These new styling kits are perfect for the restoration of your 2004-05 Saleen Focus or add the aggressive Saleen styling to your standard Ford Focus.

For details and cost information, please contact Spring Hebler at Saleen Performance via email, shebler@saleenperformance.com or call 800-888-8945 with your name and phone number.

You can also join Saleen Performance on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saleenspeedlab/

Be sure to mention you saw it on the Saleen Forums at soec.org!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

SALEEN AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES

SALEEN AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES ADDITION
OF MIKE REY AS SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES & DEALER RELATIONS

CORONA, CA – Oct 12, 2018 – Saleen Automotive announced the addition of Mike Rey to their corporate staff. Rey will serve as Senior Director of Sales and Dealer Relations. Saleen is an American manufacturer of high-performance specialty sports cars based in Corona, CA.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike Rey to our staff. His passion and knowledge within the Mustang community are expected to be a tremendous resource to Saleen Automotive,” said Saleen CEO Steve Saleen.

Encouraged by his father, Rey’s passion for the Mustang began as a youth. He has 21 years of service and experience in numerous capacities for Ford Motor Company and Roush Performance. He is also an integral part of one of the largest Mustang clubs in the US, having served as its president since 2009. Rey has also been the recipient of the prestigious Lee Iacocca Award, which is given for “Dedication to Excellence in Perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition.”

Saleen President/COO Amy Boylan stated, “Mike Rey has a very impressive automotive background with great relationships; he will be a huge asset to Saleen Automotive.”

Saleen Automotive Inc., based in Corona, CA, offers three main product lines, which consist of Saleen Super Cars, Saleen Signature Series, and Saleen Performance Vehicles. All are design and engineered at Saleen Headquarters in Corona, CA.

Media contact:cbenty@saleen.com

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

SPP PRE-ORDER FOR 1999 THROUGH 2009 WHEELS

From our friend Spring Hebler.

Saleen Performance Parts to Reintroduce Wheels for 1999 through 2009 Saleen Mustangs

Breaking News!

Saleen Performance has just announced they are taking pre-orders for these long-obsolete and much-in-demand Saleen Mustang wheel sets for your 1999-04 and 2005-09 Mustang.

Whether it’s the 1999-04 5-spoke, 18″x9″/10″ wheels, or the 2005-09 7-spoke “Wagon Wheel” style, 20″x9″/10″ wheels, pre-order yours today!

Pre-orders must be prepaid, with a production forecast of 5-6 months. Sold in full sets only. Available in standard silver metallic or chrome.

For details and to provide payment information, please contact Spring Hebler at Saleen Performance via email, shebler@saleenperformance.com or call 800-888-8945 with your name, phone number and desired vehicle fitment.

You can also join Spring’s list on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spring.c.hebler

Be sure to mention you saw it on the Saleen Forums at soec.org!

Remember, you must pre-order and pre-pay to help make this happen and to guarantee you get your wheels!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

22nd ANNUAL SALEEN CAR SHOW & OPEN HOUSE

PHOTOS: LLORENTE LACAP

2018 marked the 22nd year of our annual Saleen Show and Open House. This year, attendees were treated to a special presentation for the 2019 SA-35 Mustang. This 35th anniversary edition will exclusively be available in black paint with yellow and white accents. The SA-35 will be limited to a production run of 10 units.

A number of special Saleen vehicles were on display from past model years. Unique and custom paint vehicles as well as previous anniversary editions.

Our festivities closed with an award presentation recognizing attendees with the “longest distance traveled” and top three vehicles in each show class. A festive Saturday enjoyed by all!

We thank the Saleen community for your continued support. See you next year.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: SOEC Membership]