Not every debt-for-equity deal puts a souped-up Mustang in its investors’ driveways, but then not every company has Steve Saleen’s product line.
Saleen, the founder of Saleen Automotive, recently negotiated a capital infusion of up to $10 million that will deliver a Black Label Mustang or its equivalent for each $1 million in new debt or preferred stock.
“I know it’s not your typical return on an investment,” Saleen said of the Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and Teslas he customizes into turbo-charged vehicles at his Corona, Calif., factory.
Since the starting price for each Saleen car is about $75,000, the company’s new creditor, SM Funding, is already fast out of the gate.
But the returns stand to accelerate, given the deal also includes up to $2 million in senior notes that pay 12 percent, and up to $8 million in preferred stock that will ultimately give the lending group 61 percent of publicly traded Saleen.
Cyrano Group’s David Bergstein, who’s credited with negotiating terms for SM Funding, also exacted a two-year, $25,000-a-month consulting fee for his advisory firm. At the closing, meanwhile, Saleen Automotive must take out a $15 million “key man” insurance policy on its founder, who was a professional race-car driver before going into the car-customization business in 1984.
Saleen’s stock hasn’t traded above a penny since May. And though it rose 1.5 percent in over-the-counter trading Monday, it still didn’t qualify as, literally, a penny stock.
Saleen, who’s been chasing capital since going public via a reverse merger in 2013, said the terms were fine.
“This delivers just enough so we can focus on executing,” he told The Post.
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cooper Tire is showcasing its ultra-high performance Zeon RS3-S tire on a 2016 Saleen® 302 Black Label Mustang in booth #43019 (South Hall) at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show now through November 6.
The 2016 Saleen 302 Black Label Mustang is rolling on Cooper Zeon RS3-S ultra-high-performance tires.
“Our RS3-S tires meet the exacting standards of Saleen, while also meeting the demands of everyday performance enthusiasts.”
Saleen is an iconic American name in motorsports, synonymous with superb quality and unparalleled performance, and now comes standard with Cooper Zeon RS3-S tires.
“We are excited to work with Saleen, whose maximum performance vehicles give us an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities and state-of-the-art technology engineered into our high performance products,” said Scott Jamieson, Cooper’s Director of Product Management. “Our RS3-S tires meet the exacting standards of Saleen, while also meeting the demands of everyday performance enthusiasts.”
The race-inspired RS3-S is an ultra-high performance tire that delivers world-class dry road traction, increased handling and exceptional cornering. The tire’s tread compounds are specifically formulated to combine dry and wet traction with crisp handling and high speed capabilities. The RS3-S also features a 20,000-mile treadwear protection warranty and a 45-day road test guarantee.
For more information on Cooper and the SEMA show, visit www.coopertire.com and www.semashow.com. Also connect with Cooper on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative, great-performing tires that people depend on for all of life’s road trips, whether on city streets, off-road adventures or high-speed tracks. In fact, Cooper is proud to sponsor and race in all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy development program within the IndyCar racing series. Cooper tires can also be seen on the track as a sponsor of the IMSA Prototype Lites Series, and competing in the short course off-road TORC Series. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper, together with its subsidiaries, has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design operations in more than one dozen countries around the world. This year, as we head into our second century in the tire industry, Cooper is looking toward a future where innovation will continue to drive our products and our products will continue to drive the world. To connect with Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/teamcoopertire.
About Saleen Automotive, Inc.
Saleen is an American specialty manufacturer of high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for automotive design and performance engineering in both street and racing applications. Saleen plans to utilize its existing strategic partnerships and dealer network to refine its design and engineering prowess, continue development of emerging automotive technologies, and expand its presence nationwide with a combination of automotive retail services, aftermarket parts and new vehicle sales to build significant long-term value. Learn more at www.saleenautomotive.com.
Contacts: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Michelle Rehbein, 419-423-1321 mrrehbein@coopertire.com
Price: BID
VIN: 1ZVBP8JZ0E5210282
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 2014
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Sub Model: Saleen 351
Trim: S351
Body Type: Coupe
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine: 351 supercharged
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Exterior Color: Chrome Molly
Interior Color: Black
Mileage: 570
For Sale By: Owner
eBay #: 161870549729
14-014 351 Black Label14-014 351 Black Label
Words cannot accurately describe this one-off custom 2014 Saleen 351 Extreme. This car is much different, more Extreme, than anything yet from Steve Saleen. For starters this car began life as a 2014 Shelby GT500. From this starting point Steve Saleen and his team worked their magic. What exists now is a 700HP masterpiece. It is the only one like it in the world. Painted with custom Steve Saleen designed and created ChromeMolly Metallic paint. Saleen designed Supercharger helping the 351 block put out 700HP. Saleen designed Red Butterfly Induction Hood. Custom Saleen black leather and Alcantera interior. Incredible glass scenic roof. It feels like you are outside but are safely protected from the 200 mph wind elements! This car is personally signed by Steve Saleen on the dash. This is truly a one of a kind super car.
This quote is from Derek Hall, Saleen Sales Director: “The reason we started with the SVT was due to the fact ford was not selling the 5.8 block yet. We needed the block to build our engine. You will actually have a very limited production 351, all the rest have been built from the base GT platform. There are only two cars built this way, yours and a private customer.”
This car is the ONLY car to have started as a GT 500 and be painted in a custom Saleen color. Bumper number 14 was specially reserved for this car to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. And because 2014 is the last year of this flavor of Mustang.
14-014 351 Black Label
The following is what Steve Saleen designed and constructed to make the 351 Extreme:
Powertrain
Supercharged 351ci DOHC V8 Engine with 700 HP Upgrade
Saleen Supercharger with Asymmetric Multi-lobe Screws
Torque: 655 ft/lb
Low Pressure Drop Internal Intercooler
High Volume Intercooler Water Pump with Closed Single Pass System
Remote External Heat Exchanger
High Performance Calibration
Cold Air Induction with High Performance Air Filter
Forged Aluminum Pistons
Forged Steel Crankshaft
Forged Steel Connecting Rods
CNC Ported Aluminum Cylinder Heads
High Performance Valve Springs and Camshafts
High Performance Dual Exhaust with High Performance Mufflers
Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips
High Performance Clutch with Light Weight Flywheel
3.73 Final Drive Gear Ratio
Saleen High Performance Suspension
Air Management
Front Facia with High Volume Radiator Intake, Integrated Brake Intakes and Side Vents
Integrated Front Splitter with Heat Exchanger Intakes
Side Skirts with Integrated Brake Intakes
Rear Facia with Dual Exhaust Cooling Vents
High Downforce Rear Diffuser with Integrated Exhaust and Center Vent with LED Race Lamp
Aerodynamic Rear Decklid Spoiler and Rear Fender End Caps
Red Butterfly Induction Hood
Suspension
S4 Specific Rate Front and Rear Springs
S4 Front Struts
S4 Rear Shocks
S4 Front and Rear Sway Bars with High Durometer Pivot Bushings
High Performance Pirelli P-Zero Tires Front: 275 35ZR 20 Rear: 275 40ZR 20
Custom Saleen “Black Ice” Chrome Wheels
Exterior
Saleen Windshield Banner
Saleen Fender Model Description Emblems
Saleen Front and Rear Designation Emblems
Front Bright Work Trim Package
Saleen Serialized Front Bumper Number
Interior
Steve Saleen Personally Signed Authentication Dash
Leather and Alcantera Two-Tone Chevron Performance Seating
Leather Wrapped Shift Knob and Shift Boot
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
200 MPH Gauge Cluster
Saleen Illuminated Door Sill Plates
Saleen Embroidered Floor Mats and Trunk Mat
S351X Serialized Dash Emblem
S351X Serialized Engine Bay Plaque
Saleen Steering Wheel Emblem
GPS Navigation
14-014 351 Black Label
This is a true Super Car designed by a living legend. It is the only one like it anywhere in the world. It is only for the choosiest of Mustang aficionados. It is expensive because it is designed and built to the highest standard. Shelby’s are everywhere. Treat yourself to something NO ONE else has. A hand built car by Steve Saleen and his award winning staff. You will not regret it!
The interior of our 2016 302 Black Label is equal parts functional and luxurious. From the suede in the seats to keep you in place to the white face gauges for added contrast of all the engines vital signs, everything we do is to ensure the best possible vehicle leaves our production line.
