Tag Archives: Explorer

FIRST YEAR SALEEN XP (98-0028X) HITS BaT AUCTION

BaT Essentials
Lot #31171
Seller: carsfromgary
Location: Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545
Chassis: 1FMZU35P5WZB18340
23k Miles Indicated
Supercharged 5.0L V8
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
All-Wheel Drive
Toreador Red over Tan Leather Recaro Seats
18″ Wheels w/Pirelli Tires
Saleen Body Kit, Hood, Front Brakes
Window Sticker
Clean Carfax Report
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Additional Charges From This Dealer: USD $0

1998 Saleen XP Explorer

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

This 1998 Ford Explorer is #28 of fewer than 300 equipped with the Saleen XP8 package, and was acquired by the selling dealer in 2020 after 21 years with its original owner in New Jersey. Power is from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 linked to a four-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The truck is finished in red with gold wheels and features a Saleen body kit as well as Recaro front seats in tan leather. This XP8 is offered with a clean Carfax report and a clean Pennsylvania title.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

The body wears Toreador Red paint and is fitted with a Phil Frank-designed aero kit including a front valance, side skirts, door cladding, and bumper covers as well as a rear spoiler. Also featured are an optional Saleen Design hood, fog lights, and silver grille inserts. A touched-up scratch is noted on the hood.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

Gold-finished 18″ Saleen wheels are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. Saleen-tuned suspension was lowered by approximately 2″ when compared to a stock Explorer, and was fitted with N2 shocks and sway bars from Saleen Racecraft when new. Disc brakes are equipped at all four wheels and include Saleen four-piston calipers over 13″ rotors up front.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

The cabin features tan leather upholstery over optional Recaro front sport seats featuring partial power adjustment. Matching carpets are protected by black coco mats. Equipment includes power windows and locks as well as a Mach CD/cassette stereo with rear-seat audio controls and a subwoofer in the cargo area.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

A leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel features cruise control buttons and frames gray Saleen instrumentation with gold lettering. The 120-mph speedometer houses a six-digit mechanical odometer reading approximately 23k miles.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is fitted with a Saleen air intake and was rated at 286 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque when new. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

A four-speed automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels through a single-speed transfer case. Borla mufflers and tailpipes were fitted when new.

1998 Saleen XP Explorer
1998 Saleen XP Explorer

The window sticker shows stock components, Saleen equipment, and additional options for a $52,228 list price.

The April 2020 Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists registration with one owner in New Jersey between 1998 and 2019.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-ford-explorer/

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[Source: Bring a Trailer]

RARE ‘GREEN’ 1999 XP (99-0037X) OFFERED ON eBay

Price: BID
VIN: 1FMZU35P3XZB13638
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 1999
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Sub Model: Saleen XP8
Body Type: SUV
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine: 5.0L 302 Cu. In. V8
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: Tan
Mileage: 42,000
For Sale By: Private Seller
eBay #: 264447975723

1999 Saleen XP, 99-0037X
1999 Saleen XP, 99-0037X

1999 SALEEN XP8 #037 Original condition rare find no accidents mint condition.I believe there were only (2) made in this color. A true survivor, a real collectable vehicle. V8 5.0 (302), 42,000 Org. miles, All Wheel Drive, Racecraft Suspension, , Saleen Aero Appearance Package, Saleen Complete Borla Exhaust, Saleen CoCo floor mats full set in excellent shape, Wood trim steering wheel and trim and Saleen brake and gas pedal. Original Saleen wheels in good shape. Truck is in excellent condition, A real head turner.

New tires, brakes and rotors and Ford Motorcraft battery.

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LOW MILEAGE XP (98-0028X) LANDS ON CRAIGSLIST

1998 Saleen Explorer
Condition: excellent
Cylinders: 8 cylinders
delivery available
Drive: 4wd
Fuel: gas
Odometer: 22000
Paint color: custom
Size: mid-size
Title status: clean
Transmission: automatic
Type: SUV

1998 Saleen Explorer 22k miles
Garage kept excellent condition

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[Source: Craigslist]

2nd XP (98-0002X) OFFERED ON eBay

Price: BID
VIN: 1FMDU35P0VUA13498
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 1997
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Trim: XP8 Saleen AWD
Body Type: SUV
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine: 5.0 Liter 302 CID
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: White
Interior Color: Gray
Mileage: 78,800
For Sale By: Private Seller
eBay #: 162243156454

98-0002 XP
98-0002 XP

Two owner all original XP8 AWD fully loaded with every available option back in 1998 from Saleen. 2nd truck built and used by Saleen Inc. for promotional and magazine testing. Truck had Alcon front brakes but due to faulty brackets was returned back to stock before my purchase. Truck has carbon Fiber kit, Extractor hood, Recaro Seats, Coco mats, Magnesium wheels, Powerdyne Supercharger, Brand new Pirelli Tires, New Alternator, drive belts and tensioners, and a full engine service all within the last 500 miles. Original paint and all Saleen components. Typical chips, dents and dings for a 20 year old truck. I purchased truck from Saleen Inc. back in 2003 and it has always been garaged and put away for the Winter. Copies of original MSO and paperwork from Saleen included in sale.

98-0002 XP
98-0002 XP

Own a great piece of Saleen History.

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PROJECT “BIG WHITE” TESTS NEW SALEEN XP EQUIPMENT

PHOTOS & TEXT: MUSCLEJUNKIE

Just some pictures of a recent beach trip with Big White. Wanted to see how the AWD would perform after adding the 18″ Speedline 1908 Saleen Magnesium Rims and the 2″ lowering.

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1st XP (98-0001X) OFFERED ON eBay

Price: $16,500.00
VIN: 1FMDU32P2TZA60309
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 1996
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Sub Model: XLT
Body Type: SUV
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine: 5.0 Liter 302 cu in
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: White with Black Stripes
Interior Color: Gray
Mileage: 107,947
For Sale By: Private Seller
eBay #: 221883928505

98-0001X XP8
98-0001X XP8

This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most people have never seen, ridden in or owned a Saleen Explorer, this is your chance to knock out all 3 in one shot. As if that is not good enough, you have a chance to see, ride in and own the very first one ever built! This in the original prototype and first production XP8 Performance Utility Vehicle. It was built on a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT chassis (registered/titled as a 1996 Explorer) and utilized as a press vehicle and test mule for the company. This vehicle was featured on the original Saleen Explorer Sales Brochure, Saleen Performance Parts catalog and numerous periodicals during 1997-1998. This is not the XP8 in the MotorTrend video. 98-0001 and 98-0002 (built on a 1997 chassis) were both featured in a lot of the early photoshoots and appearances. 98-0002 had a carbon fiber hood, 98-0001 did not. I have a lot of documentation and paperwork on this vehicle all the way back to the original owner (the daughter of Steve Saleen’s former business partner). Options are the key in figuring the value of these XP8’s. This has all the options that were available at the time (the carbon fiber hood, Alcon brakes and Saleen pedals were not available yet)

98-0001X XP8
98-0001X XP8

Drivetrain:
5.0L motor with Powerdyne supercharger, 4 speed automatic transmission, 3.73 limited slip rear axle and Borla exhaust.

Exterior:
Crystal White paint, XP8 aerodynamic body kit (Front fascia, side skirts, rear bumper and rear wing) and carbon fiber mirrors

Interior:
Medium Graphite interior, Recaro Trend front and rear seats, Saleen instrumentation, carbon fiber accents (dash, rear console, steering wheel) and CoCo floor mats

Other:
Racecraft Suspension and Speedline magnesium wheels with Falken Ziex 255-55-18 tires (they have about 1500 miles on them)

98-0001X XP8
98-0001X XP8

I have owned 4 of these over the years. They are all special for different reasons. The XP8 specific parts are made of unobtanium. In most cases the only place to get one is from another XP8. There are several parts that are specific to this vehicle. It is one of two with these front and rear bumper (notice no gills) covers and the carbon fiber rear console. There is also a set of one, maybe two off carbon fiber rear diffuser covers that go with the vehicle but are not currently on the vehicle. They were damaged years ago. This is one special truck and holds a special place in Saleen history. Imagine if you had the chance to buy the first Saleen Mustang.

I have a lot of rare XP8 items that the next owner will have the first chance of refusal to purchase. I will not sell any of them without the vehicle. They include but are not limited to Saleen carbon fiber hood, extra Speedline magnesium wheel, XP8 blanket and throw pillows, Saleen Explorer Banner, NOS set of rear CoCo floor mats, Saleen boost/vacuum and fuel pressure gauges and a full set of Chicane stainless steel lug nuts. In addition, I have magazines, magazine articles, an original copy of the press release and photos featuring this vehicle. I have spent many years collecting this stuff at great time and expense. Any of these items that the new owner decides not to buy will go up for sale in the future.

As can be expected of a 19 year old vehicle that has over 100,000 miles and 4 owners, there are some items that you may want to know about. I tried to get a picture of the ones that could be photographed. There is a scratch on the drivers door, a chip in the paint just above the rear license plate, multiple scuffs on the front bumper, some of the paint has flaked off between the hood and the windshield and just above the windshield, the transmission leaks and is starting to slip under heavy acceleration, the check gauges light is on as soon as it warms up but I have never had any problems with any of the gauges, the fuel reset light is on at idle when it is in park (I believe this is due to the 255 lph Walbro pump in the tank) and the check engine light does not work. I know it is not on because I have always been able to smog it. Maybe the bulb is out or it was disconnected at some point.

I have done my best to describe this truck to the best of my ability. With that said, it is a 19 year old, 107,000 mile vehicle and is sold as is, where is. You are encouraged to come see it in person prior to bidding. I am not interested in any trade and do not need to sell it by any means. I hate to see it set and it deserves to be driven and enjoyed. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have if you are serious about acquiring it.

Good Luck!

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NEW SUSPENSION & WHEELS FOR PROJECT “BIG WHITE”

PHOTOS & TEXT: MUSCLEJUNKIE

I recently picked up a set of pristine Speedline Magnesium 1908 18″ X 8.5″ Rims (with the 10mm Offset) (the ones installed by Saleen on the XP8 Explorer) to install on Big White.

During my research, I’ve noticed that the original tires that Saleen installed on the XP8 Explorer were the 255/55R18 109H Pirelli Scorpion S/T Tires which are no longer made.

Does anyone have any advice on what tires I should buy for installation on these new rims that are comparable or better than the Scorpion S/T Tires.

On my 16″ Limited Wheels, I currently am running Michelin LTX M/S2 P255/70R16 109T Tires. I intend to keep these tires/wheels for winter and any off road driving I might do in the future.

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NEW PAINT FOR PROJECT “BIG WHITE”

PHOTOS & TEXT: MUSCLEJUNKIE

Did some test fitting of the Saleen XP8 Wing/Spoiler and Carbon Fiber/Composite hood. The hood was able to be lined up quite well on the initial test fitting and we were able to take some of the underside trim (the rubber dust strip ,etc) and mount it on this hood as well which gives it a “what would have been as stock” look.

The wing was mounted but obviously is going to be adjusted for flush fit with the gate. This was just an initial test to see how it is going to look and check a test spray of the White Pearl Clearcoat Metallic Paint for matching.

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XP HOOD REPAIR FOR PROJECT “BIG WHITE”

PHOTOS & TEXT: MUSCLEJUNKIE

So, I purchased the Saleen XP8 Carbon Fiber Hood off I believe 1998-023. The XP8 had allot of rust so the hood catch has allot of rust and there is cracking in the (Fiberglass?? or Carbon Fiber) around the rivets that hold that piece in as well as the hood hinge mounting points.

BIG WHITE (my 2000 Limited) is currently at the shop for paint & installation of the hood and Saleen Wing and some things came up that I am hoping that someone here might be able to offer some input.

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1998 XP6 (98-0060XP) OFFERED ON eBay

Price: BID
VIN: 1FMZU34EXWZC16425
Vehicle Title: Clear
Year: 1998
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Body Type: SUV
Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine: 4.0L 245Cu. In. V6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: White
Interior Color: Gray
Mileage: 93,000
For Sale By: Private Seller
eBay #: 261921335563

98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6

1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP6 #60 Extremely Rare!! 93K 4-Wheel drive. 4.0 – liter V6. Original condition and true survivor!! Mechanically, the car runs and drives very good without any problems. Solid and all “original” body with NO rust and No paint work! Brand new Pirelli Scorpion Tires ( 225/55R18 ) were just mounted this week, less than 10 miles on them. The 18″ chrome Enkei rims ( luxury series ) are in very good condition ( they are not Saleen’s own 18 inch genuine Magnesium wheels ) The leather Interior leather is extra clean and has been kept in great condition ( no rips or tears ) All options work properly: power windows, power mirrors, power driver seat, tilt wheel and cruise control. A/C blows cold. Factory Am/Fm CD player with cassette. carbon fiber steering wheel and mirror covers, Saleen Aero Apperance package, Mastercraft suspension and borla exhaust.

Please see Pic of original window sticker for more detailed information. New $42,540.00

98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6

A letter of Authenticity is included from Team Saleen . This 1998 production number 98-0060 Saleen Explorer with Vin # 1FMZU34EXWZC16425 is in the Saleen Owner’s Registry. The records indicate that this particular Saleen is 1 of 4 with these exact colors Oxford White clearcoat exterior / Medium Graphite Leather interior with Black graphics.

98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6

Below is some background information regarding the Saleen XP6 along with some pics of sales brochure’s and spec sheets regarding the XP6/XP8

NOT all options apply to this particular # 98-0060

Saleen XP6 (From Wikipedia)
The Saleen XP6 is a performance sport utility vehicle based on the Ford Explorer created by Saleen during 1998. It is also the six-cylinder sibling to the Saleen XP8, which remains identical in appearance and upgrades to the XP6 except for an eight-cylinder engine, with or without supercharger. The Saleen XP6 comes in two- or four-wheel-drive four-door configurations, packing only a SOHC 4.0-liter V-6 engine configuration. No supercharger was available at the time of production.

Production Quantities
The Saleen XP6 remains an even more elusive vehicle than its sibling, the Saleen XP8, because it was entirely a “mistake.” Saleen had ordered a batch of Explorers in 1998 for transformation into a XP8, however, some six cylinder Explorer XLT’s were thrown into the batch. Rather than send the Explorers back for an exchange, which would result in lost time and money for Saleen, they decided to outfit the six cylinder Explorer XLT’s instead with the XP8 package. Thus, the XP6 was born.

As a result of this “mistake”, the production numbers for the XP6 are extremely low. It is estimated that a maximum of ten are in existence. Six have been confirmed through the ExplorerX Saleen XP6/XP8 Owner Registry Database.
Specifications

Saleen lowers the Explorer about 2 inches, for both improved handling and appearance. Springs and shocks are swapped for the company’s Racecraft components, and rolling stock is upgraded to Saleen’s own 18-inch genuine magnesium wheels wrapped by Pirelli 255/55SR18 Scorpion S/T radials.

The exterior appearance package includes special front and rear fascia, side skirts, door cladding, roof-mounted rear wing, and carbon fiber trim. The cabin is treated to either a real wood or carbon fiber appearance package, depending upon color choice, as well as Saleen gauge faces and floor mats. A particularly nice, though pricey, option is Saleen/RECARO leather seating ($3950), offering 10-way power adjustment up front and hip-hugging support.

Engine
Bore & Stroke: 3.95in x 3.32in
Displacement: 4.0L / 245cid
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Horsepower: 205hp / 5,000 RPM
Torque: 250lb/ft / 3,000 RPM

Drive Train
Transmission: 5 Speed automatic

Brakes
ABS: Three channel, four sensor system
Disc Brakes: Front & Rear
Front: 13in vented disc four piston caliper (optional)
These front disc brakes were eventually recalled and replaced with stock Explorer calipers, again due to lack of structural integrity.

Additional Options
* Carbon Fiber hood
* Premium Sound System
* Integrated LCD Display
* Saleen Recaro Leather interior

Variation in models
Like the XP8, each Saleen XP6 may vary dramatically in appearance and options, as a result of Saleen farming the production of the XP6’s to California bodyshops and Ford dealers. Many of the options available in Saleen XP6’s, such as the carbon fiber composite hood and carbon fiber accents were installed outside of the Saleen Inc. compound.

Therefore, many XP6’s vary significantly with options installed.

There is no XP6 with a supercharger option, as there was no supercharger kit available to V6 Explorers at the time.

98-0060 XP6
98-0060 XP6

Availability
Saleen XP6’s are now well past their final production date (1998), and as such, can only be purchased through online advertisements and car auction websites such as eBay Motors. Prices vary significantly due to condition, mileage, and most importantly, options installed. Sale prices can vary between $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the above.

Additionally, all performance and appearance parts for the XP6’s have ceased production back in 2001. Parts are virtually impossible to find and purchase, and reproduction costs are sky high due to low demand and basically, the owner of the vehicle themselves footing the bill. Saleen XP6 parts are no longer available through Saleen whatsoever, even to owners. Saleen does, however offer repair services for the XP6 and its parts in the event that accident repair should prove necessary.

This has led to what some owners describe as the “glass-slipper effect”, as that if any substantial damage were to occur, replacement parts are not an option. Therefore, because of this and the very low production numbers to begin with of the XP6, the XP6 maintains a distinct allure to Ford and Saleen enthusiasts unfounded in many other vehicles.
Records

The Saleen Book, an official book produced by Saleen detailing the history and production numbers of Saleen vehicles past and present, noticeably neglected to cover and feature the XP6 and XP8.

As such, the Saleen Explorer XP6/XP8 Owner Registry Database was created on ExplorerX, an active Ford Explorer enthusiast website to maintain records. Although unofficial, it remains the only and most active list dedicated to Saleen XP6 and XP8 vehicles. An active XP6 and XP8 community resides there.

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