Saleen Mustangs are special-edition Ford Mustangs produced by Saleen Automotive, Inc. Saleen is an American auto manufacturer that makes limited-edition, high-performance specialty vehicles. They offer heavily modified versions of mass-produced cars, such as the Mustang.
The Saleen Mustang debuted in 1984 as the company’s first high-performance streetcar.
Steve Saleen is a former Formula Atlantic race car driver and founder of Saleen Automotive. He founded the company in 1983, which was originally named Saleen Autosport.
Saleen Mustangs are considered to be some of the rarer Mustang models available. The first year Saleen released a Mustang, only three models were produced. According to the Saleen Club of America, Saleen produced more than 8,000 modified Mustangs from 1983 to 2009.
On average, there were only a few hundred Saleen Mustangs produced each year. Some years have lower production numbers. In 1992, only 17 vehicles were produced. The highest number of models produced was in 2006 at approximately 1,640.
The limited-production models, like the Saleen SSC, SC, and SA10 are even rarer as very few were made.
2008 Saleen Mustang Gurney Signature Edition
All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red AlcantaraTM inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car.
The exterior reflects the look of Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, ‘duck bill’ rear spoiler and ‘stinger’ style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia.
“I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney.
Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: “this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built,” commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon.
“Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails,” said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “I’ll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner.”
The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself.
“It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney’s. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love,” said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland.
The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney’s ‘All American racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of “#2″ roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience.
The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” commented Wilbur. “I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers.”
