1989 Saleen Convertible: Think Carroll Shelby was the only racer who hopped up Mustangs that went on to win championships? Nope. Steve Saleen did the same thing a couple of decades later with his Fox-body Saleen Mustangs. Starting in 1984, and using a similar formula to what Shelby employed on the original 1965–66 GT350s, Saleen focused on chassis, suspension, and braking upgrades to the factory Mustang. Shelby called it making “a racehorse out of a mule.”
And once again, it worked.
Steve Saleen and his Saleen Mustangs took home many racing wins, including the 24 Hours of Mosport (an SCCA Endurance Championship race) three years in a row, from 1986–88. The Saleen Mustang team won the 1987 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship Driver, Team, and Manufacturer titles for the series, and in 1993 the Saleen Mustang team placed third and fifth in the SCCA World Challenge championship. Not bad for a racer-turned-manufacturer that started with a car with decidedly humble beginnings. The 5.0-liter Fox Mustang was great, and it brought real performance back to the masses. But at the end of the day it was, well...still a 1978 Fairmont underneath.
In the 20 years between Shelby hot-rodding 1965 K Code Mustangs and Saleen attempting the same with 1984 Mustangs, a few more hurdles cropped up. Gone were the days of manufacturers freely swapping intakes, carburetors, and exhaust systems with any aftermarket parts they wanted. Saleen couldn’t do any engine modifications if he wanted to avoid trouble with the EPA, so he left the engine, exhaust, and drivetrain alone during his conversions. The upshot was that this preserved Ford’s factory warranty, which was another important aspect. Saleen did add a stiffened Racecraft suspension, custom wheels, sticky General tires, and a body kit that not only looked cool but likely offered some degree of aerodynamic benefit. As the years went on, Saleen slowly ramped up the modifications to include five-lug wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and further interior upgrades, including trick Flofit front seats.
When buying a collectible vehicle, you always have 3 boxes to check off. Is the vehicle rare or limited edition? Is it well maintained in it's original condition? And finally, does it have a well documented history? We offer here today an opportunity to own an exceptional Saleen Convertible that checks all these boxes and will do nothing but appreciate with each passing year. As 1 of 165 produced, this convertible was recently purchased out of long-term CA ownership and amazingly has just over 13k miles! Documentation includes; Original Window Sticker, Owners Manuals, Warranty Card, and apprx 30 assorted receipts that verify the mileage. Additionally, this low-mileage Saleen drives like new and everything on the car works like it should. A complete list of features and options includes; 302 V8, 5 Speed, A/C, Center Console Storage, Convertible Boot, Cruise Control, Power Steering & Brakes, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette, Rear Spoiler, Tilt Steering, Tire Tools, Spare Tire, 16" ARE Mesh Wheels, and Thick 225/50/R16 Tires! This is a great opportunity to own a highly collectible Saleen and the first to leave a deposit is the lucky new owner.
