Vehicle Description
This is a fully documented 2005 Saleen Extreme S281 R&D
Prototype finished in Speedlab Yellow over a Dark Charcoal leather
interior with black graphics. It's a true one-of-one car with
21,717 actual miles, most of which occurred during factory testing,
and is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine backed by a 6-speed manual
transmission. Saleen did not release the Extreme model to the
general public for purchase until 2006. This Saleen was used as the
promotional Extreme model, which was unveiled at the Chicago and
New York auto shows, generating pre-orders for 2006 production.
This exact car can also be found within factory promotional
literature. The 2005 Extreme Prototype story is very unique. In the
Saleen production logs there were three prototypes set for
production in 2005: #0001E, #0002E and #0003E. In reality, the
#0003E car was never actually produced. The #0002E car, Sonic Blue
in color, was purchased by an R&D employee and totaled while
driving in the rain a short time after. This #0001E car is not only
the first 2005 Extreme prototype but also the only remaining
prototype in existence for the '05-09 lineage. Many components on
the car are hand-built and first of their kind, from the
quarter-window deletes and carbon diffusers to a host of custom
Saleen internal engine components. In 2018 the 05-0001E was shipped
to Corona, CA, not only for firsthand factory authentication, but
to attend the Saleen World Car Show. For the show, the Saleen
family selected one car from each production lineage to be parked
in front of headquarters on display, and the 05-0001E was selected
to represent the '05-09 lineage. Ultimately, the one-of-a-kind
05-0001E was selected to receive The Best of Show award. While at
Saleen Headquarters, Steve Saleen personally signed the dash with
the #1 designation, and signed the engine compartment as well.
Molly Saleen also signed her picture endorsing the 05-0001E at the
show. All documented signatures, video of Steve Saleen signing
05-0001E, signed Factory Authentication Letter, processed Saleen
Best of Show Award check, Saleen World Car Show numbered vehicle
entry pass, and a factory brochure with 05-0001E featured will
accompany the car. CARFAX shows Ford Motor Company manufacturer
safety recall issued on 01/27/2019: Passenger airbag inflator
replacement.
