- Seller: Troy M
- Location: Anaheim, California
- Mileage: 62,570 Shown
- Chassis #: 1ZVFT85HX65133467
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Supercharged V8
- Transmission: Automatic
The 5th generation Mustang proved to be fantastic cars, with solid performance and looks that harkened back to the original Mustang. Over its production run, there were many variants to choose from, but if you wanted even more performance, Saleen had you covered. The company built a small number of highly-tuned Mustangs that they called the S281. The example being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction is not only an S281 but the supercharged variant known as the S281 SC, and it’s a convertible. It’s car number 186 and, according to Saleen’s records, is one of one built to this spec.
This era of Mustang was already potent with Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 offering up a healthy amount of power in base form, but after Saleen supercharged and tuned the engine, they were serious monsters. To handle all the extra power, Saleen reworked the brakes and suspension. This example is equipped with the Racecraft suspension and the Maxgrip differential, so it shouldn’t have any issues getting all that power to the ground. The body wears an aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and rear wing.
Saleen also reworked the interior with custom seat upholstery and gauges sporting their branding. This car has covered 62k miles from new so it isn’t perfect, but it’s close. The seats have minor wear on the bolsters, but overall, the interior is in good condition and sports all its original Saleen-specific components.
Here’s where this Mustang really shines! The supercharged 4.6-liter V8 produces a very healthy 435 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque. While bolting a supercharger on is easy enough, getting the fuel injection working correctly required a retune. While most buyers opted for manual transmission, automatic transmission will make this a more accessible car to drive.
This is quite the machine! There weren’t many S281 SC Convertibles built and this one really is the only one like it. You certainly won’t see another one like it. So, would you put the top down and hit the street in this Saleen? If so, cast your high bid and leave any questions you have for the seller in the comment section below.
2005 was the year a Mustang became a Mustang again, and while still on a Fox platform it looked like a Mustang should. I’ve rarely seen any Saleen Mustangs in any trim, and I’ve never seen one of these, never heard of one. I don’t think I could buy this one without mortgaging the house, otherwise my name would be on the bidders’ list.
Silver has been done to death but I like the shade on this Stang. Would be my dream to drive. There goes my kid’s inheritance. Just one thing. That view from the front dead center looks disturbingly like a Chrysler Sebring.