Celebrity-Owned Fox: 1990 Saleen Mustang #144

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This 1990 Saleen Mustang is already a collectible piece of Fox-body history, but its celebrity ownership makes it even more desirable—it reportedly belonged to baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. Showing just 44,000 original miles, this Saleen is said to run excellent and appears to be a well-preserved example of one of the hottest performance Mustangs of its era. Listed here on craigslist out of Ocean Shores, Washington, this could be a home-run find for both Saleen enthusiasts and sports memorabilia collectors. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!

Saleen Mustangs from the Fox-body era are known for their blend of improved handling, distinctive styling, and limited production numbers. This particular example is #144, marking it as one of the relatively early cars for the 1990 production year. Saleen’s modifications for these cars typically included upgraded suspension components, Racecraft springs and shocks, larger sway bars, 16-inch Saleen wheels, and a body kit with aerodynamic improvements. Inside, most Saleens of this era also received unique badging, white-faced gauges, and sometimes upgraded Recaro seats, making them instantly recognizable compared to a standard 5.0 Mustang.

While the listing doesn’t specify whether this Saleen retains all of its factory performance modifications, the fact that it has only 44,000 original miles suggests it has been carefully used and likely retains much of its original equipment. The seller states it “runs excellent,” which is no surprise for Ford’s proven 5.0-liter V8 and five-speed manual combination—though it would be worth confirming whether any aftermarket modifications were added during its life.

The most interesting aspect of this Saleen is its celebrity history. Ken Griffey Jr., one of the most famous baseball players of the 1990s and a Hall of Famer, reportedly owned this car, adding a layer of sports memorabilia appeal that few Fox-body Mustangs can match. Documentation of that ownership would greatly enhance its value and collectibility, so any potential buyer should confirm what paperwork or provenance accompanies the sale.

For Fox-body collectors, Saleen enthusiasts, or baseball fans, this car represents an unusual opportunity to own a piece of both automotive and sports history. Would you keep it preserved as a collector’s item, or would you drive it and enjoy the Saleen performance the way Steve Saleen intended?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Sweet car, for one of the sweetest baseball ⚾️ swings of all time 💪💥

    Like 6
  2. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Saleen Mustangs were well-done packages and are highly collectible. From the pics it looks good, though the presentation is poor. And the one-sentence description doesn’t help either. I suspect the Ken Griffey Jr. provenance will be dismissed unless the seller shows the evidence.

    Like 12
  3. Howard A Howard AMember

    Ken Griffey Jr, wow, before or after the “nerve tonic”? THAT, was a hilarious Simpsons episode. The car? Meh, I wonder if the heater core is bypassed,,,

    Like 8
  4. Steve R

    Saleen Mustangs sell themselves. Even if the seller provides verification that Ken Griffey Jr. owned dies it really increase the value? I’d think the only way celebrity provenance creates value is if a promoter is willing to pay an appearance fee, such as those for cars from American Graffiti.

    As for the ad, if the seller wants to get paid, put in the work.

    Steve R

    Like 9
  5. Andrew Wiegert

    Would not the Saleen registry be able to confirm/refute the claim of celebrity ownership?

    Like 3
  6. Curvette

    I don’t know how many Griffey fans are Saleen fans but it only takes one.

    Like 2
  7. todapo

    I’m waiting for the car owned by John Voight

    Like 4
    • Outland

      Maybe there’s a pencil in the glove compartment with bite marks that can be compared to KGJ’s dental records…

      Like 1
  8. Wayne

    My friend who was a CHP officer pulled over a Saleen Mustang in the Carmel/Monterey area for being a little too enthusiastic in his driving and it turned out to be Reggie Jackson. And it WAS October!

    Like 5

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