To appreciate a Saleen-built Ford Mustang in the early days of the aftermarket company’s relationship with the quintessential muscle car, you have to get down to the details. These were not high horsepower machines but they were significantly improved over stock. More importantly, these early Saleen cars were limited production models in the truest sense of the word and are highly sought after today. The car shown here on craigslist is said to be number 35 of that year’s production run and with almost 88,000 miles, it’s been driven – but it’s also been loved.
The seller is asking $34,500 for this rare Saleen. The higher-than-normal odometer reading isn’t unusual for these collector cars, as the bulletproof drivetrain makes them easy to drive. Despite not being a time capsule, this hasn’t hurt values for these Saleen Fox bodies, which grew to incorporate more and more performance improvements over time. In some ways, if you really love Saleens, you have to embrace the fact that Steve Saleen made this car significantly better without adding a ton of power. The chassis, suspension, and brakes were dramatically improved over stock form, along with better seats and a tidy three-spoke steering wheel.
Saleen’s Racecraft suspension was the big deal. This set-up featured urethane sway bar bushings, front and rear coil springs with unique rates, custom strut mount bearings, and other tweaks. In 1988, Saleen moved on from Koni shocks in favor of Monroe units, which were favored after drivers turned in faster lap times with the Monroes. I love details like these, because it showed Saleen was sweating every last detail when it came to improving this car. The 5.0L engine was introduced in 1987, giving the Saleen a healthy 225 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.
Of course, the other details worth noting were the amazing cosmetic improvements. The American Racing wheels that were color-keyed to the lower rocker decals (the rockers were also aerodynamically enhanced, along with the front and rear aprons) were perhaps the most significant change, as you didn’t typically associate a BBS-style wheel with a Fox body Mustang – but it looked killer. Even with the miles that this Saleen has, the paint appears to be in excellent shape. There aren’t many cars left that you can buy for reasonable money with a strong hope of future appreciation, but these early Saleen Fox bodies are among the limited options. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
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Probably worth every dollar they’re asking, but like the writer says it’s mostly suspension and appearance enhancements. The seats look comfortable but that cloth belongs in a Buick.
I worked at Saleen many years ago and part of my job was to create the production schedule for the work crew. This included writing separate build sheets and assigning the numbers to each vehicle and so forth. One time I mistakenly checked blue graphics on a black car. Steve came through the production line and had a fit. I’d say 90% of employees who saw the car really liked it. Needless to say the owner of the company always wins. Have lots of great times and memories. The Saleens that will command great money in the future are the ones that haven’t been altered. Bone stock will win.
I worked at Galpin Ford (Sepulveda, CA) in the late 80’s, we were one of the few dealerships that sold the Saleen as well as the new AC Cobra Mk IV. If this was sold by Galpin, then the odds are good that I was the tech who PDI’d and performed any customer work on it. They were neat cars (I wish I could have afforded one), but they were mostly trim and suspension updates. Nonetheless, they still looked badass going down Van Nuys Blvd.
Glad you clarified the location of Galpin Ford. I have a ’95 F150 with a “Galpin -Ford, Lincoln, Mazda”- Prescott, AZ sticker on the tailgate. Not a big fan of sporting a dealer name on my rigs, but it helps explain to others here in Columbus, OH why my 30 year old truck isn’t rusted.
On another note, very cool to think you were the first one to move that Saleen after she rolled off the car carrier. I worked in Chrysler service then, I always remember our techs jamming in a few new car preps late in the day. I think they paid like .7 back then.
Galpin in Prescott is still there – second generation owner. They’ve been in Prescott since 1983. My next door neighbor was their top salesman for many years.
Hahah, multiple new car preps, hahah! Reminds me when I worked as a tech at Acura of Boston and the first 1994 Integra GSR came in. All the dealership employees wanted a ride in it and it was the demo car for prospective customers wanting a GSR. One salesman (A gearhead.) took a customer up to 120mph on the highway with it. When that car was finally sold, it had 700 very hard driven miles on that car. BTW-loved working at Acura of Boston in the early 90s! Everyone was like second family to me.
Galpin Prescott is owned by the Galpin family (no relationship), we were owned by Bert Boeckmann (died about two years ago), it’s now managed by youngest son, Beau. Bert bought out Frank Galpin back in 1966, and EVERY SINGLE YEAR, Frank would come by, walk through lot and say “Can I have that one?” and he’d get a new car… a gift from Bert. We would have 3-day sales weekends where everybody worked. And we would sell or lease AND deliver as many as 350+ cars. Our service manager for 40 years was a guy named Ron Hornaday, his son (former lube rack, and we never let him forget) Is NASCAR Hall of Fame Craftsman truck champion Ron Hornaday Jr.
Nice condition in spite of the mileage. I like it but somehat overpriced in my opinion.
“Somewhat” overpriced.
Another Fox Mustang variant which has found its place in the market. This looks like a good example even with the high mileage.
Interesting to hear from those who worked on them back in the day.
A very nice looking ‘Stang. Of all the Fox body cars I have had. (Mostly Mustangs and Capris) I’ve never had (or even driven) one of these. I did drive an SVO with a 5.0 swap and was told that it drove similarly. And that was a very nice ride. I’ll take this one, any sponsors out there, please?