I don’t recommend buying performance cars anywhere other than a specialist shop with a PPI in hand, but it’s so damn tempting to take a chance on a special car sitting at what appears to be a small used car lot. This 1999 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 is a rare supercharged example, putting it right in the middle of the available models tuned by Saleen. There was the monstrous S351 and S281 like this car; the Roots-style supercharger was an option that pushed horsepower to 350 b.h.p. Find car number 231 here on eBay with no reserve and bidding to $6K.
Now, it’s possible this is a Mustang specialty shop given the Saleen is parked next to another late model example. However, “Z Best” Auto Sales doesn’t exactly inspire any confidence in yours truly. The Saleen does retain its specific body kit and polished wheels, along with a sound-appearing top and body free of major damage. While the bodykit is not to everyone’s liking, Saleens were rarely conservative cars, and with that supercharger whine coming from under the hood, there’s no reason to be subtle with a car like this.
The supercharged model should turn in a run to 60 of under five seconds. When originally tested against the more powerful S351, the supercharged example was practically neck-and-neck with its Saleen sibling. The quarter mile will pass by in a blistering 13.7 seconds all while turning in decent handling numbers thanks to the suspension improvements Saleen made to the car, which retains its solid rear axle. If I were shopping these cars new, I’d have a hard time forking over more cash for the more powerful model with numbers like that. Unfortunately for this example, the eBay listing is very short on details regarding mechanical health or maintenance history.
The limited production nature of Saleen-tuned Mustangs always make them appealing, and this car is no different. The manual transmission, clean interior and supercharged mill combine to make some of us (yes, me) consider taking a chance on the potentially dodgy seller. With 81,000 miles on the clock, there’s little doubt this Mustang has been abused at some point and it’s a big risk to take on a higher-mileage performance car. But at no reserve, if bidding stays under $10K, someone may come away with a supercar at a budge price that just needs some basic needs addressed. What do you think: is it worth the risk?
I always liked the performance of these…never could take a liking to the body kit though.
Agreed. That kit looks like something you’d get at Pep Boys. All you need is two chrome license plate holders, a set of chrome valve stem covers, and smoked taillight and headlight covers to complete the package.
That said, those in the know will know its original. So that’s pretty cool.
Yep…it’s been driven hard there’s no doubt!…to bad it’s a convertible.
No chance here!
Did I log into “thebestofebay” by mistake? What does this have to do with barn finds? This is just a used car.
Hmmm, a previous auction shows this car sold July 13 at this dealer for $11,300. Might be the car didn’t meet expectations, or a bidder with no funds.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Ford-Mustang-SALEEN-/263800246711?hash=item3d6bb851b7%3Ag%3AbKwAAOSwIAxbP9uJ&vxp=mtr&nma=true&si=Yv9iFSXyN6SjKd3qM94PTyq02BU%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
also the sticker price is $17,995 so the dealer has got at least $10G in it so …
Many of these “specialty” performance cars aren’t driven hard. They are bought by owners that want to present a certain look. I live fairly close to where the car is, and go to the local track and go to practically every Wednesday night since 2002. I don’t think I’ve seen more than a couple of Saleen Mustangs make passes, ever, none were regulars. Since this car doesn’t have the typical street warrior modifications it could be worth a chance if the bidding stays low. One thing is for sure, the dealer isn’t helping his cause based on the pictures and description in his listing.
Steve R
I think that not everyone abuses a hot car! Looking at the condition of it I think that I would be willing to take a chance on it!
Expensive when new, could very well have been pampered, at least for awhile. The next owner who picks it up for cheap will possibly drive it with extreme prejudice, especially if challenged by the latest and greatest. See it all the time.
Saleens are rare. The engines were well built and could stand up to hard use if properly cared for. I’d get it inspected if I was that interested in it. I’d take a chance. At the right price.
Saleens were the hot choice for Mustang owners until the 03′-04′ Cobra came out. I’ll always have a soft spot for the New Edge and Fox bodied Saleens.
If this stays below $10K it could be a good buy for someone.