Top-Five Essential Saleen Mustangs
Steve Saleen has been blending power, precision, and style since 1983 in these Mustangs.
About Our Selections
It was back in 1983 when Saleen first turned a wrench on Ford's iconic Mustang pony car that effectively ushered in a new level of performance and style. The company, started by ex-race car driver Steve Saleen, began refining the Mustang to establish its own high-horsepower brand, starting with the Fox body platform. No, what makes Saleen Mustangs special isn't simply all the horsepower—though there's plenty of that—but a well-tuned handling package and signature looks that have distinguished them from the rest of Ford's fleet for more than 40 years.
Born out of a desire to push the limits, models such as the Saleen S302 Black Label exhibit power, precision engineering, and an aesthetic now synonymous with Saleen. Here's our list of the top five essential Saleen Mustangs that capture these milestones, peeling back the layers to learn more about what makes each a darling for Mustang loyalists and how they made their way into the permanent hearts of speed freaks everywhere.
Last updated November 12, 2024 by Eduardo Zepeda.
Saleen SA10
The 1993 Saleen SA10, a limited-edition, supercharged Foxbody Mustang, boasted 325 horsepower, unique styling, and exclusive features, with only 9 produced.
What Makes It Special
The Saleen SA10, a limited-edition Mustang celebrating Saleen's 10th anniversary in 1993, is a rare and revered model with just 9 units produced.
Based on the classic Foxbody platform, the SA10 offered exclusive features to mark the end of this generation before the debut of Ford's 1994 models. Under the hood, a supercharged engine churns out 325 horses and 443 pound-feet of torque.
An 8 psi Vortech supercharger, Racecraft suspension upgrades, and big 13" Alcon brakes pushed early '90s performance standards for the SA10.
Additional traits like black leather Recaro seats, a gray 200-mph speedometer, and an eye-catching yellow-and-white graphics package separated the SA10 from a regular Mustang even further.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L DOHC 16v Supercharged V8
Power: 325 hp
Torque: 443
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Highlights
The SA10 was created to celebrate Saleen’s ten-year milestone in building and racing Mustangs, with only nine units produced.
Each car was uniquely tailored, as customers could personalize their setup from a selection of available modifications.
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Saleen S351
The 1998 Saleen S351 packs a supercharged 495-hp 5.8L V8, Viper-derived six-speed transmission, advanced suspension, and aggressive handling upgrades.
What Makes It Special
Taking a standard V6 Mustang and shrieking it with formidable horsepower, the Saleen S351 swaps in a 351-cubic-inch 5.8-liter OHV V8 fitted with TFS "twisted wedge" heads mated to a Lightning intake and Vortech supercharger.
Power is rated at 495 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, routed through a Borg-Warner T56 six-speed transmission from the Dodge Viper along with a Gerodisc hydraulic differential.
The S351 is arguably best known for its tenacious high-speed stability married to confident handling thanks to a controllable chassis.
Handling updates include a lowered suspension, 13-inch Alcon brakes, and 18-inch Michelin Pilot SX tires for the S351. The interior features leather Recaro seats and white-face gauges.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L OHV 16v Supercharged V8
Power: 495 hp
Torque: 490 ft-lb
Transmission: 6-manual
Highlights
The S351’s supercharged 5.8-liter V8 and Viper-sourced six-speed transmission achieve a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds
It brings loads of power balanced with equally impressive control that retains neutral handling at or near its limits.
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Saleen SSC
The 1989 Saleen SSC celebrated Saleen's tuning prowess with a 325-hp V8, Racecraft suspension, distinctive styling, and only 161 units produced.
What Makes It Special
The 1989 Saleen SSC was a low-volume, high-performance Mustang built to celebrate Saleen's rise as an acclaimed Mustang tuner.
With only 161 examples made, the SSC had an upgraded 5.0-liter 302 V8 pumping out 290 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque (considerable increases over a contemporary Mustang GT). Upgrades consisted of a high-flow intake, tubular headers, and a stainless steel exhaust system.
Saleen also upgraded the suspension, adding Racecraft components for improved handling, including progressive-rate springs, adjustable shocks, and a rear anti-roll bar.
On the outside, the SSC featured a special white and gray paint job with Saleen graphics, while inside were Flofit seats, a Momo wheel, and unique badging.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L OHV 16v V8
Power: 290 hp
Torque: 325 ft-lb
Transmission: 5-manual
Highlights
The SSC's modified 5.0-liter V8 delivered 290 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, offering Saleen's most powerful Mustang to date.
Racecraft suspension and custom exterior graphics gave the SSC outstanding handling and a distinct look unique to Saleen’s lineup
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Saleen S302 Black Label
The 2019 Saleen S302 Black Label delivers 800 horsepower, Racecraft suspension, aggressive styling, and performance upgrades, embodying extreme modern muscle car power.
What Makes It Special
The 2019 Saleen S302 Black Label revisits the Mustang, pushing it to muscle car extremes that only Saleen can achieve.
A supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 sits at the front, unleashing a mind-blowing 800 horses and 687 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive when it comes to Saleen’s street-legal Mustangs.
Racecraft suspension, reinforced shock absorbers, and strengthened anti-roll bars equip the Black Label for aggressive driving, ensuring precise cornering on both circuits and empty roads.
The exteriors feature aggressive add-ons like front splitters, rear wings, and distinctive Saleen graphics that create a sleek appearance, while the leather race seats and custom rote dials perfectly complement this modern-day muscle car purchase.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L DOHC 32v Supercharged V8
Power: 800 hp
Torque: 687 ft-lb
Transmission: 6-manual
Highlights
The S302 Black Label's supercharged V8 engine delivers explosive acceleration and a thrilling exhaust note.
The car's aggressive styling and aerodynamic enhancements create a visually striking and efficient package.
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Ford Mustang Saleen
The 1983 Ford Mustang Saleen debuted Saleen’s legacy with handling-focused upgrades, enhanced brakes, and styling tweaks, keeping the stock 5.0L V8 untouched.
What Makes It Special
The 1983 Ford Mustang Saleen marked the beginning of Saleen’s Mustang legacy, blending performance upgrades with the stock 5.0-liter 302 V8. Saleen produced its initial cars in three colors: white, copper glow, and black, all equipped with 215/60 tires on 15x7 wheels.
In a bid to prevent incurring heavy costs brought about by emissions restrictions, Steve Saleen kept the original engine and drivetrain untouched, prioritizing improved handling and braking.
His modifications changed the dynamics of the Foxbody Mustang, which featured excellent suspension, enhanced braking systems, and an adjusted chassis, hence making it more agile without modding the engine.
These Saleen Mustangs priced $4,500 more than the basic Mustang GT, featured additional styling elements like decklid spoilers, side skirts, and air dams on the front.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L OHV 16v V8
Power: 175 hp
Torque: 245 ft-lb
Transmission: 5-manual
Highlights
The 1983 Saleen Mustang kept the stock 5.0-liter V8 but featured upgraded suspension, brakes, and chassis for better handling and speed.
Distinctive styling additions like decklid spoilers, side skirts, and front air dams set the 1983 Saleen apart, creating a new performance look for Mustangs.
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