Saleen Automotive is among the world’s most famous car tuners specializing in Ford Mustangs. One of its earlier works – this Saleen SSC based on the 3rd-generation Mustang – will be sold at the upcoming Mecum auction in Chicago.
Saleen Automotive released 161 such cars starting in 1989. Each came equipped with a five-liter V8 engine boosted to 292 hp (218 kW) – quite an impressive achievement for an era when even the Ferrari 308 GTB could output only 237 American horsepower.
To squeeze the most power out of the engine, the team had to install a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission, larger stainless-steel headers on the throttle body, and a Walker Dynomax exhaust.
It is hard to predict how much the car will end up costing the winning bidder, but it is going to be expensive. Back in 1989, it cost the modern equivalent of U.S. $75,000. Furthermore, this example is still in near-top condition with around 11,000 miles (18,000 km) on its odometer.
Photo: carscoops.com