The History of Saleen Automotive

Brand

America’s High-Performance Vision

Saleen Automotive, Inc. is one of America’s most iconic niche high-performance vehicle manufacturers. Known for transforming Ford Mustangs into track-ready supercars and producing exotic, ground-up sports cars like the Saleen S7, the company carved out a reputation for extreme performance, distinctive styling, and motorsport credibility. Founded in the 1980s, Saleen’s journey has been marked by innovation, expansion, financial turbulence, and revival — all while maintaining a core focus on performance-driven engineering.

Founding and Early Years (1983–1984)

Saleen was founded in 1983 by Steve Saleen, a former professional racing driver and automotive enthusiast from Southern California. Born on May 2, 1949, in Inglewood, California, Steve Saleen grew up immersed in the Southern California car culture — drag strips, muscle cars, and the emerging tuner scene of the 1960s and 1970s. He attended Whittier College, where he earned a degree in business, but his true passion lay in motorsports.

Before founding his company, Steve raced professionally in the Formula Atlantic series and in various sports car events, gaining valuable experience in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and performance tuning. His background in competitive racing heavily influenced his approach to building cars: precision engineering, optimized handling, and aggressive styling.

In 1984, Saleen produced his first car — the 1984 Saleen Mustang — by taking a stock Ford Mustang GT and enhancing it with upgraded suspension, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, brakes, and interior modifications. Unlike many aftermarket tuners of the era, Saleen focused on creating balanced performance rather than just raw horsepower. This first production model set the tone for the company’s philosophy.

Years in Operation

Saleen has been in operation since 1983, with production beginning in 1984. Over the decades, the company has experienced changes in ownership, periods of financial strain, and restructuring, but it remains active today under the leadership of its founder.

Growth and Expansion (1985–1990s)

By 1985, Saleen had expanded operations, producing dozens of customized Mustangs annually. Each car received a unique Saleen serial number plate and was sold through select Ford dealerships. Performance upgrades were complemented by distinctive aesthetics — Saleen’s cars were instantly recognizable by their aggressive body kits, unique wheels, and vibrant liveries.

Notable accomplishment:
In 1987, Saleen won the SCCA Escort Endurance Series championship, proving that their street cars had genuine racing pedigree. This motorsport success boosted credibility and marketing appeal.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Saleen continued refining their Mustangs, adding superchargers, improving suspension systems, and offering limited-edition models. The company also branched into special projects, including producing high-performance Ford Rangers and Ford Explorers with Saleen styling and performance upgrades.

The Saleen S7 — America’s Supercar (2000–2009)

Perhaps the most significant milestone in Saleen’s history came in 2000, when they unveiled the Saleen S7, a completely original, ground-up supercar. Powered by a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 producing 550 horsepower (later versions exceeded 750 hp with twin-turbocharging), the S7 could reach 0–60 mph in around 3.3 seconds.

The S7 was notable because it was one of the first American-built supercars to compete directly with European exotics like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. It featured advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and track-ready handling. The S7 also competed in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Ownership Changes and Financial Struggles (2007–2012)

In 2007, Saleen Inc. was sold to MJ Acquisitions, a group of investors, after Steve Saleen resigned from the company due to disagreements over strategic direction. Under MJ Acquisitions, Saleen continued producing Mustangs and aftermarket parts, but the S7 program was wound down.

By 2009, the company faced serious financial difficulties due to the global economic recession and declining sales of specialty Mustangs. Production slowed dramatically, and Saleen closed its manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. The company survived largely by selling performance parts and offering tuning services.

In 2012, Steve Saleen reacquired the Saleen brand and assets, re-establishing Saleen Automotive, Inc. as a publicly traded company. This marked a revival of the brand’s original vision.

Factory Operations

Saleen’s manufacturing process is unique compared to large automakers. The company typically receives base vehicles — most often Ford Mustangs — directly from Ford’s assembly line. These cars are shipped to Saleen’s facility, where they undergo extensive modifications:

  • Performance upgrades: superchargers, tuned exhaust systems, upgraded suspension, and brakes.
  • Exterior changes: bespoke body kits, aerodynamic enhancements, custom paintwork.
  • Interior refinements: Saleen-branded gauges, seats, and trim.
  • Final testing: Each car is road-tested to ensure quality control.

During the S7 era, production was more complex, involving fabrication of chassis and body components from scratch. This was done in specialized facilities with hand-built assembly processes.

Marketing Campaigns

Saleen has relied heavily on motorsport success for marketing. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they promoted their SCCA racing victories in advertisements and at auto shows. The launch of the S7 was accompanied by high-profile appearances in movies and video games, boosting brand recognition globally.

One notable campaign was the “Power in the Hands of a Few” slogan for the S7, highlighting exclusivity and performance. Saleen also leveraged celebrity endorsements and appearances at Barrett-Jackson auctions to build prestige.

Consumer Reception

In the U.S., Saleen vehicles have generally been well-received by the performance enthusiast community. Owners appreciated the blend of race-proven engineering and street usability. However, high prices and limited production meant that Saleen cars appealed to a niche market rather than the mass consumer base.

While mainstream consumers often viewed Saleen Mustangs as expensive compared to stock Mustangs, enthusiasts valued the exclusivity, performance, and collectibility.

First and Latest Models

  • First model: 1984 Saleen Mustang — approximately 3 units produced in that debut year.
  • Latest model (as of 2024): Saleen Mustang S302 — available in multiple trims, including naturally aspirated and supercharged versions producing over 800 horsepower.

Sales Figures

Exact historical sales data for Saleen models is limited due to the company’s niche operations, but estimates suggest:

  • Peak Mustang-based model annual sales in the early 2000s: around 1,000–1,200 units in the U.S..
  • Saleen S7 total production: approximately 100 units worldwide from 2000 to 2009.

Most Popular Model

The Saleen Mustang S281 (produced from 1996 to 2009) is widely considered the company’s most popular model. It offered a distinctive blend of performance and styling at a price lower than exotic supercars, making it attainable for more enthusiasts.

Estimated sales for the S281:

  • U.S. sales: around 8,000 units over its production run.
  • Global sales: limited exports, estimated at under 1,000 units.

Notable Accomplishments

  • Multiple SCCA championships in the 1980s.
  • Creation of the Saleen S7, an American supercar capable of competing internationally.
  • Long-standing partnership with Ford, including special edition Ford GT projects.
  • Recognition in popular culture — Saleen cars featured in films like Transformers.

Unique Differentiators

Saleen differs from other car manufacturers in several ways:

  • Focus on limited-production, high-performance specialty vehicles rather than mass-market cars.
  • Deep motorsport involvement influencing vehicle design.
  • Willingness to produce ground-up designs (S7) rather than only modifying existing models.
  • Strong emphasis on exclusivity and bespoke modifications.

Hardships and Resolutions

  • 2009 recession: Severe drop in specialty car sales → resolved through downsizing, focusing on aftermarket parts, and eventual reacquisition by Steve Saleen in 2012.
  • Ownership change (2007): Strategic misalignment led to founder departure → resolved by brand reacquisition.

Current Status and Outlook

As of 2024, Saleen Automotive, Inc. is active, headquartered in Corona, California. The company produces high-performance Mustangs and offers aftermarket parts for various platforms. While production volumes remain small, the brand continues to hold prestige among enthusiasts. Future outlook hinges on adapting to electric performance vehicles, with Saleen hinting at EV projects.


From its modest beginnings in a Southern California garage to creating one of America’s most celebrated supercars, Saleen’s history reflects passion-driven innovation, resilience in the face of economic hardship, and a commitment to performance. In a market dominated by corporate giants, Saleen stands out as a boutique manufacturer that consistently puts driving excitement at the forefront.

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