2000 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SC

Description

For you numbers junkies out there, this 2000 Saleen S281 SC is one heck of a rare beast. It's one of only 974 Saleens built in 2000, so you aren't likely to see another one at the local cruise night. It might just be the ultimate hybrid of ultimate performance Mustangs.

Saleen has always had a way of giving the Mustang an edge without diluting its basic personality, and #331 is no exception. In fact, a lot of folks argued that the Cobra just wasn't unique enough given its performance (and price) differential over the standard GT, so this Saleen really delivers. It offers a complete body kit, including a front fascia, side skirts, rear wing, and lower valence that make it look downright predatory on the road. The silver paint is beautifully preserved, showing almost no signs of use, and kudos to the Saleen techs for matching it so precisely before laying down their signature graphics package. And the stuff's totally functional, having been tested on the track and not just designed because some guy thought it looked slick-that's the Saleen difference. The chin spoiler has been repainted just to make it looks its best, but the rest remains as the factory did it and the preservation is pretty impressive.

Inside, it's pretty much stock Mustang, mostly because it was already a first-class cabin for doing the serious business of driving. Comfortable bucket seats are wrapped in charcoal leather and show very little wear and no damage over the past 18 seasons. Saleen added their own white gauge faces (this car has a custom silver instrument panel), matching gray floor mats, and it's been upgraded with a slick Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, but since Ford got the Mustang right, there wasn't much need to mess with success. The rear seats look completely unused, and with just over 9200 original miles (not a typo), this car was never used for daily commuting. It's loaded with every feature Ford offered, from A/C to a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system, making this a no-compromises supercar that can be enjoyed every day if needed.

The SOHC V8 that formed the core of the Mustang GT is a gem of a motor. Willing to spin to 6500 RPM with an exhaust note that sounds like ripping silk, it's potent and makes the Saleen feel like a vastly more expensive car. Nevertheless, more is always better, and with the addition of a roots-style supercharger on top of the V8's intake, it cranks out a stout 365 horsepower and 400 pounds of torque, all without hurting reliability or drivability one bit. There might even be a bit of extra power on top thanks to a 90mm throttle body, custom tune from Sean Hyland, upgraded throttle body, and an upgraded H-pipe. Saleen's upgraded suspension has been augmented with an Eibach Pro-Damper kit, which gives this car amazing reflexes, and it works with Saleen's chassis reinforcements. A great-sound SR Performance cat-back exhaust system sounds heroic and all the fluids are fresh. There's also a recent alignment to get the most out of the fresh Michelin radials, which ride on Saleen's very handsome chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels.

For future Mustang collectors, this is a rare gem, and even today, it is an absolute blast to drive. If you're looking for a unique Mustang, there aren't many better choices than this Saleen. Call today!