2005 Ford Mustang Saleen S281

Description

If you're familiar with Saleen Mustangs, you already know that they're not just hot-rod Fords, they're special full-production cars in their own right. This 2005 Saleen S281 shows you just how much polish the Saleen engineers were able to add to the Mustang, creating something that's definitely worth the substantial premium they were charging.

Icy silver paint works on any Mustang, but after you spot this one on the horizon roaring towards you, a number of details start to jump out. First, it looks a heck of a lot sleeker than any garden-variety Mustang you've seen. Part of the credit goes to the monochromatic paint, which is as deep and shiny as anything you'd find on high-end exotics. But the Saleen details, including the body kit, make the Mustang look like something else without removing its basic familiarity. The use of a base-model hood certainly helps with the super smooth image, and the blacked-out grille with special marker lights on either side makes a different head-on view. Deep side skirts work with the chin spoiler to visually lower the car and the Saleen guys add their own completely custom rear fascia that slips on in place of the original. And there's also a new deck lid that extends the "tunnel" effect in back, framing the revised taillights. Now why is all this important? Because this is NOT a Mustang, it's a Saleen, and as such, it has been treated as an object of some value rather than just a fast toy.

The interior got a pretty throughout makeover as well, starting with deeply bolstered leather seats with Saleen logos on their backs. Racy headrests, a few billet aluminum dress-up pieces, and Saleen emblems in place of the Ford ovals remind you that you're in a special machine. There wasn't much need to reinvent the wheel with the gauges, which are bright and clear with slightly revised faces ("Premium fuel only" certainly promises some fun), although as a supercharged car, this one gets boost and intercooler temperature gauges perched atop the dash. A thundering AM/FM/CD stereo system known as the "Shaker" sounds spectacular and the 5-speed manual transmission gets a knob hewn from billet aluminum. It's all in very good condition with an inviting, race-ready look that's perfect for a performance car of distinction like this. And the trunk looks virtually untouched since 2005, another sure sign that this car has led an easy life.

The '281' part of S281 stands for the 281 cubic inch (AKA 4.6 liter) V8 under the hood. Since the chassis was capable of handling more power, well, the Saleen engineers obliged with a proprietary supercharger mounted on top of the engine. Making 400 horsepower (up from 260), and a towering 420 pounds of torque, the Saleen lunges forward like it's hungry. The blower is unobtrusive and thanks to a custom tune, it starts, idles, and drives like a stocker, so if you stay off the loud pedal nobody will know what lurks within. The custom Saleen exhaust system with center outlets was part of the appearance package that was functional as well as attractive, and gives this Saleen a sound that's distinct from its Mustang cousins. Upgraded springs and shocks, custom brake pad materials, and a few other tweaks make this the most razor-sharp Mustang you'll ever drive, particularly with those giant 20-inch chrome alloys and 275/35/20 performance rubber.

Saleens are extremely well-documented, and as a result they're also eminently collectable, so #05-1265 here is a fantastic example that's affordable and fun. Just don't let anyone call it a Ford. Call today!