Born in Inglewood, California, in 1949, Steve Saleen (image of S. Saleen courtesy of Saleen Automotive) started his journey in the automotive world not as a businessman, but as a race car driver. He competed in the Formula Atlantic series and participated in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) events during the 1970s and early '80s. His passion for performance and racing would later fuel his desire to build high-performance street cars with the DNA of a true race machine.
In 1983, Saleen founded Saleen Autosport, which would later become Saleen, Inc. He began by modifying Ford Mustangs, enhancing both their aesthetics and performance capabilities. Unlike many tuners of the era, Saleen’s cars were more than just modified vehicles—they were fully serialized and offered through select Ford dealerships with manufacturer warranties. This level of integration and professionalism set Saleen apart from other aftermarket companies.
Above: Saleen, Ford Motor Company, and Orange County Mustang Club held a Fund Raiser Car Show on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Saleen's corporate campus in Corona, California. Several of the photos comprising this article were taken by yours truly at the event. A Fox Body Saleen Mustang is flanked by several first generation Mustang fastbacks and several later model Saleen Mustang fastbacks down the line.
Above and two below: 1965 Mustang GT Fastback - born with a four-speed T-10 manual transmission, Richard Anderson's A-code 289-cubic inch V8 powered pony car now sports a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and three-point safety seat belts. He rescued the galloping pony from storage as a wrecked out, non-running relic some 27 years ago and lovingly renewed her to this glorious state. Well done, Mr. Anderson!
Saleen's most famous association is with the Ford Mustang. Throughout the 1980s and '90s, he produced a series of Saleen Mustangs that featured improved suspensions, aerodynamics, braking systems, and custom interiors and bodywork. Each vehicle received a unique Saleen serial number and branding, establishing them as distinct from Ford’s factory models.
Above: 1940 Ford street rod and a 1965 Mustang convertible
Above: A 1966 Shelby GT350 Mustang is flanked by a S550 Shelby Mustang GT350.
Above and below: Though we didn't see Marty McFly at the event, his 'Back to the Future' flux-capacitor powered DeLorean was on display. If John DeLorean had played his cards right back in the day, he could have collaborated with Steve Saleen to give his stainless steel mid-engine, gullwing doored sports car some real racing experience horsepower, torque, handling, and great looks.
Above: Torino Cobra 429
Above: A fifth generation Mustang Saleen S281 looked sharp in black and gold.
Above: Saleen Mustang coupes, like the fourth generation 2004 Ford Mustang Saleen S281SC above, look great coming or going (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions).
Above: A Saleen S281 Mustang convertible looked ready to tear up the tarmac, after securing the hood and firing her up.
Perhaps Steve Saleen’s crowning achievement came in 2000, with the launch of the Saleen S7—a ground-up, mid-engine supercar designed to compete with the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren.
Above: The Saleen S7-R scored 78 victories in GT and endurance racing over a period of competing in 235 races. It also secured 154 podium finishes, 129 fastest laps, and 118 poles. At least one of the victories was at the famed racetrack - Watkins Glen - located in Dix, New York. Additionally, Saleen cars won 10 GT championships and one class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The S7 was not only a supercar in performance but also a successful GT race car, competing in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
Above and several below: 2005 Saleen S7 twin turbo (photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions) -
In the mid-2000s, Saleen expanded operations and even collaborated with other manufacturers. Notably:
Above: 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition - Supercharged 5.4L/550 HP Ford V-8 engine (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)
However, Saleen, Inc. faced financial difficulties and underwent a series of ownership changes. Steve Saleen eventually departed the company, only to return to the industry with a new entity, SMS Supercars, and later Saleen Automotive, Inc., reclaiming the rights to his name and brand.
Above: The starting price for the Saleen 302 Mustang Black Label with 850 horsepower is $115,455.
Above: The gray Saleen 302 is a Yellow Label 775-horsepower machine with a retail price tag starting at $87,355.
In the 2010s and beyond, Saleen Automotive has continued to innovate:
Above: 2019 Saleen S1 mid-engine race car/super car (photo courtesy of Saleen Automotive)
Despite challenges, including legal battles and fluctuating market presence, Steve Saleen remains a prominent figure in the performance car world.
Steve Saleen is more than a tuner—he is a pioneer of American high-performance engineering. His blend of racing experience, design innovation, and business acumen has created a unique and lasting legacy. The Saleen brand stands not only for speed but also for authenticity, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of performance.
Whether through a roaring Mustang S281 or the snarling twin-turbo S7, Saleen’s impact is unmistakable—and his cars continue to excite enthusiasts around the globe.
Though Steve Saleen has been racing, winning, and building high performance Ford Mustangs since the middle 1980s, Classic Industries has been providing Ford Mustang parts and accessories since 2018. Should you be a Ford Mustang owner, you very likely already have purchased components from Classic Industries. With Classic Industries, you have the ability to shop for 1st generation (1964.5-1973) Ford Mustang, 2nd generation (1974-1978) Ford Mustang II, 3rd generation (1979-1993) Fox Body Ford Mustang, and 4th generation (1994-2004) SN95 Ford Mustang components online. You also have the added benefit of receiving a free Ford Mustang Parts and Accessories catalog in the mail. Happy shopping, building, showing, driving, and/or racing the World's First Pony Car!
There is also a growing library of Ford Mustang and Shelby Mustang history articles available for your entertainment, education, inspiration, and information. Have fun in the CI library!
Above: The full scoop on this 'neighboring' 1968 Grabber Yellow Shelby GT500KR Mustang convertible is found by reading the 'Visiting the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center - Mr. Shelby is Smiling!' article bulleted above.