1987 Ford Mustang Saleen Hatchback Coupe

The 'Fox Body' platform, introduced in 1987, brought aggressive styling updates and much higher performance than the previous Pinto-based Mustang II, returning to the basic ingredients that had made the original pony car so popular just two decades earlier. Now wearing revised ground effects, a wide front air intake, and a large rear spoiler in GT trim, it certainly looked the part, and the revised 5.0-liter V8 engine now delivered a respectable 225 horsepower owing to updated heads, upgraded fuel injection computer, and low-restriction exhaust system. For buyers seeking a return to the ultimate in Mustang performance offered in past models like the Boss 302 and Mach 1, they had the Saleen Mustang.

Steve Saleen began offering performance Mustangs of his own in 1984 through his company, Saleen Automotive Inc., and his philosophy was similar to Carroll Shelby's of making 'a racehorse out of a mule.' Upgrades concentrated on suspension and braking improvements, resulting in better handling and quarter-mile times without going under the hood.

Production was exclusive, usually in the low hundreds, and the price points were respectable at approximately $7,500 more than the base Mustang LX. The Saleen package added a ground effects kit, a stiffened Racecraft suspension, and high-performance tires wrapped around American Racing basketweave wheels. Over time, the modifications began to include five-lug wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with a heavy-duty master cylinder, and an optional 3.55:1 rear axle ratio from 1987.

Mr. Saleen created 280 Ford Saleen Mustangs in 1987, distinguished by its trademark Saleen build number front bumper decal.

This Ford Saleen Mustang is number 105 of 280, built in 1987. It wears a Shadow Blue exterior with Silver tri-color racing stripes over a Charcoal Grey cloth interior. There is a 'SALEEN' windshield banner graphic, AutoSport Competition Design rear wing, and 16-inch American Racing five-lug basketweave wheels. The interior contains an original Kenwood cassette/radio with a graphics equalizer and FloFit sports seats featuring contrasting red piping. Currently, there are just under 27,000 miles on the odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023