2005 Saleen S7 Coupe

The Saleen S7 road car was introduced in 2000 and built to homologate the S7R for international racing. During its racing career, it has earned an enviable reputation and competed in many significant races, achieving extraordinary results considering the size of the competition. The S7Rs were given the most exotic composite materials, CNC-machined alloy components and a high degree of craftsmanship.

In 2005, Saleen introduced the Twin Turbocharged S7 that produced an astonishing 750 horsepower.

This vehicle was a special press vehicle that had the upgraded 'Competition Package', which increased total horsepower by 33-percent. The all-alloy V-8 engine produced an impressive 1,000 horsepower. The suspension and aerodynamics were subtly revised to best handle and manage the extra power. Zero-to-sixty time was in the 2.6-3.2 second range and claimed to have a top speed of 248 mph.

Once the car's S7 press duties were completed, it was loaned to Paramount Pictures for the movie, Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. After the movie, the car was purchased by Daniel Sadek. The car made a second silver-screen appearance in redline starring Eddie Griffin and Tim Matheson. Since 2009, the car has been part of a private collection.

This S7 is finished in Beryllium Orange and has a racing-style cockpit, custom-fashioned black leather upholstery with suede accents and orange stitching. There is air-conditioning, power windows, power doors and an AM/FM/CD/DVD system with a retractable 7-inch in-dash LCD screen.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $297,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011