Saleen once again has raised the level of Mustang performance and at the same time pays homage to Ford and Saleen racing history. On April 13, the Irvine, California-based company pulled the wraps off the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang at the New York International Auto Show. A limited run of 500 vehicles will be built and sold by Saleen and offered solely in the Grabber Orange color with the classic Boss 302 striping.
This Mustang, which is powered by a 3-valve-per-cylinder stroker engine based on the 4.6-liter V-8, features period-correct styling to fully mimic the racing exploits of Jones in the 1970 Trans-Am series. These styling cues include the flat black, striped 'shaker' hood, race-style hood pins, flat black trunk lid, and 302 side stripes. The Saleen-flare has been added with the new front fascia, racing style air dam, side skirts, rear fascia, rear 1970 replica wing, trunk insert license plate frame, rear window quarter panels, and a racing-style billet gas cap. The number 15, Parnelli's racing number, comes standard as removable and reusable static cling race decals, as well as a Ford blue oval.
In addition to the visual representation of the Parnelli Jones racing Mustangs, power under the hood has been vastly increased over the standard Mustang engine. A Saleen-built 302cid engine features 3-valve cylinder heads and boasts a healthy 370 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. The high compression engine also features forged internal components, high revving valvetrain, and an aluminum flywheel. The computer has been calibrated using Saleen's PowerFlash technology. Adding visual excitement under the hood is a set of valve covers bearing the legendary 302 logo.
This is a race car remake so the Saleen team made sure the Mustang handles like a race car, but one suited for the street. The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is standard on this car, like on all Saleen Mustangs. The shocks, struts, and sway bars are designed by Saleen to help offer the extra grip and excellent road feel. The wheels check in at 19x9 up front and 19x10 out back and are branded with the Saleen/Parnelli Jones logo. Stopping power is provided by Saleen 14-inch brakes.
The Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang is slated to go on sale this fall as a 2007 model. The price tag will be in the $50,000 range.