2007 Ford Mustang Saleen - Parnelli's Perfect Pony

Saleen used a race-inspired suspension underneath, and handling far exceeds stock thanks to Saleen Racecraft N2 struts, Saleen linear-rate springs, a 1.38-inch tubular stabilizer bar with urethane bushings, and Saleen-calibrated alignment settings. Out back are N2 shocks and a Saleen Competition Watts Link that replaces the factory Panhard bar. The PJ rides on Pirelli rubber 275/40/19s in the front and 285/40/19s in the rear and are wrapped around amazing Saleen Minilite-style aluminum wheels.

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Of course you do. That's why I set off behind the wheel of a production Saleen/PJ-albeit with the legend himself, Parnelli Jones, as my co-pilot. Starting on the open freeway and ending up in the curvaceous hills of the Ortega Highway near Irvine, California, allowed us to exercise the power of the 302-inch Three-Valve and the Racecraft suspension.

Sitting in the PJ is enough to get your adrenaline pumping. You peer over the functional Shaker scoop and fantasize about running through the curves of your favorite track. The seats are plenty comfortable but are bolstered and styled after the seats from a '70-model Stang. Crack the key and the 302 Mustang rumbles to life. I love saying 302 Mustang-it just sounds right. It's not too loud, due to stock manifolds, but it revs quickly and freely thanks to the enhanced breathing of the ported heads and the aluminum flywheel.

While this is a street-worthy '07 Mustang, your senses tell you it's a bonafide racer. Engage First gear, rev it up, slide out the clutch, and the PJ moves forward with aggression. The lower gears and extra horsepower greatly enhance acceleration, and the Saleen shifter, which is mated to a stock five-speed manual, is silky smooth.

"It's a true honor to have a special edition Saleen wearing my name," Parnelli says. "This impressive car takes me back in time-it makes me want to take it for a run around the track. I'm sure this car will be an adrenaline-pumping experience for anyone who has the chance to own or drive one. I think this car is going to evoke nostalgia not only for Steve Saleen and myself, but for everyone who lays their eyes on it."

We slithered through tight turns and put the PJ to the test with your author and then with Parnelli behind the wheel. Thankfully, we never lost grip. Power is smooth, linear, and easily controlled with the suspension, steering, and the 14-inch slotted and vented rotors that get clamped by Saleen ABS four-piston calipers. Since we weren't on track, we couldn't push it to the limit, but we did realize this is one fast and well-balanced Mustang. The combination is neutral and gives the driver excellent feedback at the controls. Saleen stated that the car was amazing on a closed road course, beating some of the exotics of much greater value.

"We went with the Watts Link because in 1970 Parnelli ran one on his Bud Moore Engineering Mustang," Saleen says. "And to be true to the original, we wanted to adapt that suspension. To get the geometry right we had to recast the rear cover to make it perform properly. Part of our expertise is suspension, and we applied a lot of lessons learned from racing and performance vehicles. What we weren't prepared for is how well it really worked. It will be available as a "Saleen-Link" for '05-up Mustangs shortly."

After spending the day with Parnelli and the PJ Mustang, we came away impressed-the only caveat was that we wanted one to take home. So, how much will a PJ Mustang set you back? MSRP is locked in at $59,015-by no means cheap, but a solid value as far as high-performance/collector Mustangs go. Only 500 will be built, Saleen assures, and many of you have invested far more into Mustang projects. We think this is just about the perfect Mustang to add to our collection. Mr. Saleen, sign me up.