Bring a Trailer Find: This Rare 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen Is Starting Off at $50k
The Fox Body Mustang was one of Ford’s most iconic muscle cars. This version of the Mustang was produced from 1979 to 1993 and was revised over the years. By 1989, the third-generation Mustang had flush headlights, a mass airflow system, and tuning modifications to strengthen its power output.
The large 5.0-liter V8 under the hood produced 225 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, which were stout figures given the time period. However, Saleen Autosport teamed up with Ford to produce a limited number of Saleen Mustangs for the 1989 model year. What resulted was a freer-flowing engine that produced a whopping 290 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Other modifications were made to the car’s chassis, body, and transmission, which undoubtedly made the 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen a special car. Additionally, only 734 examples were made that year, and the Fox Body Mustang you see in these pictures is one of them.
If you want to own it, you’ll have to bid for it on Bring a Trailer. However, given the car’s rarity, we think it could be worth it. Let’s take a closer look.
The pristine 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen only has 5,000 miles on the odometer
The pristine gold and white 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen up for auction is currently owned by Performance Autosport in Richmond, Virginia. According to the Bring a Trailer listing description, the car “spent time in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before being acquired by the current owner in 2020.”
Considering the car is over 30 years old, its most impressive feature is the ultra-low 5,000-mile readout on the odometer. Otherwise, its modification list is noteworthy as well. Some of the most notable mods include a Saleen body kit, a Racecraft suspension, 16-inch wheels, and upgraded braking components.
Inside, Flo-Fit front seats keep the driver and passenger secure while a Momo steering wheel and Hurst shifter make the driving experience more race-like. That’s all good and fun, but our favorite feature has to be the period-correct Pioneer cassette stereo with a graphic equalizer.
This Mustang Saleen’s paint is on point
The exterior of the Mustang Saleen does not disappoint either. The hatchback is finished in Oxford white with Miami Vice-style gold stripes. Saleen Autosports blessed the car with a competition-design rear wing, a unique rear valence, and side skirts to round out the 80s race car look.
Underneath the Saleen/American Racing 16-inch wheels is a Racecraft suspension that includes performance-tuned springs paired with Monroe Formula GP shocks and urethane bushings. Lastly, the car’s stopping power comes via a set of four-wheel SVO-type disc brakes.
This car is number 23 of 734
In case anyone questions this Mustang Saleen’s legitimacy, the new owner can point at the little plaque affixed near the car’s shifter. It shows that the car is number 23 out of 734, which should also explain its high starting price of $50,000 (as of this writing).
Will it go up to $100,000? Maybe. But we only hope the next owner can drive it instead of having it sit for another 30 years. After all, cars like this are meant to be driven, no matter how rare they are.