2006 Ford Saleen S281 Mustang

Mustangs have always been special, with a plethora of options from relatively economical runabouts to fire-breathing dragstrip weaponry. Carroll Shelby upped the ante with his limited production special editions of the base car and remains a huge success after 6 decades. In a similar vain, Steve Saleen forged his own niche market of the special edition Ford. Built in Irvine, California, certified, and serial numbered by Saleen with the company’s own blend of performance, comfort, and styling options, these are the last word in Mustang exclusivity.

For the early part of the 21st Century, Saleen offered a small array of models of varying powers and in coupé or convertible body style. Starting with a Mustang GT, Saleen rebuilds it, improving every aspect of the car. Starting underhood, the 4.6L engine-management computer has a Saleen Powerflash recalibration, Saleen center-exit exhaust, Saleen underdrive pulleys, and a harmonic damper to arrive at Saleen’s 330hp rating.

The suspension is definitely not Ford. A set of higher-rate gas struts, linear-rate coil springs, and tubular sway bars are grouped under Saleen’s Racecraft name. The Pirelli tire upgrade includes 20×10-inch rear wheels wearing P275/40ZR-20 tires. As Motortrend put it, “handling has improved to unrecognizable heights”.

Inside, Saleen makes the Ford interior its own with leather upholstery and plenty of Saleen signage. A six-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support is on hand, and Saleen is sure to employ the MyColor feature allowing custom instrument colors on the main cluster, which has Saleen calibrations and faces, as well as a 200-mph speedometer.

The attractive bodywork treatment front and rear is trademark Saleen, subtly hiding the Mustang underneath. It is a sharp and dynamic design, perfectly representative of the sharp driving experience of the car within.

Motortrend continued, “In short, the current Saleen Mustangs, are the best ever. Absolutely real-world, daily driver cars, they offer an unarguably unique combination of exhilarating performance and brash expressiveness. And like Mae West said, too much of a good thing … can be wonderful.”

The motorcar offered

The 2006 Ford Saleen S281 Mustang on offer here, was purchased new by our seller, enthusiast, and former officer in the US Navy, while stationed in Miami, Florida, where it remained until he moved to Los Angeles, bringing the car with him.

The car, finished in a fantastic gunmetal grey, is offered in excellent overall condition. The paint is in excellent condition with great luster and depth of shine. The interior is also in very good condition with little wear throughout, but for the standard scuffing to the drivers seat bolster (pictured). The car features Saleen’s highly desirable Scenic Roof option ($3,999), which uses a UV-blocking tinted glass to deliver a convertible-like experience with the comfort of a coupe. Saleen says the non-operating glass is thicker than the metal it replaces, so body rigidity actually increases. Also featured are the HID headlights.

The car has been meticulously maintained at Ford dealers throughout its life. A full-service history has been printed out and accompanies the sale. It reads:

2/2007, 7100 miles, Steering, Other, $14,730
11/2007, 16,788 miles, Maintenanxe service, wheel alignment, $260
7/2008, 27,000 miles, Tires, service, steering, $1586
9/2009, 34,152 miles, Service, Electrical, belts, hoses, $86
12/2010, 39,000 miles, brakes, service, $1449
2/2011, 39,772 miles, service, $637
5/2011, 40,700 miles, service, radio/audio
1/2012, 43,000 miles, Barkes, electrical, fuel system, $776

Various services were performed at Ford Miami until the car and its owner moved to Los Angeles:

2/2018, 48,310 miles, service
2/2020, 49,667 miles, AC/heating service
7/2021, 55,953 miles, Service, AC/heating service, $3,349
8/2021, 56,196 miles, Tires
10/2021, 57,428 miles, Shocks and struts, service, $4750
2/2022, 57,470 miles, Brakes, electrical, transmission, $3200
10/2022, 57,625 miles, schedule maintenance, AC, $370
3/2024, 58294 miles, Brakes, tires, scheduled maintenance, AC, $140
6/2024, 58,315 miles, schedule maintenance, AC, $1304

The car starts easily and offers that great Saleen exhaust note, the audio accompanyment to the intoxicating power delivery. Brakes, suspension and steering all work as they should, as does all electrical systems and the nice, cold AC.

The car was victim to a passenger side minor swipe with a tree in 2007. Repairs to the passenger door were made at the Ford dealer to an undetectable level and so the accident was reported to Carfax.

In fine fettle, this classic Mustang is a blast to drive, a simple and very effective, visceral experience, not to be missed.