2003 Saleen S281 Mustang Still Turns Heads To This Day

While Saleen is struggling to survive, there was a time not too long ago when it was a master of tuning and modifying Ford Mustangs, making them much more desirable. While browsing through the classifieds, we recently came across a particularly nice Saleen from the company’s heyday and despite being almost 20 years old, it is still very cool.

What you’re looking at is a 2003 Ford Mustang-based Saleen S281 Coupe with just 14,000 miles (~22,530 km). In modifying the Mustang, Saleen added a screw-type supercharger to the 4.6-liter V8 and also a performance air filter and calibrated the ECU. The engine is good for 375 hp and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque which is sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a five-speed manual transmission.

Read: The 1989 Saleen SSC Is The Ultimate Ford Mustang Foxbody

A host of other changes were made to the car, the Bring a Trailer listing reveals. For example, the Mustang is painted in an eye-catching color dubbed Redfire Clearcoat and comes complete with Saleen graphics and badging,

It also features distinctive side air intakes, revised front and rear bumpers, extended side skirts, and a pronounced rear lip spoiler stretching out from the decklid. The car is also sitting on chrome 18-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport tires measuring 265/35 up front and 295/35 at the rear.

Saleen also fitted Racecraft shocks and springs while also upgrading the front and rear sway bars. Bringing the car to a stop are upgraded brakes.

Found in the cabin of the car is a serialized Saleen plaque on the console, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, Saleen branded pedals and a six-disc CD changer.