Synopsis
"The History and Development of the Saleen Mustang: Power in the Hands of the Few" by Patty Redeker is a detailed exploration of the origins, evolution, and impact of the Saleen Mustang, a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang crafted by Saleen Automotive. Published in 1994 by California Mustang Sales and Parts, the book focuses primarily on the Fox-body era of the Saleen Mustang, spanning from 1984 to 1993, offering enthusiasts a deep dive into the niche world of these exclusive vehicles. While not as comprehensive as later works like Brad Bowling’s "The Saleen Book," Redeker’s text is a significant historical document for Saleen fans, providing unique insights, photographs, and production statistics that capture the early years of Steve Saleen’s vision to transform the Mustang into a supercar-like performer.
The book begins by tracing the genesis of Saleen Automotive, founded by Steve Saleen, a former racecar driver with a passion for performance vehicles. Redeker details how Saleen’s racing background in Formula Atlantic and his experience driving Shelby Mustangs in the 1970s inspired him to create a Mustang that combined street-legal practicality with racecar dynamics. The narrative highlights the debut of the first Saleen Mustang in 1984, which, while leaving the engine largely untouched, introduced significant upgrades to suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. These modifications, including distinctive gold stripes and enhanced wheels, set the Saleen Mustang apart from its Ford counterpart, establishing its reputation as a performance icon. Redeker emphasizes the 1985 model, which introduced a certified supercharger, marking a pivotal moment in Saleen’s history as the first production Mustang to feature a centrifugal supercharger, delivering a significant boost in horsepower.
As the book progresses, Redeker chronicles the evolution of the Saleen Mustang through the Fox-body years, detailing key models and innovations. The narrative covers the introduction of race-prepared Saleens in the Sport Car Club of America (SCCA) series in 1986, with a notable victory at the 24 Hours of Mosport, which solidified Saleen’s motorsport credentials. The book also explores the development of iconic models like the 1989 SSC, a high-performance variant priced at a steep $36,500, and the rare Saleen SC, produced in limited numbers between 1990 and 1993, boasting refined handling and up to 304 horsepower with a Vortech supercharger. Redeker provides a year-by-year breakdown of production, noting the exclusivity of these vehicles, with only about 2,700 Fox-body Saleens built over the decade. The text includes production statistics, such as color distributions and unique options, though later sources have noted some inaccuracies in these figures due to incomplete records at the time of publication.
Redeker’s book also delves into the cultural and industrial significance of the Saleen Mustang, portraying it as a pioneer in the tuner car movement of the 1980s. The narrative underscores Steve Saleen’s commitment to limited production runs, aligning with the company’s tagline, “Power in the hands of a few.” This exclusivity made Saleens highly coveted among collectors and enthusiasts, a point reinforced by anecdotes about their rarity and high resale value. The book includes exclusive photographs not found in later publications, offering visual documentation of early Saleen models, from their sleek body kits to their race-inspired interiors. However, the text has faced criticism for its lackluster production quality, with some readers noting grammatical errors, technical inaccuracies, and poor editing, which can make it feel like an unpolished draft.
Despite these flaws, Redeker’s work remains a valuable resource for Saleen enthusiasts, capturing the passion and innovation behind the brand’s early years. The book concludes by reflecting on the legacy of the Fox-body Saleen Mustang, particularly with the 1993 SA10 model, a limited-edition car built to celebrate Saleen’s 10th anniversary and the end of the Fox-body platform. Available only to members of the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club, the SA10 featured sequential serial numbers and unique styling, encapsulating the exclusivity and performance ethos of the brand. Redeker’s narrative, while focused on a specific era, lays the groundwork for understanding Saleen’s broader impact on the automotive world, making it a must-read for fans seeking a detailed, if imperfect, account of the Saleen Mustang’s formative years.