This ’08 Saleen Ford Mustang is Truly a 1-of-1: Your Ride

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Zach Doell 

 

                               

                                        

Most everyone would like to think that their car is somehow special, or different from the rest. Pony car enthusiast Darrin S. doesn’t have to think however, he knows, and this is his quite uncommon performance machine—a 2008 Saleen Racecraft 420S Ford Mustang. 

 

Haven’t heard about the “Racecraft” series? Saleen created these Mustangs between 2008 and 2009 as a more value-oriented alternative to the pony car stock of the day. According to the Saleen Owners’ forums, only 31 were built in 2008 and just 58 in 2009.
Of that limited production run, Saleen has confirmed to Darrin that no others share the same colors and equipment as his, making it a true one-of-one.

 And while you could have grabbed one new for just under $40,000—quite the attractive buy—these cars weren’t short on performance, as their heady looks would indicate.

So what did you get? The Racecraft Saleen Mustangs began as 2008 and 2009 Ford Mustang GTs, which were then heavily pumped up with a Saleen Series VI screw-type supercharger. Then in came a fresh ECU tune, 2.5-inch performance exhaust, water-to-air intercooler, high-performance fuel injectors, and a high-flow air intake. The end result sent 420 horsepower—hence the “420S” designation—and 400 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

The “Racecraft” moniker is actually a carryover from Saleen’s popular suspension line, and these 420S cars received a full suite of Racecraft springs, struts, shocks, sway bars, and bushings. In their day, they were lauded for being extremely competent in the corners, if a bit more firm than the standard GT.

Interior and exterior treatments were kept to a minimum in order to offer the best performance for price, nevertheless Saleen did add a 180 mph speedometer, and in the case of this car, an optional aero package, black graphics, and silver five-spoke wheels.

Contemporary road tests claim these cars can dash from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, climbing to 100 mph in a short six seconds more. Darrin’s can surely go a bit faster than that… he’s had a go at tuning his up a tad.

“It is rated at 420 horsepower, though I do have it cranked up to over 500 horses with the computer,” admits Darrin. “It’s never been on the track, but I will tell you it is a very scary ride.”

Since purchasing the car in early 2015, Darrin says he’s taken it to a few local and regional car shows, and taken home two top awards. Moreover, many Ford Mustang fans have never even seen one before.

“This car was bought strictly for road cruising,” says Darrin. “With the Racecraft suspension it will handle almost any winding road you throw at it.”

His future plans? Darrin says he may add a few more mods, but one thing is for certain, his plans surely include holding onto this Saleen Racecraft 420S.