The Crazy Saleen S7 Is An All-American Supercar You Probably Didn't Know About

A Glimpse Back to 2000

The turn of the millennium was a remarkable time in the automotive industry. Manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of design, technology, and performance. In this era of innovation, the 2000 Saleen S7 emerged as a shining beacon of American automotive prowess. 

After the fabled American mid-engine production sports cars such as the Pontiac Fiero and Mosler Raptor, the Saleen S7 took the sixth spot in this list.

The Saleen S7 was the first fully proprietary car produced by Saleen and debuted at the Monterey Historic Races in August 2000. Stephen Mark "Steve" Saleen, the founder and former vice chairman of Saleen, Inc. a race car driver, convinced Ford executives in the early '80s to let him develop the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) program for Mustangs. 

In 1983, he founded Saleen Autosport, debuting the first Saleen Mustang in 1984.

Saleen evolved into a full-fledged manufacturer, known for models like the S-281 and S302. Despite Mustang successes, Saleen's dream was to create a supercar, leading to the S7's development in 2000. The S7R race car started winning races even before street car sales began in 2003.

The Bold and Striking Design of Saleen S7

At first glance, the Saleen S7 is a study in the art of automotive aesthetics. Its bold and aggressive design turned heads then and continues to do so today. 

The S7's low-slung, aerodynamic body is sculpted with precision, featuring sweeping curves and a distinctive rear wing. Its wide stance exudes power and stability, hinting at the incredible performance that lies beneath the surface. 

The supercar looks of the Saleen S7 eventually led to the car being featured in the Need For Speed movie in 2014. Although replica cars were used in the movie, the Saleen S7 shining in yellow still appealed significantly.

The exterior of the Saleen S7 showcases the fusion of form and function. The bodywork is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, enhancing the car's structural rigidity and reducing overall weight for enhanced performance. 

The distinctive butterfly doors, a nod to the world of high-performance supercars, add an element of theater to the S7's design. 

To match the performance of the car, the S7 gets 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch at the back, all of which are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Rosso rubber.

On the inside, the Saleen S7 gets leather seats with some features such as a center screen, rearview camera, fully adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, electrically heated front windshield, etc. The instrument cluster happens to be a 240 MPH analog speedo unit with a centrally mounted tachometer. 

The car also features two luggage spaces on either end improving the practicality to some extent.

Saleen S7 Powertrain & Performance

The Saleen S7's suspension, brakes, and chassis were all engineered to provide a driving experience that matches its breathtaking acceleration. With a race-inspired suspension setup and massive brakes, the S7 offers precise handling and confidence-inspiring stopping power. It's a car that doesn't just go fast in a straight line; it can dance through corners with poise.

The beating heart of the 2000 Saleen S7 is a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 engine. The former Mustang guy Steve Saleen took the Ford's 351 Windsor small block (5.8L V8) and increased the bore and stroke while keeping the Cleveland-style canted valve heads. 

With the 4340 billet steel crankshaft and connecting rod, Saleen went with the forged aluminum pistons to handle the torquey output. Having said that, the 7.0L V8 could summon 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Aiming to rival the Ferrari Enzo in 2003 which would not have been easy, the brand decided to upgrade the engine with Garrett twin-turbochargers. The result was an output of 750 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The front and rear diffusers as well were reworked to increase the downforce and the S7 was now called S7TT (TT for twin-turbocharged).

With these gigantic numbers, it wouldn't be fair not to talk about the on-road performance of the car. The Saleen S7 with the naturally aspirated motor on paper claimed a 0 to 60 MPH of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 220 MPH. With the twin-turbochargers on board, the acceleration time was reduced by 0.1 seconds and the top speed stood at 248 MPH. 

The superspeedersRob posted a video on YouTube in 2009 testing the top speed of S7. The host claimed to hit 240 MPH (end mark) quite easily in the video, however the video's clarity makes it challenging to verify the authenticity.

In 2017, the Saleen announced to relaunch their first-ever supercar with an S7 LM badge (Le Mans) With just 3 units reportedly built, the S7 LM now stood with an output of 1,300 horsepower from the same engine. 

In 2019, this was further revised to 1,500 horsepower however not much has happened with the brand ever since. The S7 remains a forgotten legend in automotive history.

Saleen S7 Price & Value

The 2000 Saleen S7 was a limited-production sports car, and as such, it came with a price tag that reflected its exclusivity and performance pedigree. Back in the early 2000s, the Saleen S7 price was estimated to be around $375,000. Fast forward to 2017 and the S7 LM came with a $1 Million window sticker (not literally).

Fast forward to the present, and the price of the Saleen S7 has seen a significant appreciation in the collector car market. In 2024, the Saleen S7 price has soared, with well-maintained examples commanding prices that reflect their rarity and iconic status. How much is a Saleen S7 in today's market you may ask. 

A pristine 2000 Saleen S7 can easily fetch well over a million dollars at auction or in private sales.

On average, the Saleen S7 in 2024 sits on a value of $721,750 according to Classic.com Market Benchmark. RM Sotheby's in Miami this year auctioned a 2003 Saleen S7 for $610,000. 

The car at the time of the auction had 9,400 miles on the odometer and was finished in Black Silver paint with Black Leather and Grey Alcantara interiors. In another auction held in Monterey in 2021, RM Sotheby's fetched $1.02 Million for a Saleen S7 LM.

The Downfall of Saleen And A Strong Comeback

Saleen's decline began with the failure to meet sales targets for the S7 supercar and the end of the Ford GT contract. Legal issues, poor investments, and intense competition further strained the company. By 2007, financial struggles led to multiple CEO changes, layoffs, and the sale of assets to MJ Acquisitions in 2009. 

Despite maintaining some production, the economic recession and ongoing challenges resulted in the cessation of Saleen-branded vehicle production by 2011.

 In 2007, Steve Saleen departed from the company he founded, only to return five years later. Subsequent legal battles also contributed to the brand's downfall, with Revstone Industries eventually discontinuing S7 production.

In 2017, the Saleen S7 was relaunched in an attempt to breathe some life into the brand. In recent years, the company has ventured into the electric vehicle market with models like the 2020 Saleen GTX (based on the Tesla Model S) showcasing its commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining its dedication to performance and style. 

This forward-thinking approach ensures that Saleen remains a relevant and influential name in the world of automotive engineering.

Image Source- Saleen