1986 Ford Mustang Saleen – A Rare Fox Body Icon
The 1986 Ford Mustang Saleen represents one of the most significant performance Mustangs of the Fox Body era. Steve Saleen, a former racing driver, took Ford’s third-generation Mustang and turned it into a road-going track weapon, refining the handling, aerodynamics, and styling while maintaining its raw American muscle. This particular example, finished in its original 1C Black paint and featuring a 5.0L High Output V8 paired with a T5 5-speed manual, embodies everything enthusiasts love about these rare and collectible machines.
A High-Performance Pony with a Racing Pedigree
Ford’s third-generation Mustang was already a favorite among performance enthusiasts, but Saleen took it to the next level. The factory 5.0L fuel-injected V8 was left largely untouched, but the Saleen treatment was all about refinement. This car retains its OE headers, stock H-pipe, and an upgraded exhaust system with aftermarket mufflers and full tailpipes, ensuring an aggressive tone that matches its performance pedigree.
What truly set the Saleen Mustang apart was its race-inspired suspension upgrades. This example is equipped with Saleen suspension components and rear sway bars, providing improved handling over the standard Mustang GT. Saleen’s modifications gave the car sharper cornering abilities and a lower, more aggressive stance, making it a favorite among road course enthusiasts.
A Well-Preserved and Documented Example
With 125,398 actual miles, this Mustang Saleen has been well cared for, maintaining much of its original appeal while benefiting from a repaint in its factory-correct Black (1C) color. The FA-code gray interior remains largely original, featuring bucket seats with a center console, power windows, power locks, and manual seats. Notably, this Saleen originally came without a radio from the factory (as documented in its Marti Report) but now includes an Alpine AM/FM cassette radio, blending modern convenience with period-correct aesthetics.
Factory and Aftermarket Highlights
Factory Saleen Suspension with upgraded sway bars
Power front disc brakes for confident stopping power
Factory AC converted to R134A, ensuring reliable cooling
Power steering for comfortable and precise handling
Rare factory “radio delete” option (radio added later)
16” basket wheels wrapped in fresh 225/50 tires
Underneath, this Saleen presents as a very solid example, with original floor pans, trunk pans, and quarter dropdowns intact. Some natural aging is expected, but its well-preserved undercarriage speaks to its careful ownership. A clean Carfax report further solidifies this Mustang’s desirability, showing no reported accidents or damage.
A Piece of Mustang History
Saleen only produced 201 Mustangs in 1986, making this a rare and desirable collector’s car. The Marti Report confirms this car was originally sold by Don Thornton Ford in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it retains its original 3.08 Traction-Lok rear axle, adding to its impressive performance credentials.
This Saleen Mustang is more than just a classic—it’s a high-performance relic of the 1980s, a true enthusiast’s dream, and a worthy addition to any Fox Body collection.
About PC Classic Cars
PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing classic and specialty vehicles like this 1986 Ford Mustang Saleen. With a passion for automotive history, they carefully curate unique and sought-after classics, ensuring each vehicle’s legacy lives on for years to come.