SUPER CLEAN SALEEN S281 SUPERCHARGED, LESS THAN 20K MILES, STILL SMELLS LIKE NEW

If you're familiar with Saleen Mustangs, ou already know that they're not just hot-rod Fords, hey're special full-production cars in their own right. This 2005 Saleen S281 shows you just how much polish the Saleen engineers were able to add to the Mustang, reating something that's definitely worth the substantial premium they were charging.Icy silver paint works on any Mustang, ut after you spot this one on the horizon roaring towards you, number of details start to jump out. First, t looks a heck of a lot sleeker than any garden-variety Mustang you've seen. Part of the credit goes to the monochromatic paint, hich is as deep and shiny as anything you'd find on high-end exotics. But the Saleen details, ncluding the body kit, ake the Mustang look like something else without removing its basic familiarity. The use of a base-model hood certainly helps with the super smooth image, nd the blacked-out grille with special marker lights on either side makes a different head-on view. Deep side skirts work with the chin spoiler to visually lower the car and the Saleen guys add their own completely custom rear fascia that slips on in place of the original. And there's also a new deck lid that extends the "tunnel" effect in back, raming the revised taillights. Now why is all this important? Because this is NOT a Mustang, t's a Saleen, nd as such, t has been treated as an object of some value rather than just a fast toy.The interior got a pretty throughout makeover as well, tarting with deeply bolstered leather seats with Saleen logos on their backs. Racy headrests, few billet aluminum dress-up pieces, nd Saleen emblems in place of the Ford ovals remind you that you're in a special machine. There wasn't much need to reinvent the wheel with the gauges, hich are bright and clear with slightly revised faces ("Premium fuel only" certainly promises some fun), lthough as a supercharged car, his one gets boost and intercooler temperature gauges perched atop the dash. A thundering AM/FM/CD stereo system known as the "Shaker" sounds spectacular and the 5-speed manual transmission gets a knob hewn from billet aluminum. It's all in very good condition with an inviting, ace-ready look that's perfect for a performance car of distinction like this. And the trunk looks virtually untouched since 2005, nother sure sign that this car has led an easy life.The '281' part of S281 stands for the 281 cubic inch (AKA 4.6 liter) V8 under the hood. Since the chassis was capable of handling more power, ell, he Saleen engineers obliged with a proprietary supercharger mounted on top of the engine. Making 400 horsepower (up from 260), nd a towering 420 pounds of torque, he Saleen lunges forward like it's hungry. The blower is unobtrusive and thanks to a custom tune, t starts, dles, nd drives like a stocker, o if you stay off the loud pedal nobody will know what lurks within. The custom Saleen exhaust system with center outlets was part of the appearance package that was functional as well as attractive, nd gives this Saleen a sound that's distinct from its Mustang cousins. Upgraded springs and shocks, ustom brake pad materials, nd a few other tweaks make this the most razor-sharp Mustang you'll ever drive, articularly with those giant 20-inch chrome alloys and 275/35/20 performance rubber.Saleens are extremely well-documented, nd as a result they're also eminently collectable, o #05-1265 here is a fantastic example that's affordable and fun. Just don't let anyone call it a Ford. Call today!