Steve Saleen was already a well known determine amongst Ford fans because of his unique high-performance variations of the Mustang. He transitioned from being a tuner to a producer to create the S7, a automotive that immediately grew to become a robust contender for the title of America’s Supercar.

The S7 was powered by a proprietary OHV all-aluminum 7.0L/550 HP V-8 engine, based mostly on the Ford small-block structure. Its basis consisted of a competition-style, closely triangulated house body made out of light-weight 4130 chrome-moly metal tubing and aluminum honeycomb composite panels, assembled in subassemblies for straightforward servicing.

Suspension and brakes have been additionally designed for optimum efficiency and produced in-house at Saleen’s facility in Irvine, California. In its S7-R variant, the Saleen earned quite a few sports activities automotive and endurance titles, firmly establishing its world-class standing.

In 2005, the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo took the efficiency of the S7 to an astonishing new stage. Outfitted with intercooled Garrett turbochargers, the Twin Turbo unleashed a powerful 750 HP and 700 lb-ft of torque, surpassing even the racing-focused S7-R and leaving most different supercars in its wake.

Its energy was transmitted by means of a hybrid twin-disc hydraulic clutch, 6-speed guide transmission, longitudinally mounted all-synchro transaxle, and limited-slip differential. With the 7.0L engine positioned amidships, the automotive might obtain a wide ranging acceleration of 0 to 60 MPH in simply 2.8 seconds.

The Phil Frank-designed carbon fiber physique with its longtail bodywork and big rear diffuser generated enough downforce at 160 MPH, balancing its 2,900-pound curb weight and making certain high-speed stability. This was additional enhanced by the mixture of excessive downforce, substantial tires, and unassisted disc brakes, making the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo an distinctive and dependable supercar.

Supply: Mecum Auctions