In the fast-paced world of 1990s sports cars, the Ford Mustang S351 stood out as a true force to be reckoned with. Crafted by the legendary tuning company Saleen, this high-performance machine has remained a favorite among enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a special 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang with a unique history has surfaced on the popular online auction platform Bring a Trailer, sparking excitement among collectors and fans alike.
A Closer Look at George Foreman’s King of the Grill
Renowned both for his boxing prowess and his larger-than-life personality, George Foreman has always had a taste for power and performance. It’s no surprise, then, that he was drawn to the 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang, a supercharged convertible that once served as a press car before finding its way into Foreman’s hands. Despite its impressive pedigree, the car saw limited use by the boxing legend, accumulating a mere 227 miles on the odometer over the years.
According to reports, the odometer was replaced in 1996 at 505 miles for reasons unknown, a curious detail that adds to the car’s mystique. The Saleen S351, now listed for auction, showcases slight signs of wear and discoloration in the engine bay and undercarriage, likely due to its prolonged period of storage in Texas. However, Warren Lu, a trusted source close to the vehicle, assures potential buyers that these cosmetic imperfections can be easily rectified with a bit of elbow grease and care.
A Legacy of Performance and Prestige
The Saleen S351 Mustang, based on the fourth-generation Ford Mustang, represents the pinnacle of Saleen’s engineering prowess during the late 1990s. With a potent 351 Windsor V8 engine under the hood, the S351 outshone its factory-built counterparts, the GT and Cobra models, in terms of raw power and performance. Equipped with a Vortec supercharger, this particular S351 variant boasted an impressive output of 495 bhp and 490 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
For Foreman’s Mustang, however, the performance was taken up a notch with the addition of the R Code 500 package, pushing the power figures to a staggering 510 bhp and 495 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 172 mph and a host of race-inspired features such as Racecraft suspension, Recaro bucket seats, and Pirelli P Zero tires, this Saleen S351 is truly a force to be reckoned with on the road.
As an added touch of flair, the S351 showcases a vibrant Canary Yellow paint job, complemented by matching wheels and a Speedster-style hard tonneau cover, all adorned with Saleen badging and graphics for that extra touch of style. With a wealth of historical documentation and paperwork included in the sale, this unique piece of automotive history offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of George Foreman’s legacy.
In the competitive world of automotive auctions, the bidding for this exceptional 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang currently stands at $37,000, with two days remaining for prospective buyers to stake their claim. As the excitement builds and anticipation mounts, the fate of this iconic vehicle hangs in the balance, waiting to find its next lucky owner. Stay tuned for updates on this thrilling auction as the final moments draw near.