Summary

This is a fully documented Saleen Extreme R&D Prototype #001. One-of-one car with 21,717 actual miles. Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. 2018 Saleen World Best of Show winner; signed by Steve Saleen.

Details

This is a fully documented 2005 Saleen Extreme S281 R&D Prototype finished in Speedlab Yellow over a Dark Charcoal leather interior with black graphics. It’s a true one-of-one car with 21,717 actual miles, most of which occurred during factory testing, and is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine backed by a 6-speed manual transmission. Saleen did not release the Extreme model to the general public for purchase until 2006. This Saleen was used as the promotional Extreme model, which was unveiled at the Chicago and New York auto shows, generating pre-orders for 2006 production. This exact car can also be found within factory promotional literature. The 2005 Extreme Prototype story is very unique. In the Saleen production logs there were three prototypes set for production in 2005: #0001E, #0002E and #0003E. In reality, the #0003E car was never actually produced. The #0002E car, Sonic Blue in color, was purchased by an R&D employee and totaled while driving in the rain a short time after. This #0001E car is not only the first 2005 Extreme prototype but also the only remaining prototype in existence for the '05-09 lineage. Many components on the car are hand-built and first of their kind, from the quarter-window deletes and carbon diffusers to a host of custom Saleen internal engine components. In 2018 the 05-0001E was shipped to Corona, CA, not only for firsthand factory authentication, but to attend the Saleen World Car Show. For the show, the Saleen family selected one car from each production lineage to be parked in front of headquarters on display, and the 05-0001E was selected to represent the '05-09 lineage. Ultimately, the one-of-a-kind 05-0001E was selected to receive The Best of Show award. While at Saleen Headquarters, Steve Saleen personally signed the dash with the #1 designation, and signed the engine compartment as well. Molly Saleen also signed her picture endorsing the 05-0001E at the show. All documented signatures, video of Steve Saleen signing 05-0001E, signed Factory Authentication Letter, processed Saleen Best of Show Award check, Saleen World Car Show numbered vehicle entry pass, and a factory brochure with 05-0001E featured will accompany the car. CARFAX shows Ford Motor Company manufacturer safety recall issued on 01/27/2019: Passenger airbag inflator replacement.