Saleen Automotive, America’s premiere automotive enthusiast brand for over a quarter of a century, announced today at the New York Auto Show that it has entered into a partnership with American automotive legend Dan Gurney for creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. “It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America’s racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney,” said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur.

All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have custom two-tone seats that feature either blue or red AlcantaraTM inserts designed to keep your rear end planted firmly behind the wheel. The legendary Gurney Eagle© logo is featured on the steering wheel and several other places around the car.

The exterior reflects the look of Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang, masterfully recreated in a fashion that honors history but looks aggressively towards the future. The heritage styled Gurney Edition body kit, ‘duck bill’ rear spoiler and ‘stinger’ style hood all come together in harmony with the carefully placed graphics and die cut Gurney Eagle insignia.

“I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car. At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney.

Saleen executives were not prepared to make that statement, but what they did say is: “this is likely the best all around 281 supercharged car that Saleen has ever built,” commented Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon.

“Dan Gurney has always been about business on the track. His cars were light, fast and handled like they were on rails,” said Saleen Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Chris Theodore. “I’ll admit we added a little weight when we added the blower to this car, but you will be shocked at how this car cuts through a corner.”

The Gurney Signature Edition gets its dynamic ability from the specially tuned Racecraft suspension, Generation-II Watts-Link Rear End, and super sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. This is a suspension combination that has never before been featured on a Saleen vehicle, and one that received the personal stamp from Dan Gurney himself.

“It is like a dream come true to spend time on the tarmac with the Gurney’s. Together, we will create a package that I am sure that market will love,” said Chassis and Dynamics Lead Derk Hartland.

The Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is slated to begin production this April and should start appearing in dealers later that month. With production being limited to only 300 cars, the Gurney Edition is sure to be a must have amongst collectors. In honor of Mr. Gurney’s ‘All American racer persona the cars will be offered in only three colors: Torch Red, Performance White, and the feature color Vista Blue. One hundred of each color will be made with contrasting color graphics and interiors, and a set of “#2″ roundels to truly relive the Gurney experience.

The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” commented Wilbur. “I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers.”

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
price $	$24 995 USD
engine	Aluminum V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Supercharged
valvetrain	SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl w/Varibale Camshaft Timing
fuel feed	Electronic, Returnless & Sequential Ignition
displacement	4605 cc / 281 in³
bore	90.2 mm / 3.55 in
stroke	90.0 mm / 3.54 in
compression	9.8:1
power	346.8 kw / 465 bhp
specific output	100.98 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	292.82 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Unit Steel w/Aluminum Hood
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Vented Discs w/Twin-Piston Calipers, ABS
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/Single-Piston Calipers, ABS
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	Reverse L MacPherson Struts w/Stabilizer Bar, Coil Springs, Tube Shocks
r suspension	Live Axle w/Stabilizer Bar, Panhard Rod, Coil Springs Tube Shocks
curb weight	1588 kg / 3500 lbs
wheelbase	2720 mm / 107.1 in
front track	1582 mm / 62.3 in
rear track	1588 mm / 62.5 in
length	4775 mm / 188.0 in
width	1877 mm / 73.9 in
height	1407 mm / 55.4 in
transmission	Tremec 3650 5-Speed Manual or Automatic
gear ratios	3.34:1, 2.00:1, 1.32:1, 1.00:1, 0.067:1
final drive	3.73:1
top speed	~225.3 kph / 140.0 mph

2008 Saleen Mustang Gurney Signature Edition – sold for $58,300

Signature Edition 2008 Saleen Mustang. #48 out of only 300 made. 100 made in each of three colors, red, white and this Vista Blue. The blue with white striping mimics Dan’s 1969 winning Trans Am mustang race car when he drove for car owner Carol Shelby. Dan personally signed the dash of each car. Owned by Michael Otis Chandler, former Indy car driver who drove for Dan Gurney in the Indianapolis 500. The car is completely stock except for window tint. The car has always been garaged and has never seen weather or any track time. Under 700 actual miles. Includes all documentation, car cover. 465hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque from the 4.6L engine. Saleen supercharger with a water to air intercooler. Ultra high performance Pirelli P-zero tires. 3,620 lbs curb weight. 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and 0-100 in 10.5 seconds. Has Race Craft suspension and switchable traction control. Included with this car are two framed photos, one is a personally autographed print of Dan Gurney in 2002 driving his race-winning Eagle F-1 that he produced for the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix, the second photo is of all the living Indy 500 drivers who attended the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 last May, 2011. Included in this photo are both Dan Gurney and Michael Chandler.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction