In 1984 Steve Saleen began converting the Ford Mustang, into what he believed, was the ultimate road car. The concept was simple. Improve on the features that he felt Ford had overlooked. In 1984 Saleen was able to manufacturer three of his Saleen Mustangs. Stu Akers of Indiana currently owns all three examples. Two of the three have received full concourse restorations. The third, which was involved in terrible engine fire, is currently receiving the same restoration and is near completition.
Enter the 1985 Saleen Mustang. This was the first full year of production for Saleen. As was the case with the three 1984 cars, Saleen concentrated on suspension, aerodynamics, driver comfort, and appearance. No engine modifications were made to the Saleen Mustangs until the unveiling of the 1989 SSC Saleen. With strict EPA guidelines, it was not until 1989 that Saleen was financially capable of having an upgraded engine EPA certified. However, one 1985 Saleen was shipped with a Paxton supercharger.
In 1985 Saleen performed their conversion on a total of 140 Ford Mustangs. 138 hatchbacks, and 2 convertibles. It was not until 1987 that Saleen offered its conversion on the Ford Mustang coupe, of which, one was built.
Below is a photo guide to the 1985 Saleen Mustang. Notes have been made to some of the equipment used, and many of the early 1985 cars were converted with equipment found on the three 1984 Saleen Mustangs.
1985 #007 is the 4th Saleen built. This vehicle is a unrestored original, and is currently owned by Ken McDowell of Indiana. #007 was built with the three piece fiberglass front airdam found on the 1984 edition. It is also equipped with the taller, what many refer to as the Big Wing, 1984 rear spoiler. Standard 15" Hayashi wheels adorn #007. All 1985 Saleen Mustangs were equipped with the Saleen Racecraft suspension which consists of Bilstein shocks and struts, Racecraft specific rate springs, urethane sway bar bushings, and a K-member brace. Interior modifications consisted of a Wolf four spoke steering wheel, Cal-Custom leather shift knob, Saleen calibrated 170 MPH speedometer and tachometer overlay. Additional interior upgrades included a Saleen Mustang dash plaque found above the glovebox, and Saleen serialization plaque found on the ashtray door. A Escort radar detector and Cal-Custom Hawk security alarm system were also included in the conversion.
1985 #017 is a fully restored, MCA concourse winning, Saleen Mustang owned by Marc Allen of Indiana. As is the case with #007, this Saleen is also equipped with the 1984 three piece airdam, and rear spoiler. Standard 15" Hayashi wheels, and un-common, LX lowback, cloth seating. Note the ten bolt Wolf steering wheel. In 1985 Saleen offered two optional stereo units, a Sanyo or Kenwood. A few were also shipped with the factory equipped Ford Premium Sound system. In mid 1985 Saleen dropped the Sanyo stereo option, and for the rest of 1985 and the complete year of 1986, Kenwood was the optional stereo supplier for Saleen.
1985 #049 is a T-Top version with the ultra rare LX lowback vinyl seating. #049 was the Saleen owned by our late friend Gary Alsobrooks, and forum member (Bigwing). #049 still resides in the Alsobrooks family and as shown was built with the 1984 Big Wing spoiler, and the 1984 three piece front airdam was replaced with the 1985 three piece urethane version. Note the center bulge of the 1985 version where as the 1984 has a vertical drop over the entire front end. #049 was built and shipped with the standard 15" Hayashi wheels in gold. She was photographed with optional wheels. Clear headlight covers were part of the Saleen conversion and early editions were held on with Velcro strips, and were later replaced with metal tabbed clip on versions that were much more likely to stay in place at speed.
1985 #021 is the first Saleen built with a supercharger and is currently owned by Stu Akers of Indiana. This Saleen is also equipped with the T-Top option as well as the lowback SVO leather seating option.
1985 #109 is a fully restored, MCA concourse winning, Saleen owned by Ken McDowell of Indiana also. Lots of nice four eyes in Indiana! This Saleen is equipped with all features that make a 1985 Saleen Mustang. Three piece urethane airdam, second generation rear spoiler that would remain unchanged through the end of 1986, side skirts, and rear spats. Decal kit, 16" optional Enkei wheels, and all items found in the Saleen interior conversion.
The last Saleen is 1985 #116 owned by Marc Allen of Indiana also. This Saleen is a 17K mile, unrestored, original. Again, this is what many feel is the common 1985 Saleen. If there was one. All the pieces are there, including the common for 1985 Lier-Siegler sport seats found in the Mustang GT.
As stated earlier, the 1985 Saleen Mustang was the companies first full year of production. Hence, many of the earlier cars were equipped with pieces found on the three 1984 cars. Many of the early 1986 Saleen Mustangs were built and shipped with 1985 pieces. After the first few cars were built in 1986, Saleen had settled on a standard package, more or less.
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