1989: Saleen Mustang
Saleen celebrates its 5-year anniversary with the Saleen SSC Mustang. This was a special edition model that was offered in addition to the standard Saleen Mustang lineup.
1989: Saleen SSC
Steve builds the Saleen SSC, the most powerful Mustang built to date. The SSC boasted 300 HP! In this year Steve begins using his trademark chevrons.
1989: PPG Indy Car World Series
Steve enters the PPG Indy Car World Series with a team backed by Montgomery Ward. The vehicle he drove was a 1977 March indy car. Steve Saleen was the fastest rookie to go through orientation. He finished 13th at Long Beach Grand Prix, and 12th at the Toronto Grand Prix. Steve Saleen continued his winning campaigns in both mustangs and trucks.
1988: SCCA Escort Endurance Championship
On August 13, 1988, running a three-car Saleen team; Steve Saleen and his teammates finish 1-2-3 at 24 Hours of Mosport and gives Ford its first 1-2-3 finish since LeMans in the late ’60s. Saleen also enters a General Tire backed, Ford Ranger-based, Saleen Sportruck in the SCCA Coors Race Truck Challenge, captures two wins.
1988: Saleen Sport Truck
Coming out of the 1987 Race Truck Challenge, Saleen begins offering a Sportruck. Powered by a 6-cyl. 2.9L motor, the Sportruck offers the full Saleen package from performance to styling.