Steve gets his first car, a 1956 Porsche Type 356 Coupe European Model

Side view of his 1956 Porsche Type 356 Coupe European Model

Steve paints his Porsche Robin's Eggshell Blue and adds more horsepower.

Steve buys a Shelby GT 350 from the Hollywood School of Self Defense and quickly gives it a flashy new paint job

Steve, not satisfied with the current paint scheme, repaints his Shelby GT350 to Big Bad Green Lime with black stripes. This is also where Steve begins to transform his street car to a race car by changing the wheels, suspension, adding a roll cage and side exhaust. This year Steve also begins engine work by adding two 4-barrel Weber carburetors and takes it to his first time trial.

Steve once again repaints his car to Candy Apple Red with gold stripes.

Steve continues to hone his driving skills.

On July 6th, 1971, Steve learns that racing is for the track when he drives his Shelby GT350 off a cliff in Turnbull Canyon in Whittier, California. Steve spends months recovering from his injuries.

Steve's passion for Mustangs is unwavered as he purchases another Shelby GT350 for $300 and tows it to the same spot where he wrecked his last Mustang for its inaugural drive.

August 19th, 1973: Riverside International Raceway, Riverside, California. Steve Saleen enters his first sports car race with his Ford Mustang and wins!

Steve forgets he has 1200lbs of dog food in his Mustang and blows the clutch drag racing an El Camino onto the Glendale freeway!

Steve was the runner up in the Southern California B Production Championship with his second generation metallic blue over white Fastback Mustang. He began his professional competition career as well.

In 1975 Steve switched from closed wheel to open wheel series and joined the Super Vee Series, in a Tui AM29. Steve picks up the name "Kid Saleen" from the movie Cat Ballou starring Lee Marvin.

Steve Saleen starts racing Formula Atlantic, in a March 76B. Steve Saleen won the Southern California championship and also set numerous track records. Due to his ability and speed on the track, Steve earns the new nickname of "GAS-SALEEN".

In Formula Atlantic Steve set thirteen new track records in his region and won the Pacific Coast Championship.

Steve Saleen entered the Pro Atlantic series and raced against the likes of Gilles Villenue, Bobby Rahall, Keke Rosberg, and Danny Sullivan.

Steve runs the complete Pro Formula Atlantic series in a Ralt RT1 where he sets several track records, and leads the championship up until the last race, where he finished 3rd, only 3 points away from 1st place.

In 1982 Steve returned to closed wheel racing in the SCCA Trans Am Series, where he campaigned a Pontiac Trans Am for Pontiac Motor Car Company. He set a number of track records during the season, though he was never able to win a race, due mechanical failures at each event. His season efforts contributed to the team’s ultimate win of the championship.

Steve Saleen forms Saleen Autosport from his dinner table at his home in Santa Rosa, CA.

Steve continues to compete in selected SCCA Trans-AM races. This is where Steve is introduced to several Ford Motor Company executives.

Saleen Autosport releases the 1985 Saleen Mustang, featuring all new aerodynamics, suspension, tires, wheels, and interior. In 1985, Steve Saleen's secretary miscounted the vehicles produced that year, omitting vehicle number 6. Since 1985, Saleen has had the tradition of not issuing the #6 bumper number on any of its vehicles. The single race for 1985 was at his home track at Riverside International Raceway, California where he had won his first race twelve years earlier. This time though, he was competing in a prototype from his company, a black Saleen Mustang race car with two gold stripes.

On October 10, 1986, Saleen Autosport enters SCCA series with a race prepared version of the Saleen Mustang, and wins grueling 24 Hours of Mosport with sponsorship from General Tire. Drivers: Steve Saleen, Rick Titus and Lisa Caceras were joined by IMSA drivers Skeeter McKitterick and Tom Winters, along with F1 and Indy car driver, Desire’ Wilson. Giving Ford Motor Company the "first" ever in a Showroom Stock Endurance Championship Series; The Saleen GT team WINS grueling 24 Hours of Mosport with sponsorship from General Tire and ESCORT.

The ad is for Monroe shocks with the tagline "Monroe helped Steve Saleen handle some wild horses."

Advancing from the 1986 Race Season, Saleen introduces the 1987 Saleen Mustang.

Saleen Autosport moves to Anaheim, CA and begins production on the 1988 Saleen Mustang. This year Saleen also begins using its "Championship Wreath" to signify its' winning pedigree.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Saleen switches back to Trans-Am series with a Saleen Mustang backed by General Tire.

Steve wins the SCCA Race Truck championship with five victories in six races which moves him into a tie for the most victories in the series (49 wins!), and provides Ford Motor Company with the manufacturer's championship. Steve continues to campaign Trans Am series with Saleen Scorcher Mustang and sponsorship from Champion Batteries, secures three top ten finishes

Steve Saleen returns to SCCA competition with a prototype supercharged Saleen Mustang in the World Challenge series.

Work begins on the next generation of Saleen Mustangs

Saleen celebrates its' 10 year anniversary with the Saleen SA-10 Mustang. The SA-10 is a special edition that was offered to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Saleen Automobiles. All examples produced received sequential VIN numbers as well as SA-10 specific options.

With a new generation of mustangs, Saleen introduces his most impressive product lineup to date including the 351 c.i.d. powered S351, and the 480 horsepower Saleen SR. The was a special edition model that was offered in addition to the standard Saleen Mustang lineup.

Steve Saleen and actor Tim Allen form the Saleen/Allen "RRR" Speedlab. Taking the 1995 win at Sears Point in the SCCA World Challenge series sets the team up for for a manufacturers championship the following year. This is also the year the Saleen/Allen Speedlab began campaigning the famous "Blazing Horse" insignia.

The Saleen S281 model is introduced. Offered along side the existing Saleen model lineup, the S281 is available in both a convertible (speedster) and coupe option. Steve partners with Budget Rent-a-Car to build special Saleen Mustangs for their fleet.

At the 1996 Annual Board of Directors induction dinner, Steve Saleen is inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame along with Carroll Shelby.

Steve becomes a household name when fast food franchise McDonald's selects the Saleen Mustang as the one of the premier prizes for their popular Big Win Monopoly Promotion.

Saleen creates the Saleen Contour concept.

Steve Saleen and the Saleen/Allen "RRR" Speedlab compete at the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the Mustang's first return in over 30 years. This year Saleen also clinches the SCCA Manufacturers Championship title for the third time.

Saleen celebrates its 15 year anniversary with the Saleen SA15 Mustang. This was a special edition model that was offered in addition to the standard Saleen Mustang lineup.

Saleen debuts the Saleen Explorer XP and XP8 models. Offered with an optional Supercharger, the Saleen XP8 had unmatched styling, horsepower, and handling in the SUV market.

Steve begins work on "Project Molly" the code name for the S7.

Saleen unveils the 1999 Saleen Mustang S281 and S351 at Planet Hollywood, featuring dynamic new design, lower cost and higher level of performance

Saleen unveils the 1999 Saleen Mustang S281 and S351 at Planet Hollywood, featuring dynamic new design, lower cost and higher level of performance. This year the S281 SC model is born.

Steve Saleen's lifelong goal of creating his own supercar is achieved 27 years to the day of his first race win!

Saleen unveils the S7 at Laguna Seca Raceway, CA, August 19th.

Competing in the inaugural Grand American Road Racing season, Saleen captured the GTO Driver's Championship in July and clinched the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the season finale at Watkins Glen.

Saleen mustangs dominate the 2000 season and capture the GTO Grand American Road Racing Championship. Saleen drivers also achieve multiple first place wins, fastest laps, pole positions, and lap leaders in the SCCA World Challenge Series the same year.

Steve acting as a team manager oversaw and led the Saleen S7Rs to win 4 different championships (ALMS, Grand Am, ELMS, Spanish GT) Also Qualified on the pole position and setting the track record for the 24 hours of Le Mans. Saleen finished 3rd at Le Mans.

Making its debut at the Monterey Historic Races in October, the 2001 Saleen S7 is built from the 'ground-up'. Taking its' model designation from the 7-liter mid-engine design, the Saleen S7 utilizes a spaceframe chassis design. Capable of reaching speeds over 200MPH, the 2001 Saleen S7 is a naturally aspirated precursor to the Saleen S7TT.

2001 marked the inaugural race season for the newly debut Saleen S7. Saleen S7's campaigned in FIA GT, ALMS, Grand-Am, European Le Mans, and 24 hours of Le Mans series. Among setting 27 fastest laps, 29 pole positions, and a pocketful of podium finishes [including 19 1st place wins], the S7R takes victories in its' class across multiple series.

Saleen S7R customer teams continue to operate in four series (American LeMans, Grand Am, British GT and Spanish GT) winning 18 out of 40 races and three Drivers’ Championships and several more Team and Manufacturers Championships.  Also wins 21 poles and sets 23 fastest laps.

With the discontinuation of the S351 lineup, Saleen debuts the S281 Extreme model. Available in both a speedster (convertible), or coupe option; the Saleen Extreme also uses the all new Saleen Twin Screw Supercharger which debuted the same year.

Saleen is awarded two contracts to build the new Ford GT (40) for Ford.  Saleen was commissioned to engineer, manufacture and assemble the vehicles, including all of the paint production and shipping.  Saleen’s Chief Program Engineer was responsible for the design, testing and certification of the supercar, including chassis, powertrain, body, interior and electrical systems.

Saleen celebrates 20 years in business. Saleen begins assembly of Ford GT and other specialty vehicles in a New Troy, Michigan manufacturing facility

Saleen debuts the summer of 'Hollywood Horsepower'. Three movies premiered this summer featuring Saleen vehicles on the silver screen. With the most screentime, the Saleen S7 is what Jim Carrey drove in the 'Bruce Almighty' movie when he had his 'God-Like' powers; therefore inspiring the quote "The Pope may occasionally be driven in a Ferrari, but Bruce Almighty confirms that God drives a Saleen S7!" Harrison Ford drives a S281 in “Hollywood Homicide.” Saleen S281 races in the movie, “2 Fast 2 Furious.”

Saleen celebrates its' 20 year anniversary with the Saleen SA-20 Mustang. The SA-20 is a special edition that was offered to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Saleen Automobiles. Offered only in a convertible model, the SA20 was the first model to use the new Saleen Tonneau cover and lightbar.

September 8, 2004: Imola, Italy. With Steve Saleen in attendance privateer team Vitaphone Racing Team scores what could be the most dramatic home track upset victory in motorsports history with their S7R in the FIA GT Series. Drivers Michael Bartels and Uwe Alzen took the all American S7R Supercar to an overall victory at Ferrari’s home track Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in front of the Fiat Chairman, Luca di Montemzemolo and the Italian Press against two Maserati MC12’s (thinly guised Ferrari Enzos), three Ferrari 550’s, three Ferrari 575’s and two Lamborghini Murciélago in the GT Class.

Saleen introduces the N20 Focus.

Touting an all new fender design and a spoiler/diffuser aerodynamic package; Saleen debuts the S7 Twin Turbo. Utilizing the space age chassis design, the S7TT offers increased HP and Torque to compliment the multitude of geometry updates for the suspension and braking. With the 40 percent reduction in aero drag and a 60% increase in down force, coupled with the increased HP, the S7TT was the original "Worlds Fastest Production Car."

Under the direction and design from the Ford Performance Group, Saleen assists in the custom build for the Mustang GT-R concept vehicle. Using Ford 5.0L "Cammer Engine" and Doug Gaffka's design, the Saleen Special Vehicles team successfully performed the build of the Mustang GT-R.

With a dramatic redesign in 2005, Saleen debuts their new lineup at the OC Autoshow. All coupe models allow for the Saleen Scenic Glass Roof option, which is a Saleen innovative design. This year Saleen also develops and introduces an all new H.I.D. headlight system for the mustang.

Saleen introduces the first "nitrous-ready" OEM vehicle to the marketplace, the Saleen N2O Focus. Running a 14sec, 1/4 miles, it is based on the Focus platform that N20 model is complete with styling, performance, and comes factory ready with a 75-shot (10-lb) Nitrous Oxide bottle mounted in the rear.

Making its debut at the LA Autoshow, the 2007 Saleen S331 Sport Truck is added to the Saleen vehicle lineup. Nicknamed "Thunder" it was available as both a Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated version, the S331 underwent the complete Saleen manufacturing process.

Making its' debut at the NY Autoshow, the 2007 Saleen PJ is added to the Saleen vehicle lineup. As a limited edition Saleen vehicle, the Saleen PJ Mustang used design cues from the actual 1970 Parnelli Jones Boss 302 Mustang. Also, the Saleen PJ was produced with the 3-Valve Saleen 302 Naturally-Aspirated engine, which produces "instant" acceleration and torque on cue. New Saleen options were also introduced with this vehicle including the "Shaker" hood and intake as well as the Watts-Link style suspension.

Unveiled as 'A New Era of Automotive Retailing,' The Saleen Store set a new standard in the automotive retail marketplace with its' complete Saleen branded experience in a boutique form. Located in Southern California, it was hailed as the pinnacle of the high performance lifestyle. Offering everything from Saleen branded merchandise, Saleen aftermarket performance parts, as well as Saleen vehicles; The Saleen Store set the bar for an inviting vehicle brand experience.

Available as an option or current vehicle upgrade, the Saleen Competition Package added increased aerodynamics, suspension performance, and a 33% horsepower increase. Aerodynamics were increased using a carbon fiber FIA-spec wing, air dam splitter, and difuser upgrades. Suspension included revised shock valve dampening as well as the introduction of a dual-stage spring design which adapts to speeds >100MPH. The 33% HP gains combined with the 2950lb curb weight increased top speed estimations to 258MPH.

As a Tier 1 OE supplier, Ford Motor Company commissions Saleen to power all the supercharged Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 trucks. The same year, Saleen also began paint production of the new Dodge Viper under contract from Chrysler, LLC.

Adding to the Saleen custom paint lineup, Saleen introduces the 'Molly Pop' pink paint scheme in May. Developed and inspired by Molly Saleen, the custom paint is a multi-stage process to achieve the depth and 'Molly Pop' color.

The Saleen S281 Mustang is featured as "Barricade" in the blockbuster movie Transformers. Saleen specially built and 'transformed' its Saleen S281 to support the production and filming of the then-new Transformers media franchise. In addition, Saleen was commisioned to produce and build the Camaro that was to play the starring role of 'Bumblebee.'

The 25A commemorates 25 years of Saleen Vehicles. Built on the Saleen signature line (SMS), the 25A kept with the tradition of offering a peek into what was to come for future models. New features and options this year include: Full Leather Dash, Carbon fiber side splitters, Cross Drilled Rotors, Lightblade LED tail lights, and the fully-functional Red Butterfly Induction system.

With the modern American Muscle Car market heating up, Saleen introduces the 570 Challenger lineup. Debuting under the Saleen Signature lineup (SMS), the 570 Challenger is offered in two models: 570 & 570X [X = Extreme]. Utilizing the Red Butterfly Induction System that debuted on the 25A, this model showcased new Saleen innovations such as the all-new 296 Supercharger, Rear Lightblade Illumination, and Chevron style seating.

With a complete body style re-design, Saleen unveils the 302 Mustang under the signature series line ('SMS'). Available as a supercharged or 4-valve version the 302 Mustang shows off the Saleen fender chevrons as well as the trademark Saleen design, power, and performance. New for this model is the F1 style tail light in the rear and the Chevron design seating in the interior.

Saleen completes the modern pony-car 'trifecta' with the Saleen 620 Camaro. With production number 001 being auctioned off for charity at Barrett-Jackson for 6-figures, the 620 Camaro maintains the styling cues featured on the current Saleen offerings including: an aggressive front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, butterfly hood and chrome 20-inch wheels. Performance is offered in 3 variations with the 'Black' label cranking out a supercharged 650HP.

Moving the bar in the modern muscle car arena, Saleen introduces the Saleen 351 Mustang. Based on the current Saleen 302 model, the 351 offers an astounding 700HP to compliment the full suite of Saleen specific styling and components.

Making its' debut at the Laguna Seca Raceway, the 2014 Saleen GF is added to the Saleen vehicle lineup. As a limited edition Saleen vehicle, the Saleen GF Mustang used design cues from the actual 1969 George Follmer Boss 302 Mustang. Also, the Saleen GF was produced with a high revving Saleen 302 Naturally-Aspirated engine, which produces "instant" acceleration and torque on cue.

Saleen celebrates 30 Years as an automotive brand with the SA-30 vehicles. Ten models of each SA-30 302 Mustang, 570 Challenger & 620 Camaro were offered (thirty vehicles total). Each vehicle was produced in a special Saleen 'Pearl White' paint with color matched wheels and a SA-30 specific interior design. All 3 models were supercharged 'Black Label' versions.

For the first time ever, Saleen debuted an all-electric automobile. Based on the Tesla Model S, the FOURSIXTEEN sedan featured advanced aerodynamic design and functionality, Saleen specific suspension and brakes, and a unique driveline gearing providing a special electric supercar sound.

With a total re-designed body, independent rear suspension, and a host of other upgrades, Saleen’s Black Label raises the performance barto another level with 740HP. Further accentuating the new body work is the exclusive Saleen designed carbon fibre, air management system.

Saleen continues its evolution of the 620 Camaro with suspension upgrades and re-designed supercharge that allows the Camaro to make a usable 620HP.

To celebrates its 30th anniversary since winning the coveted 24hours of Mosport with a 1-2-3 finish in 1987, Saleen makes a limited edition commemorative S302 Mustang to pay homage to these championship cars. Commonly known as the Saleen General Tire Racing Mustangs, these cars are finished in General Tire racing livery and out out 760HP.

The Saleen One is Steve’s Saleen’s vision of a true sports car with “Super Car Credentials.” The Saleen One is state of the art sports car with carbon fibre body, approximate weight of only 2700lbs, and 450HP. This is a “True Drivers” car that will hit zero to 60 in 3.5s, and have a top seed of over 180mph.

Saleen returns to auto racing with the launch of the Saleen Cup – a single-make “arrive and drive” racing series designed to showcase the new Saleen 1 model. The schedule coincides with the SRO Blancpain GT World Challenge America, and is hosted on five of the most iconic racetracks in the U.S.

In late 2019 the Saleen exhibit; “A Journey From the Heart of a Racer to America’ Supercar” debuts at the LeMay Automotive Museum in Tacoma, WA. This exhibit features a unique collection of Steve’s racecars, along with exclusive and rare production cars he has manufactured during Saleen’s 38 year history. Due to its popularity, it is scheduled to run through the end of 2021.

With racing in his blood, Steve Saleen is never far from a checkered flag, and the Saleen Bronco is no exception. The new vehicle pays homage to Big Oly, the infamous machine piloted by Parnelli Jones. Big Oly took on the Mexican 1000 (now known as the Baja 1000) – one of the most grueling endurance races in the world – and achieved the monumental accomplishment of winning the race twice in 1971 and 1972.

Saleen celebrates its 40th year with its SA-40 Speedster model (Saleen 40th Anniversary model). Finished in Speedlab Yellow (metallic/pearl), the SA-40 is based off the Saleen 302 Black Label convertible with 800 horsepower. Limited to only 10 units, this is the last Saleen model based off the S550 platform

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA debuts its Hypercar Exhibit in December 2021. The 1500 horsepower Saleen S7LM was invited to partake in this display amongst a sea of very exclusive marques such as Pagani, McLaren, and Bugatti to name a few.

Saleen is off to the races with SRO! Steve Saleen returns to racing after a 20 year hiatus to campaign the Saleen S1 GT4. Running a limited number of SRO GT4 America races, Saleen competes amongst a field of Aston Martins, Audi, AMG-Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and other notable teams.

Saleen debuts its Black Label Sportruck at SEMA. Sporting a supercharged V8, the Black Label raises the base horsepower from 400 to 775hp. The Sportruck also features Saleen aerodynamic bodywork, Racecraft Suspension, Saleen brakes, and Saleen upgraded leather interior. This Sportruck was finished in a custom green and blue paint scheme paying homage to the livery of a Saleen S1 race car.

Saleen debuts its 2024 302 White Label at the LeMay Automobile Museum. Base off the S650 platform, the new Saleen 302 features and all new front fascia with an integrated aerodynamic splitter. A revised hood vent allows additional escape of hot engine air, while a Saleen wing in the back provides downforce and balance. Power has been increased from 480 to 510hp.

Saleen debuts its 2024 302 Yellow Label at the NADA show in Las Vegas. While aesthetically similar to the the White Label, under the hood is a big change. The Yellow Label increases the power to 775hp via a supercharger. As with all 2024 Saleen 302 models, an instrument surround frame the new LED screens, resulting in a more integrated and flowing look.