Saleen Gurney Edition Mustang Arrives at Dealerships
Posted 6.16.2008 in News
Saleen's latest Mustang, the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang, has arrived in dealerships, just a few months after it was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Saleen
will be showcasing the limited edition Mustang at several events around the country, including Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC from July 22-26 and at the Woodward Dream
Cruise in Royal Oak, MI on August 16. Dan Gurney will be on hand at the events to take photos with the car and sign autographs.
Press Release:
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.”
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