Why This Stunning 2003 Saleen S7 Hasn’t Found a Home—And Why The Dealer Won’t Budge
Envision an aluminum engine paired with a body made entirely of carbon fiber. Add two trunks, a roaring V8 engine, and you’ve got the Saleen S7. This noteworthy model, equipped with the rare and optional Competition Package, has been gathering dust in a dealership for years. Despite its undeniable allure, this masterpiece remains unsold, often turning more heads in the showroom than on the streets.
Born in October 2003 in Irvine, California, this Saleen S7 was initially destined for a Texan customer. Unveiled three years prior at the Monterey Historic Races, this icon was the first entirely engineered and designed by Saleen since its inception in 1983. It entered the automotive scene as America's sixth mid-engine production sports car, hilariously outpacing its predecessors like the Pontiac Fiero and the Vector W8.
To bring the Saleen S7 to life, Steve Saleen collaborated with Hidden Creek Industries for resources and funding, and Ray Mallock Limited (RML) for the chassis, suspension, and aero components. Phil Frank took charge of the body design and the CAD layout for the interior.
A Symphony of Power and Design
The Saleen S7 checks all the right boxes for a supercar: radical aesthetics, unbeatable power, and dazzling speed. Its in-house developed 7.0-liter, all-aluminum V8 engine is a recalibrated version of Ford’s 351 Windsor small block, capable of generating 550 horsepower. Two years later, Saleen introduced a twin-turbocharged iteration that boasted 750 horsepower and could rocket to a top speed of 248 mph.
Among its unique features, the Competition Package stands out, bumping the power output by 33%, thereby offering a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower. This package also includes a retuned suspension, revised front and rear diffusers, and an optional aero kit with carbon fiber spoilers.
At the heart of this story is chassis number 03-028, a model that has roved between Texas and Florida before landing in its current dealership a decade ago.
The Ultimate Showstopper
Featuring butterfly doors and a striking Lizstick Red finish over a tan leather interior, this Saleen S7 commands attention wherever it goes. Inside, fixed-back bucket seats with perforated inserts are positioned asymmetrically to bring the driver closer to the car’s centerline. A recent cabin refresh included reupholstered seats, sills, rear bulkhead, and an Alcantara headliner.
Tech perks include an air conditioning system, power windows, AP Racing pedals, and a Kenwood touchscreen CD/DVD player. After logging only 6,775 miles in 21 years, this 2003 Saleen S7 remains a pristine garage queen, with just 45 miles added under its current ownership.
Performance Beyond Imagination
The Saleen S7’s mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 dazzles with its magnesium throttle body, aluminum block, and CNC-machined cylinder heads. Coupled with a six-speed manual transaxle, this powerhouse delivers 1,000 horsepower to the rear wheels, complemented by coilover suspension and black-painted aluminum Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers.
The car rides on staggered forged alloy center-lock wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, ensuring impeccable handling.
Despite its pristine 6,775 miles, three mileage entries in 2018 suggest a discrepancy with the odometer. The car is currently listed as a Planned Non-Operation vehicle in California, meaning test drives are off the table due to regulatory restrictions.
The Dealer’s Dilemma
The Saleen S7 was recently listed on Bring a Trailer, reaching a high bid of $550,000, which the dealership declined. With the average price of such rare gems hovering around $721,750, the dealer is likely holding out for a figure closer to that mark.
While it languishes in the dealership, the Saleen S7 remains a monumental example of American engineering prowess, forever a tantalizing prospect for the discerning collector who values heritage and performance in equal measure.