04-02-08: At New York, Saleen Automotive announced the creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. On the same lines as the Saleen / Parnelli Jones Mustang of 2007, the Gurney Signature Edition Saleen has a lot of retro cues and some of the same body components. This is no copy-cat however. Dan Gurney told the people at Saleen that if he was to agree to doing a special edition, it had to be faster and handle better than the PJ Edition. "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. Competition never dies.

"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.

300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will be built. Instead of the naturally aspirated 5.0 liter engine from the PJ Edition, the Gurney features Saleen's 465 hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 rear gears. Inside, the Gurney will have a stricking set two-tone seats that feature either blue or red Alcantara inserts. 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 Gurney will be available in red, white and 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. It was also announced at the unveiling that the graphics would come in the trunk and be an optional install for the customers.

"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. 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."

The Gurney Signature Edition is one of what Saleen General Manager, Marques McCammon calls a new product offensive for 2008. He has made it clear that Saleen intends to show America that it is “re-awakened”, that they are coming back stronger than ever and plans to be the premier niche vehicle company again.

“You lay down you take a nap, when you get up from a nap you are refocused, reenergized. We’ve taken our nap. And we are reawakened.” says McCammon.

We hope the best for Saleen, because they have been on a long nap. And while they were sleeping a lot of customers and dealers left the party for other marques like Shelby and Roush and Steve Saleen himself even left the company.