2008 Saleen Dan Gurney Signature Edition Ford Mustang

[David Burkart]

The past few weeks have been huge for the aftermarket authorities at Saleen. At the New York International Auto Show, the company debuted its S5S Raptor along with the new Power Sliding Glass Roof. But news also surfaced about the 2008 Dan Gurney Signature Edition Saleen Mustang.

A tribute to one of America’s greatest racing heroes, the Gurney Signature Edition Mustang paint scheme imitates Dan Gurney’s 1969 Trans Am with the #2 roundel on top of a choice of Vista Blue, Torch Red or Performance White. But it’s not all about looks—this one churns out 465 horsepower from its supercharged 4.6 liter V8.

“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 legend Dan Gurney.

Those who are unfamiliar with Dan Gurney’s career should note his sensational rivalry with Parnelli Jones-- one of the most lauded of its kind in American racing history. Saleen couldn’t help but keep the enmity alive by first releasing the 2007 Parnelli Jones Edition Mustang and then moving on to his opposition, Dan Gurney.

“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.

Saleen is producing 300 of the Gurney Mustangs, 100 for each available color scheme. The car is furnished with several other embellishments, including Gurney’s own personal touch.

“The most important piece of the car to me is Dan Gurney’s signature on the center of the dash,” added Wilbur. “I view it as the stamp of approval by one of America’s greatest drivers.”

For more photos and an official press release for the 2008 Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang, check out the replies below.

[David Burkart]

Check out the thumbnails below. Enjoy.

[David Burkart]

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.”