If you are a sports car guy and not a muscle car guy – meaning how a car handles is just as important as how quickly it accelerates – then the car that likely caught your attention in the early 2000s was a Saleen. Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is one of those cars, a 2000 Ford Mustang Saleen S281. The auction will end on Thursday, April 10.
The Saleen S281 took an already good car and made it better, especially for track work or even just for roads with a lot of turns. There were various options for the S281. but all offered a highly tuned chassis incorporating Racecraft suspension combined with an optimal tire and wheel combination to make the Mustang the best-handling car possible. Saleen also added aerodynamic aids to the body to make it cut through the wind better and look distinctive. These cars are true sports car drivers’ Mustangs and are simply amazing from behind the wheel.
The seller describes this car as being a 2000 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 that is powered by a 4.6L V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The car is painted in its original Silver Clearcoat Metallic over a Dark Charcoal leather interior. It is offered by the seller with the original window sticker, certificate of authenticity, clean CARFAX report and a clear title.
It’s worth nothing that this Saleen has only 21,980 original miles and is a one of one, according to the included Saleen Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies the car. It is Saleen S281 No. 00-0196.
From the photos, the exterior looks to be in excellent shape, with the Silver Clearcoat Metallic paint seemingly free from any major flaw (although the seller does note there is some minor damage and blemishes on the front spoiler). Like all Saleen cars, this one features a Saleen lightweight hood, louvered side scoops, urethane front and rear fascia, Saleen side skirts, a Saleen S281 rear wing, and Saleen badging and graphics. It rides on correct Saleen 18-inch five-spoke chrome alloy wheels clad with staggered-width Nitto NT 555R radial tires.
The interior of this S281 features front bucket seats in Dark Charcoal leather upholstery, a center console with a close-ratio manual shifter, Saleen Performance driving pedals, an aftermarket Pioneer touchscreen stereo and a full complement of Saleen gauges. Everything looks to be in good condition with no rips or tears to the seats or cracks in the dash.
Under the hood is the car’s original 4.6L 2V SOHC V8 that features 285 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. It has Saleen high-performance pulleys and is mated to a five-speed Saleen quick-ratio manual gearbox. The condition of the engine looks to be good, although surface rust on some of the fasteners indicates it would benefit from an engine detail.
In the world of more modern Mustangs, a Saleen car is always a bit special. These are limited-production cars modified by Saleen at their own factory in order to provide customers with a Mustang that turned corners as well as it handled a straightaway.
If you like Mustangs but see yourself as more of a sports car enthusiast, this 2000 Saleen S281 might just be the perfect car for you. Place a bid for a chance to own a truly special Mustang – the auction for this 2000 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 ends Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
