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Steve Saleen not only is a diehard racer at heart, but the man responsible for one of the most successful niche performance customizers in the history of the auto industry.

Steve Saleen was the prime example of a good American auto tuner in the 1980s. His modified Mustangs were far better than the factory models that Ford produced. Many state and local law enforcement agencies also relied on 170mph+ Saleen Mustangs as pursuit vehicles. Today Saleen continues with modified vehicles - the S281, the XP8, and the race/road SR.

Recently he began the manufacture of his own vehicle - the S7 supercar. The company also produces and markets a broad line of performance parts as well as offering design, engineering and certification services.

Former racing driver Steve Saleen began his company back in 1983. Saleen used his business degree from USC, and his experience in his father's manufacturing business, to build his company. Saleen began his racing career by autocrossing, then quickly moved into SCCA pro series (Formula Atlantic, Trans-Am Championship), and from there to Indy car racing.

In 1984, the first Saleen street car was completed for sale. Special aerodynamics, an attractive and highly functional interior, and a precise handling suspension package set off the car from stock Mustangs. The car was built as a limited edition model with individual serial numbers assuring authenticity. Later, the company's race team brought home a victory for Saleen, Ford and sponsor General Tire at the 24-hour race at Mosport Park in Ontario, Canada.

The company, like many of its type, relies heavily on its race experience to further the development of its street vehicles. In 1987, Saleen with a three-car team, captured all four SCCA World Challenge championship titles. The Mosport podium was the first one, two, three finish for a Ford-powered car since its cars took the top three positions at the 24 Hours of LeMans in the late '60s. In 1989, Steve Saleen entered Indy Car racing to gain experience on the circuit that could translate to increased performance for Saleen street vehicles. In 1991, Saleen Racing's Ford Ranger won the 1991 SCCA Race Truck Championship. In 1995, Steve Saleen joined with Hollywood star Tim Allen and formed the Saleen/Allen "RRR" Speedlab race team, which campaigned Saleen Mustangs in the SCCA World Challenge Series.

Saleen, Inc. as a specialty vehicle manufacturer has produced nearly 7,000 vehicles - far more than any other American specialty manufacturer. A pioneer in mass customization and niche vehicle manufacturing, Saleen's design and production practices are now being adopted by major automobile companies. Now with the inclusion of the large displacement high output engined exotic, Saleen has moved into a venue where others have tried and failed.

With others appearing to be making headway and staying financially afloat, the timing and perhaps knowledge gained from the previous martyrs may be key to the current crop's proliferation. As a car, the S7 has the visual feel of a Porsche Can-Am Racer, or what is referred to as a "spaceship ." The rather large engine displacement is extremely unusual for any modern car, even an exotic. The class of vehicle Saleen is competing in with the S7 is the Ultra-exotic which includes the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Lotus.

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