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Is a Saleen worth a short term Investment?

Started by tesgt350, May 01, 2026, 11:16:52 AM

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tesgt350

It is an 89 and #154.  It is priced at $39,900.  When I say Short Term, I mean 2 to 5 Years.

CharlesTurner

Is it all/mostly original with low miles? 

These cars seem to be sensitive to miles and repaint.  Value also seems to follow production numbers, like the early Shelby's.  Low production numbers or colors/options may be worth more.
Charles Turner
SAAC Concours National Head Judge

tesgt350

Quote from: CharlesTurner on May 01, 2026, 02:50:54 PMIs it all/mostly original with low miles? 

These cars seem to be sensitive to miles and repaint.  Value also seems to follow production numbers, like the early Shelby's.  Low production numbers or colors/options may be worth more.

It does not look restored, just well maintained and hardly driven. showing 9000 miles.

98SVT - was 06GT

It's not an investment. But you'll lose less money than buying a current Mustang GT convert.
9,000 is low miles but once you hit that 10,000 mile mark buyers will no longer look at it the same way. There seems to be a 4 digit mileage good - 5 digit bad mentality.
In reality it is an investment for the dealer. He probably gave sub 30 for the car and is looking for a 10 grand payday. With another 5 years of driving on it I'll wager it's in the $25-30 range at a private sale.
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang, 1998 SVT 32V, 1929 Model A Coupe, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
Member since 1975 - priceless

pbf777

#4
    Though I do believe that the "FOX" Mustangs have proven to present elevated values over last few years, and this is to be expected, as historically in this "vintage" automotive industry, the teen-aged public of when these cars were new, are now at that point in their lives that they often seem to wish to revisit that period of their lives and are in a position money-wise and available-time-wise to do such, and this is why we're seeing the current value trends.  But at 40 "big-ones", he might be already collecting the enhanced value that could be anticipated in only say five years down the road.   

     The biggest consideration might be, when and if one chooses to move their FOX "investment" along to the next taker, whom down the road might this be?  Truly historically significant cars have done well for a few generations, but ask nearly anyone whom has paid attention to car values, as to how well the often as identified "prewar" (WWII, which in my book means "inter-war" period and "pre-war" would actually be before WWI!) and then also of the "post-war" and "cars of the fifties", they'll tell you investment-wise, you'd be better off picking up some swamp-land in Florida.   :o

     And remember your considering buying this as an "investment" not as a "collector" or as with your own personally whim interest, and I'm not sure that the "Saleen" moniker really adds anything monetarily significant to the mix.  Yes, the Salesman is always going to expound the significant rarity and enhanced value, but the truly receptive audience for such is, as I believe, not that great.  Besides, as I recall, most Saleens were bought by the then older generations (they could afford the markup!) attempting to be "hip", solely for the perceived "bragging rights" and "one upmanship" value in that number on the front bumper!   ::)

     Scott.

       

1175

Although when new, a convertible may have been more desirable, a hatchback would be more desirable these days.

Think Porsche 911.  When new, the cabriolets were the ticket.  Nowadays price reflects the opposite with hardtop vs cabriolet.

Looks like a nice car, but wouldn't buy for 'investment' purpose. 

Just my humble opinion.

Jon

Krelboyne

That is a good question. My initial search shows:
1. Cobra R
2. Saleen
3. probably the McLaren.
As I recall, the last two versions were heavy on optional performance modifications.
I recall the standout feature of the McLaren Mustang/Capri, was a more 'raked' back windshield?
Scott Behncke - Carchaeologist @ WCCC

Bill

Quote from: tesgt350 on May 01, 2026, 11:16:52 AMIt is an 89 and #154.  It is priced at $39,900.  When I say Short Term, I mean 2 to 5 Years.

Don't look at it from a ROI mindset, instead look at it as a shiny toy that you either want to own, or need to own. Let the next generation worry about it future sale price when you are gone from this plane of existence. Quite frankly, to do otherwise ruins the experience of ownership right from the start.
Instead of being part of the problem, be part of a successful solution.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FORUM TROLL
https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=16401.0

JohnSlack

There are far better "investment" bets than the Saleen. They really even lost popularity when they were new.


John

shelbymann1970

Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on May 01, 2026, 04:50:15 PMIt's not an investment. But you'll lose less money than buying a current Mustang GT convert.
9,000 is low miles but once you hit that 10,000 mile mark buyers will no longer look at it the same way. There seems to be a 4 digit mileage good - 5 digit bad mentality.
In reality it is an investment for the dealer. He probably gave sub 30 for the car and is looking for a 10 grand payday. With another 5 years of driving on it I'll wager it's in the $25-30 range at a private sale.

I Don't know the market on these cars.  I know a guy who sold this car with 11k miles . Why so much? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-ford-saleen-mustang-sc-convertible-2/
Shelby owner since 1984
SAAC member since 1990
1970 GT350 4 speed(owned since 1985).
  MCA gold 2003(not anymore)
1969 Mach1 428SCJ 4 speed R-code (owned since 2013)
"2nd" owner of 68 GT500 #1626

98SVT - was 06GT

Quote from: shelbymann1970 on May 02, 2026, 01:47:40 AMI Don't know the market on these cars.  I know a guy who sold this car with 11k miles . Why so much? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-ford-saleen-mustang-sc-convertible-2/
Rarity
The 1993 Saleen SC (Supercharged) convertible is an ultra-rare, high-performance Fox Body Mustang, with only a few produced (some sources suggest as few as 2 to 4) in that final year. These cars are highly sought after by collectors, with one yellow 1993 Saleen SC convertible being a known 1-of-1 example, while others have commanded high prices, including bids exceeding $200,000. They typically feature a Vortech-supercharged 5.0L V8
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang, 1998 SVT 32V, 1929 Model A Coupe, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
Member since 1975 - priceless

pbf777

Quote from: shelbymann1970 on May 02, 2026, 01:47:40 AMWhy so much? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-ford-saleen-mustang-sc-convertible-2/

    It's simply the scenario of B.A.T., MECUM, Barrett Jackson, ie. the "auction fever" reaction by bidders of just going "all-in", no matter what the cost vs. actual value might be!  :o

    But I sure wouldn't want to be that guy, if the intention was to flip that Saleen for a profit; any time soon that is!  ::)

    Scott.