Saleen Automaker For Sale! - Exotic Car Forums : Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, GTR, Bugatti, and More!

**synth19** · 11-16-2008, 12:26 PM

From LeftLane

It seems like every day there is some headline involving the economic downturn and at least one of the major automakers, but very rarely is there anything on the smaller manufacturers. But even the little guys are feeling the economic strain, with Saleen recently announcing that its operations are up for sale.

Saleen is best known for tuning Ford products, but also produces the S7 supercar and has plans to produce the S5S concept shown at last March’s New York Auto Show. In addition to working on its own creations, Saleen also built the GT for Ford and has a hand in the production of the Dodge Viper.

The automaker has been in a bit of turmoil since Hancock Park Associates purchased a majority stake in Saleen in 2004, which ultimately lead to the departure of Steve Saleen, the company’s founder. High gas prices and the recent economic downturn have further eroded the business, leading to the ‘For Sale’ sign in Saleen’s front yard.

According to Automotive News, Saleen’s board is hoping for a quick sale, with a time table for a signed deal set for early next year. Saleen isn’t wasting any time getting the ball rolling as it has already sold 20 Ford Mustang GTs, office equipment and factory equipment at auction.

**jeremycliff** · 11-16-2008, 06:58 PM

Wow, that sucks. I wonder if theyll be letting some S7's go at extremely discounted prices.

I'd love to get one of those some day.

**Dino V** · 11-16-2008, 10:01 PM

Doesn't surprise me, I have seen many Saleens sitting on dealer lots for awhile.

mcderns · 12-02-2008, 08:25 AM

I met Steve Saleen last year at a friends wedding in California. Super nice guy. My buddies wife is best friends with his daughter. Another friend out there works for Saleen in the design dept. He said it was all downhill after Steve left.

**synth19** · 12-02-2008, 08:49 AM

^ No way, that is pretty cool. What is Steve up to these days? Is he still involved in automotive design?

11-16-2008, 12:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
synth19 Administrator Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 418	Saleen Automaker For Sale! From LeftLane It seems like every day there is some headline involving the economic downturn and at least one of the major automakers, but very rarely is there anything on the smaller manufacturers. But even the little guys are feeling the economic strain, with Saleen recently announcing that its operations are up for sale. Saleen is best known for tuning Ford products, but also produces the S7 supercar and has plans to produce the S5S concept shown at last March’s New York Auto Show. In addition to working on its own creations, Saleen also built the GT for Ford and has a hand in the production of the Dodge Viper. The automaker has been in a bit of turmoil since Hancock Park Associates purchased a majority stake in Saleen in 2004, which ultimately lead to the departure of Steve Saleen, the company’s founder. High gas prices and the recent economic downturn have further eroded the business, leading to the ‘For Sale’ sign in Saleen’s front yard. According to Automotive News, Saleen’s board is hoping for a quick sale, with a time table for a signed deal set for early next year. Saleen isn’t wasting any time getting the ball rolling as it has already sold 20 Ford Mustang GTs, office equipment and factory equipment at auction.

11-16-2008, 06:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
jeremycliff Media Director Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago Heights, Illinois Posts: 127	Wow, that sucks. I wonder if theyll be letting some S7's go at extremely discounted prices. I'd love to get one of those some day. __________________ www.flickr.com/jeremycliff www.vimeo.com/jeremycliff www.myacreative.com

11-16-2008, 10:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dino V Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 682	Doesn't surprise me, I have seen many Saleens sitting on dealer lots for awhile. __________________ "Run your car, not your mouth" "At the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry"

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12-02-2008, 08:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
mcderns Noob Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 8	I met Steve Saleen last year at a friends wedding in California. Super nice guy. My buddies wife is best friends with his daughter. Another friend out there works for Saleen in the design dept. He said it was all downhill after Steve left.

12-02-2008, 08:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
synth19 Administrator Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 418	^ No way, that is pretty cool. What is Steve up to these days? Is he still involved in automotive design?