Introduction

The 1999 Saleen S351 wasn’t just another tuned Mustang—it was a beast born from passion, performance, and exclusivity. Saleen, the boutique automaker known for pushing Ford’s pony car to its limits, took the standard Mustang and transformed it into a fire-breathing street machine. With hand-built engines, limited production numbers, and unique styling, the S351 stood tall as one of the most powerful and rare Mustangs of the late 1990s.

For enthusiasts, this wasn’t simply a car; it was a statement. Owning a 1999 Saleen S351 meant you had one of the most iconic Saleens ever produced, rivaling European sports cars while carrying true American muscle DNA.

Technical Specifications Table

Feature	1999 Saleen S351
Engine	5.8L V8 (351 cu in)
Horsepower	495–550 hp (depending on configuration)
Torque	~490 lb-ft
0–60 mph	~4.6 seconds
Top Speed	~180 mph
Transmission	5-speed manual
Suspension	Racecraft tuned suspension
Brakes	Brembo or Alcon high-performance brakes
Wheels	18-inch Saleen alloys
Production Numbers	Fewer than 50 units

The Story Behind Saleen and the S351

Steve Saleen, a former racer turned car builder, founded Saleen Autosport in the 1980s. His mission was clear: transform Ford Mustangs into road-legal race cars. Unlike simple aftermarket tuners, Saleen offered factory-built cars with unique VINs, making them legitimate production vehicles.

The S351 program began in the mid-1990s and quickly became a halo car for the brand. The number “351” was a nod to the 351-cubic-inch (5.8L) V8 engine under the hood, a departure from Ford’s standard offerings. By 1999, Saleen had perfected the formula—raw horsepower, aggressive styling, and race-inspired handling.

Power and Performance of the 1999 Saleen S351

Under the hood, the 1999 Saleen S351 came alive with its hand-assembled 5.8L V8 engine. Depending on configuration, power output ranged from 495 horsepower in naturally aspirated form to well over 550 horsepower with supercharging.

This wasn’t just power on paper—it translated to blistering performance on the road. The S351 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds, placing it in the same league as contemporary Corvettes and even some European exotics.

Saleen reinforced the Mustang’s chassis with Racecraft suspension upgrades, bigger brakes, and optional performance tires, making sure the car handled like a track weapon. The result was a machine that felt equally at home on Main Street as it did at Laguna Seca.

Styling That Screams Aggression

The 1999 Saleen S351 stood apart visually. Saleen’s design cues included:

• A functional aero kit with front air dams, side skirts, and a distinctive rear spoiler.
• Saleen graphics, unique badging, and serialized plaques marking authenticity.
• 18-inch Saleen wheels wrapped in performance rubber.

Inside, the S351 received custom touches such as Saleen-embroidered sport seats, a white-faced gauge cluster, and sometimes even a roll bar for track-inspired flair. Buyers could personalize interiors with leather upgrades, making each S351 feel unique.

Rarity and Collectibility

One of the reasons the 1999 Saleen S351 is so sought after today is its rarity. Saleen only built a handful of these cars, with fewer than 50 S351s rolling out in 1999. Each carried a production number, making them highly collectible.

For collectors, rarity equals value. While a base 1999 Mustang GT may not turn heads at an auction, an S351 in good condition often commands six-figure prices today. Enthusiasts recognize it as one of the purest Saleens, built during the golden era of Mustang tuning.

Pricing and Market Value

Back in 1999, the Saleen S351 commanded a hefty premium over a standard Mustang. A fully loaded supercharged S351 could easily cost north of $60,000—an astronomical figure at the time.

Today, values vary based on condition, mileage, and originality. Clean, low-mileage examples often sell for $80,000–$120,000, while pristine models with supercharged engines can fetch even higher. Compared to modern Mustangs, the S351 represents both a performance bargain and an appreciating investment.

Driving Experience of the 1999 Saleen S351

Behind the wheel, the 1999 Saleen S351 delivered a visceral experience. The rumble of the 5.8L V8, the immediate throttle response, and the raw exhaust note all reminded you this wasn’t just a car—it was a muscle-bound monster.

Unlike modern cars loaded with electronic aids, the S351 demanded driver skill. There was no traction control to save you if you got careless with the throttle. But for those who respected its power, it offered pure adrenaline and unmatched driving joy.

Competition and Comparison

In 1999, the S351 competed with Chevrolet’s Corvette C5, Dodge’s Viper, and European entries like the Porsche 911. While those cars offered refinement, the Saleen stood out for its brute strength and exclusivity.

It wasn’t the most comfortable long-distance cruiser, but that wasn’t the point. The 1999 Saleen S351 was about raw American horsepower—a throwback to an era when muscle cars ruled the streets.

Why Enthusiasts Still Love the 1999 Saleen S351

Even decades later, the 1999 Saleen S351 holds legendary status among Mustang fans. Here’s why:

• It represents the pinnacle of Saleen engineering in the pre-2000 era.
• Limited production makes it ultra-rare.
• Its hand-built 351 V8 delivers timeless muscle.
• Collectors value it as a milestone in Mustang history.

For many, it’s not just a car but a dream machine, the kind of Mustang you hang posters of on your wall.

Conclusion

The 1999 Saleen S351 remains a crown jewel in the world of American muscle. With its limited production, raw horsepower, and undeniable presence, it continues to be one of the most respected and sought-after Mustangs ever produced. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, it represents more than a car—it’s a piece of history, a reminder of when Saleen dared to push Ford’s pony car into supercar territory.

Whether you admire it from afar or dream of owning one, the 1999 Saleen S351 stands as proof that true performance legends never fade.

FAQs About the 1999 Saleen S351

Q1: What makes the 1999 Saleen S351 so special?

The combination of rarity, hand-built engines, and track-level performance makes it one of the most collectible Mustangs ever.

Q2: How much is a 1999 Saleen S351 worth today?

Depending on mileage and condition, prices range from $80,000 to well over $120,000.

Q3: Was the 1999 Saleen S351 faster than a Corvette?

Yes, in many configurations it rivaled or beat the C5 Corvette in straight-line speed.

Q4: Is the S351 still drivable today?

Absolutely. Well-maintained examples remain reliable, but they demand skilled driving due to raw power and lack of electronic aids.

Q5: How can you verify an authentic S351?

Saleen cars carry unique serial numbers and plaques verifying authenticity. Always cross-check with Saleen’s registry.

Q6: How many 1999 Saleen S351s exist?

Fewer than 50 were produced, making them exceptionally rare.

Q7: Did Saleen build both coupes and convertibles?

Yes, though coupes were more common than convertibles.

Q8: What was the stock Mustang GT horsepower in 1999?

A base GT produced around 260 horsepower, less than half of what the S351 offered.

Q9: Can parts still be sourced for the S351?

Many parts are available through specialty suppliers and Saleen enthusiasts’ networks.

Q10: How does the 1999 Saleen S351 compare to modern Saleens?

While newer Saleens may offer more tech, the S351 remains one of the rawest, most powerful builds in Saleen history.