TMSBrad

Scothew

JeffreyDJ

Beautiful car!

I've always thought it'd be fun to go see what Saleen (or Roush etc.) does when they tear a car down and build it back up. They did a great job on that one.

hatsharpener

Any specs on the car?

TMSBrad

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Saleen offered the ultimate in limited edition vehicles: the SA-20 Speedster. The SA-20 Speedster, based on the Saleen S281, was available as a convertible only and was powered by a 375 HP, 4.6L V8 featuring a Saleen Series IV Screw Type Intercooled Supercharger and Saleen Powerflash performance calibration system. There were only ten made, factory-custom painted Pearl White with Five Spoke 18� wheels painted to match. The SA-20 featured Saleen’s brand-new, never before seen 20th anniversary Tonneau cover with integrated light-bar design. In addition, the vehicle featured 20th anniversary black and yellow graphics, Saleen’s lightweight, vented, composite hood, S281 Extreme Wing and S281 Extreme Rear Fascia with center exhaust. The interior of the SA-20 featured 20th anniversary special edition Saleen leather sport seating, console plaque, custom floor mats and custom door panels. Of the ten SA-20s made, one was special ordered with an automatic transmission. (And it belongs to Blip.)

ford1

Very nice!!!

Scothew

Thats gorgeous...

Blip, I know you've said before, but I dont remember.. why the automatic?

stock01gt

That's purty

Blip

A lower back injury while in the Coast Guard eventually forced me to have surgery to restore the use of my left leg. However, there was enough nerve damage that I didn't get full use back.

There were days, when I had my previous 5 speed Saleen, that I could drive it okay, but if I got struck in traffic, it could sometimes become a problem pushing and holding down the clutch pedal. It was getting to the point after a relapse last summer that I just didn't want to drive the car any more.

Heard about the SA-20 program and was able to convince Saleen, (really Steve Saleen himself approved the special build), to find a white AOD equiped GT convertible to use for the SA-20 edition build-up, which then replaced one of the ten 5 spd chassis already reserved at Saleen, Inc.

Here's a picture of my car during the build process after getting its Extreme white paint.

dave 02 gt

imo

Blip

Here are a few more pictures of my SA 20 and some other ones under construction.
(Mine is the one still taped up after painting.)

mr-mstng

Great pics!

burningman

so blip you have the only aod one??

I like the blacked out hood and center exhaust. Glad you were able to get Saleen to hook you up. That rocks.

Is it just me or does the light bar sit alot lower in that car than normal?

TMSBrad

You're right BM, it's a light bar made especially for these 10 cars.

dave 02 gt

congrats blip for a 1 off/1 of 10

Blip

Thanks, it is kind of cool to have a 1 of 1 car--never had that before.

Yes, the light bar is now part of the speedster tonneau cover and sits much lower--really too low. It's a case of style over function.:notnice:

When the speedster cover is on, the inside rearview mirror is totally blocked. Your only rear vision is with the side mirrors and there are some BIG blind spots. I've had 2 close calls making lane changes and not seeing an overtaking car switch to the same lane, such as changing lane to exit the interstate.

Also, I think the new light bar/speedster cover combo will be used with the 04 speedster option, no more separate light bar. (Maybe they'll change the location a little.)

burningman

So if you take the speedster cover off, the lightbar come off with it?
I'm suprised Saleen didn't use the folding speedster cover and just allow you to toss it in the back seat for thos sudden downpores.

Scothew

Cool Story Blip, sorry to hear about the leg though.

Blip

Here's a picture of my cover spending the winter in the diningroom.

BM--I wish it was that easy to store. If you get caught in the rain, either you get wet or abandon the cover, 'cuse it don't fit under the ragtop!

(Really, the cover and other stuff is in there because we are expanding our laundry/mudroom and part of the garage. Even having the new Galdiator wall system put into part of the garage so it will be easy to hang the cover when it's not on the car)

TMSBrad

You need to pick up an ABC Exclusive two-piece speedster cover. They tuck behind the front seats so you can put the top up.