A slice of automotive history with ties to one of boxing’s greatest legends is up for grabs. A meticulously preserved 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang, once owned by heavyweight champion George Foreman, has surfaced on Bring a Trailer, drawing attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. With less than 800 miles on the odometer, this supercharged marvel represents not just an era of raw American muscle but also a unique intersection of sports, celebrity, and engineering excellence.
The Saleen S351 Mustang was no ordinary pony car when it debuted in the mid-1990s. Built by famed tuner Steve Saleen, the S351 was designed to push the boundaries of performance while retaining the classic appeal of the Ford Mustang. This particular example, a Canary Yellow convertible, stands out even among its peers. Originally a press car loaned to media outlets for review, it eventually found its way into the hands of George Foreman—a man who knows a thing or two about power, both physical and mechanical. Yet, despite its illustrious ownership, this Mustang remains largely untouched, making it a true time capsule of automotive craftsmanship.
A Supercharged Legend with Celebrity Pedigree
The 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang was based on the fourth-generation Mustang platform, which served as the foundation for some of the most iconic performance cars of the decade. What set the S351 apart was its heart—a 5.8-liter Windsor V8 engine, supercharged to deliver jaw-dropping numbers. In standard form, the S351 produced 495 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, enough to rocket the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, according to Car and Driver. However, Foreman’s Mustang wasn’t content with “standard.” It came equipped with the R Code 500 package, which bumped output to an astonishing 510 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 172 mph, this Saleen was built to dominate roads and racetracks alike.
Underpinning the brute force of the engine was a suite of performance upgrades. The five-speed manual transmission ensured drivers had full control over the power delivery, while Racecraft suspension components provided razor-sharp handling. Staggered 18-inch Pirelli P Zero tires offered exceptional grip, and an extended rear spoiler added both aerodynamic stability and visual drama. Inside, the cabin was equally impressive, featuring black leather upholstery, Recaro bucket seats, and a driver-focused cockpit that emphasized the car’s sporting intent.
But what truly makes this S351 special is its backstory. As a former press car, it was likely driven briefly by journalists eager to test its limits before being passed along to Foreman. Despite his reputation for commanding power inside the ring, the heavyweight champion seemed content to let this Mustang sit idle. According to the listing, the odometer currently reads just 227 miles—a figure that reflects a replacement instrument cluster installed in 1996 at 505 miles. While the reason for the swap isn’t disclosed, the change is documented on the door jamb, preserving the car’s authenticity.
Preserving Originality: Patina Over Perfection
For collectors, low mileage often equates to value, but this Saleen S351 presents an intriguing dilemma. Having spent decades in Texas, the car shows signs of surface discoloration in the engine bay and undercarriage—minor imperfections that might raise eyebrows given its limited use. Warren Lu, representing the seller, explains that these blemishes are merely millimeters deep and could easily be remedied with a wire brush and cleaner. However, he also notes that the current owner prefers to leave them untouched, viewing them as part of the vehicle’s original patina.
“It’s all a matter of perspective and particular ownership,” Lu remarked. For some, preserving the car’s untouched condition—including its minor flaws—is essential to maintaining its historical integrity. After all, this isn’t just any S351; it’s a piece of automotive history with ties to both Saleen and George Foreman. Every detail, from its vibrant Canary Yellow paint to its matching hard tonneau cover, tells a story. Even the Saleen badging and graphics serve as reminders of the car’s elite status during its heyday.
The sale includes an extensive collection of documentation, further cementing the car’s provenance. From paperwork detailing its days as a press car to records of its ownership by Foreman, every aspect of its journey has been carefully chronicled. Monroney stickers, equipment manuals, and other related materials accompany the vehicle, offering a comprehensive look at its life thus far.
Why This Saleen Matters Today
In today’s collector car market, provenance and rarity are key factors driving demand. The 1995 Saleen S351 checks both boxes, thanks to its limited production run and celebrity connection. Only a handful of these cars were built each year, and even fewer received the R Code 500 package. Add in its association with George Foreman—a global icon whose name resonates across generations—and you have a recipe for desirability.
Beyond its collectible status, the S351 remains a formidable performer. Its supercharged V8 and race-bred chassis ensure that it can still hold its own against modern sports cars. For enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology, this Mustang represents the best of both worlds. It’s a rolling testament to an era when American muscle cars were evolving into precision machines capable of rivaling their European counterparts.
A Golden Opportunity for Collectors
As of this writing, bidding on the Saleen S351 sits at $37,000 with just two days remaining in the auction. Given its rarity, condition, and celebrity pedigree, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the final price climb significantly higher. For collectors, this is more than just a chance to own a rare piece of automotive history—it’s an opportunity to preserve a legacy.
Whether purchased as an investment or a passion project, this 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang promises to deliver excitement and admiration in equal measure. It’s a car that embodies power, prestige, and personality—all qualities that defined George Foreman’s career in the ring. And now, it awaits a new custodian ready to carry its story forward.
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