What happens when a legend is coupled with high-performance talent? Masterpieces are created. There is no exception in this case either. Performance designer & developer Steven Saleen and legendary racecar driver Parnelli Jones teamed up to create a modern Ford Mustang cast in the appearance of the 1970 Boss 302 that Jones won the Trans Am Championship (in 1970) with. Was this a worthy concept? Worthy enough for Saleen to plunge forward and arrange for 500 of these Grabber Orange limited edition wonders to be produced.

Details, details, details...

Where to start? Well, as mentioned, a bold paint choice of Grabber Orange lacquers the Pony up quite nicely, with accented black striping on the perimeter and hood. Oh, and don't forget the Shaker sitting warmly on top of the hood, either; it serves as a commanding sign of nostalgia this car demands. Other time-honored ornaments helping tailor the suit are: 302 emblems in the striping, a blackened trunk deck, and racing hood pins.

Saleen's twist adds a distinguished front fascia with a racing-style air dam, side skirts, rear fascia, a replica 1970 wing, a trunk insert license plate panel in chrome, rear window quarter panels, and a billet gas cap. Where would a Boss be without rear window louvers? Don't worry, they're included.

Pieces of the Past

Also included with the Boss offspring are sets of cling-style decals; one set of number 15's to honor Parnelli Jones' racing career and another set of Ford Blue Ovals-just like the 1970 Boss 302 Mustang had when saddled for the track. "We designed this commemorative vehicle to capture the raw, aggressive feel that Parnelli raced with, and created a racing revolution," explained Steve Saleen, at the Mustang's debut.

What's Inside Counts

The Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Ford Mustang holds a new Saleen 3-valve modular V8 engine beneath the hood. Want to guess its size? You got it...302 cubic inches! There's no better way to keep the car's ties to the past alive with today's technology. The new 302 ci V8 puts out 370 hp @ 6000 rpm & 370 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm. A specialized Saleen tune (utilizing PowerFlash technology) milks the most out of the valve train, forged internals (pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft) making the lightweight aluminum flywheel spin as quickly as possible.

Suspension components on the Mustang are all inherited from Saleen's repertoire. A Watts-Link setup, extrapolated directly from racing and performance applications, gives the car modern day grip and support, yet remains surprisingly similar to Parnelli's original 1970 Boss.

Shining Reflections

"Parnelli Jones is an American racing icon," said Saleen. "In the fifties, sixties and seventies Parnelli won just about every race that he appeared in, including the Indy 500. 1970 was the year that the SCCA Trans Am Series boasted the most competitive field ever, and Parnelli Jones and his Boss 302 Mustang competed against the likes of Mark Donahue and Dan Gurney, and there he captured the championship. Our relationship began in 1987 when Parnelli raced for me on the Saleen team, and helped us win our first SCCA Manufacturer's Championship at Sebring, Florida. I can't think of any other individual who brings with him the unique connection between championship winning Mustangs and Saleen."

Parnelli Jones replied, "It's a true honor to have a special edition Saleen wearing my name. This impressive car takes me back in time-it makes me want to take it for a run around the track. I'm sure that this car will be an adrenaline-pumping experience for anyone who has the chance to own or drive one. I think that this car is going to evoke nostalgia not only for Steve Saleen and myself, but for everyone who lays their eyes on it."

See more at Saleen.com