Saleen XP8 98-0001
Pictures of Saleen Ford Explorer XP8 98-0001. Do you see the differences in this XP8 from the others that came after it? To start, take a look at the rear bumper.
Here is some more info:
It was built on a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT chassis (registered/titled as a 1996 Explorer) and utilized as a press vehicle and test mule for the company. This vehicle was featured in the original Saleen Explorer Sales Brochure, Saleen Performance Parts
catalog, and numerous periodicals during 1997-1998.
This is not the XP8 in the Motor Trend video. 98-0001 and 98-0002 (built on a 1997 chassis) were both featured in a lot of early photoshoots and appearances. 98-0002 had a carbon fiber hood; 98-0001 did not. 98-0003 was also built on a 1997 chassis.
There is a lot of documentation and paperwork on this vehicle all the way back to the original owner (the daughter of Steve Saleen's former business partner). Options are key in determining the value of these XP8s. This has all the options that were
available at the time (the carbon fiber hood, Alcon brakes, and Saleen pedals were not available yet).
Drivetrain: 5.0L motor with Powerdyne supercharger, 4-speed automatic transmission, 3.73 limited-slip rear axle, and Borla exhaust.
Exterior: Crystal White paint, XP8 aerodynamic body kit (Front fascia, side skirts, rear bumper, and rear wing), and carbon fiber mirrors.
Interior: Medium Graphite interior, Recaro Trend front and rear seats, Saleen instrumentation, carbon fiber accents (dash, rear console, steering wheel), and CoCo floor mats.
Other: Racecraft Suspension and Speedline magnesium wheels with Falken Ziex 255-55-18 tires
There are several parts that are specific to this vehicle. It is one of two with these front and rear bumper (notice no gills) covers and the carbon fiber rear console. There is also a set of one, maybe two off carbon fiber rear diffuser covers that go
with the vehicle but are not currently on the vehicle. They were damaged years ago.
Another blurb from an earlier sale in 2009:
This Explorer is the original prototype XP and first production XP8 in existence. Built on a 2wd 1996 Ford Explorer XLT chassis, this vehicle was used as the press vehicle and test mule for Saleen Performance. It was purchased at Manhattan Beach Ford on
March 15, 1996 and registered to Marni Johnson (Saleen Employee and daughter of Steve Saleen’s business partner Tony Johnson). According to the letter of authenticity by Team Saleen, the Saleen manufacture date is 03/16/1996 and is one of a kind with
its color and options. It was used on the original two-page Saleen Explorer Sales Brochure, featured in the 4th edition of the Saleen Performance Parts Catalogue, and various car periodicals in 1997 and 1998. All documentation I have in my possession
will go with the Explorer.
I am the 3rd owner and I purchased the car in July 2005 with 83,000 miles. The previous owner purchased the car from Saleen Performance in 2000 with 25,000 miles. The previous owner drove the vehicle daily for nearly 4 years.
The Powerdyne supercharger was removed due to California EPA reasons as it was never certified for all 50 states on an OBD II vehicle. The mounting bracket is still on the car and the blower can be easily installed if sold out of state. The blower was
running perfectly when it was removed in 2007.
There is a MAC CAI currently on the car, and it passes CA smog with no problems. When you run a Carfax, it will show the failed smog check when the blower was on the truck.
Also removed (and included in the sale) is the one-off Saleen Carbon Fiber Rear Window Treatment. The carbon fiber was deteriorating and looked horrible. One of the pieces was damaged when they were removed. I'm unsure if the pieces can be restored, as I
am not familiar with carbon fiber repair.
Also in need of TLC are the original CoCo floor mats. The driver's side needs to be repaired, and the passenger-side one is faded. The two rear mats are in fine shape.
Information and photos researched/collected by Big White Ford Explorer. I've been maintaining the photo registry of the Saleen XP8 and Saleen XP6 Ford Explorer SUV / PUV Trucks since 2007.
If you have any questions about the Explorer or Saleen XP8/XP6 - I'm glad to help
https://www.instagram.com/bigwhitefordexplorer/
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