In 1998 Saleen started to modify a few Ford Explorers in the same way it had created scores of modified Ford Mustangs. The basic Saleen recipe was to take a Ford product and add a supercharger, body kit, a few badges and significant digits to the price tag. Saleen was one of the few aftermarket companies to be certified as an OEM, so Saleen actually issued its own vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Internet rumor lists the total production volume of the XP8 at around 125. Find this 1998 Saleen Explorer XP8 for sale in Fremont, CA for $13,900 via craigslist.
The Supercharged XP8 Explorer was powered by a 5.0 liter V8 putting out 286 horsepower and 366 ft-lbs of torque mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The example is both supercharged and all-wheel-drive, making it one of the more desirable of the XP8s and really reminds us of the old GMC Typhoon. This vintage Exploder was well known for its propensity to roll over - even though the problem was carefully blamed on Firestone tires. Anyone who has driven an old Explorer is certainly familiar with the tippy feeling in turns, but hope that the Saleen upgrade (that includes lowering springs and struts) will make the SUV feel more stable at speed.
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Too bad you don't get a pic of under the hood.
ReplyDeleteCollectable, is subjective. I just don't see the value in a "saleen" explorer. Yeah, nice suv, but collectable? I just drove a 2001.5 S4 yesterday w/rs4 turbos big valve heads, putting down 348hp/385lbs at the wheels(dyno sheet to prove) for $8500. Too many other good vehicles out there to even take a second look at this.-my .02 Josh
ReplyDeleteAgreed. An Explorer dipped in Saleen sauce isn't enough to kill the taste of the Explorer.
DeleteApples and oranges. Besides, B5 S4 is nearing the bottom of its depreciation curve, and with more than 13,000 sold in the US it's not exactly rare, is it? I'm not a buyer for this Explorer, but it's an interesting alternative to a Typhoon, which has become collectible for many.
DeleteThere are at least three problems with this truck:
ReplyDelete1. Maintenance and repair costs will reflect the fact that it's a 15-year-old limited production highly modified specialty vehicle
2. Most people will just think you spent 14 large for an old Ford Explorer with a body kit
3. No matter how much goodness Saleen breathed on this, it's still a 1998 Ford Explorer
I agree... overpriced by about $5K or so. Typhoons in good condition can sell for much less.
Delete" Most people will just think you spent 14 large for an old Ford Explorer with a body kit" who gives a shit what other people think, if you are buying a vehicle because what other people think then you are buying it for the wrong reason.
DeleteIt will remain to be seen whether the Saleen name keeps creations like this valuable in the future. The FnF generation will reminisce of Saleen-kitted SN-95 mustangs when bidding $20k+ for something like this.
ReplyDeleteIs this still for sale???
ReplyDeleteIs the truck still available serious I'm a serious buyer contact me soon as possible at fordranger451@gmail.com
ReplyDelete