This car shown here is a 2001 Saleen S7-R, chassis S7-01-002R. In total, approximately 71 Saleen S7 examples were hand-built by American automobile manufacturer Saleen Automotive Inc., spanning across all variations of the model. Saleen developed just around 22 naturally aspirated S7s, 30 twin-turbocharged S7s, 16 S7Rs, and 3 S7 Le Mans cars from 2000 until 2019. The S7 model debuted for the first time ever in August of 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races and was originally powered by a naturally aspirated 7.0L Ford Windsor V8. By the year 2005, the S7 model was fitted by the factory with Garret twin-turbochargers producing 5.5 psi of boost to make for 750hp total. The S7 was the first fully proprietary car produced American automobile manufacturer Saleen Automotive Inc., and the 6th ever mid-engined production sports car in America. American businessman and former racing driver, Steve Saleen was responsible for developing the S7 alongside Hidden Creek Industries (resources & funding), Ray Mallock Ltd. (chassis, suspension, aerodynamics), and Phil Frank for the exterior design. The interior and exterior were created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and the entire body of the S7 is made of carbon fiber. This particular S7 is an ‘R’ variant, a racing variation of the S7 model that was built to compete in grand tourer–style motorsports series. Initially, Ray Mallock Ltd.(RML) assembled the first bunch of S7-Rs under the supervision of Saleen until Saleen eventually took over the project with final outfitting being delegated to ORECA (Organisation Exploitation Compétition Automobiles in 2006. Tracking all 16 of the S7-Rs racing history is a very comprehensive project, but as far as this particular car goes, chassis S7-01-002R was entered into 74 events (41 finishes and 27 retirements) with 3 overall wins and a best result of 1st place (4x).
How many made? 16
Debut: The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races.
Engine: naturally-aspirated 427 cu in (7.0 L) Ford Windsor V8
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @parkedinmarseille
Research: @rarecarsonly
2001 Saleen S7-R
27.08.2024
Saleen