Car Of The Month - Nov 09

Ned Bellinger's 1998 Saleen

I first heard about the 15th Anniversary Saleen from a club member who had just returned from the Knott’s Berry Farm show in California. I phoned Saleen and they said a lottery would be held for the 10 cars being produced, and if I sent a down payment check, I could be entered. So without any idea of what the car would look like, I sent in my check.

Obviously, I was selected. The cars were finished in September of 1998, and Saleen invited all of the owners to Irvine, California so we could be there for the unveiling and receive our cars.

Unfortunately though, Ford did not deliver all of the cars on time, so we were not able to take them home with us. It was really a blessing in disguise because Saleen then had to ship mycar to Seattle, saving many miles.

I received the car in January of 1999 and fortunately, it was not raining that day, so the car got home with the speedster back on it without flooding the interior.

It has been great fun driving the 4.6L Supercharged Saleen to many local and California shows.

It certainly has been a head turner!

- Ned Bellinger