Saleen S1

Information

The unique, running prototype of the Saleen S1 was built for the model's debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is the only functional unit among the four prototypes created, the others being static show cars. Originally painted in Beryllium Orange, it was later repainted in Lizstick Red, a signature Saleen color, for promotional purposes—including appearances in videos featuring Jason Statham.

This prototype, never road-legal, is powered by a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 450 hp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Weighing only 1,218 kg, the car delivers strong performance figures: 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds, and a top speed exceeding 180 mph. It’s also capable of pulling an impressive 1.2g of lateral acceleration, highlighting its track-focused chassis and aerodynamic development.

Although the production of the Saleen S1 was initially set to begin in 2018, it never actually started, making this prototype even more significant. Used exclusively for development and marketing, the car has accumulated fewer than 1,000 miles. Removed from the company fleet around 2021, it was listed for sale on eBay in early 2024 by an American collector close to Saleen, but failed to sell despite bids reaching $75,300. To this day, it remains the only complete and functional S1 known.