In the 1980’s, a little known driver and Mustang tuner named Steve Saleen would build the foundation for an empire that would become paramount to Ford’s motorsports success. Saleen, who recently one back the company he built, got his start tuning the famed Fox-body Mustangs of the 1980’s, including the Saleen R Mustangs. The Saleen R’s came to dominate the SCCA motorsports events, and these rare and amazing speed machines have become highly collectible as a result.

That is why we couldn’t pass on today’s eBay Find of the Day, a 1988 Saleen Mustang R driven by Steve Saleen himself. This is easily one of the most valuable Fox-body Mustangs on the planet.

And for good reason; just 8 1988 Saleen Mustang R’s were built, all with the express purpose of dominating the SCCA Escort Endurance Series. Bought new from the factory, these Mustangs were cross-stitch welded to increase structural rigidity without increasing weight. Fenders were stretched to include wider sticky track tires, and the interiors were stripped of anything not deemed necessary.

The 5.0 engine was heavily worked over as well with GT-40 cylinder heads and a high-RPM camshaft. Other modifications helped bump horsepower to over 260 at the wheels (compared with around 205 for standard Saleen Mustangs), and the motor would rev to about 6,800 RPM. Alas, all of this wasn’t enough to win the ‘88 Championship title, though the team racked up six pole positions in eight races before finishing 38th in the final contest.

Regardless, this rare Mustang is worth every penny of the $75,000 asking price, and we think this car is destined for a new buyer who will appreciate its incredible history.