Saleen Ford Mustangs and Trucks Fetch $250,000 at Mecum Auctions Indy Classic

Jason Dietsch’s Saleen Mustang Collection Auctioned at Mecum Indianapolis

“Collections,” or groups of six or more special vehicles that are owned and now being sold by one person or entity, are major elements of every Mecum vehicle auction.

Regardless of the type of cars or trucks in each collection, hearing an auctioneer qualify a vehicle by announcing it is “from the X, Y, or Z collection” adds a level of prestige that differentiates it from other similar vehicles up for bid.

Jason Dietsch’s Saleen Ford Collection at Mecum

At the 37th Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Jason Dietsch presented nine of his Saleen Fords as a collection. The batch hit our radar about a month prior to the May 2024 event. With Saleen cars in the spotlight since the recent unveiling of the 800-horsepower Saleen 302 Mustang Black Label, we decided to keep an eye on Jason’s cache as it crossed the block.

Auction Highlights

As anticipated, the coveted 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen SSC emerged as the biggest winner for Jason, hammering at $80,000. This car is one of only 250 produced in recognition of Mustang’s 25th anniversary.

Following closely, a white 1989 convertible brought in $42,000. Another white ’89 ragtop (with a black top) in Jason’s collection reached a high mark of $20,000 but curiously did not sell.

One standout was Jason’s 1988 Ford Ranger Saleen Sportruck, which sold for $39,500. We first saw this unique vehicle at the NMRA’s Saleen reunion event in Norwalk, Ohio, showcasing its rarity and excellent condition.

The immaculate 1990 Saleen LX hatchback surprisingly did not sell when the hammer dropped at $28,000. However, after being placed in the “And the Bid Goes On…” standby area, a deal was reached at $33,000, and it now has a new owner.

Another cool vehicle in Jason’s collection, the 1997 Ford Explorer XP8, sold for $22,000. This SUV comes packed with a centrifugal-supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine and Saleen’s suspension modifications, ensuring its performance credibility.

A 1986 Mustang that would make any hardcore enthusiast’s heart race hammered for a lower than expected $21,000, considering its excellent condition and Saleen pedigree.

Conclusion: The Auction Experience

Two vehicles from the Jason Dietsch Collection did not sell at the Indianapolis auction. Non-sales are often due to a seller’s reserve price not being met, leading to unfulfilled negotiations.

Following Jason’s journey of selling a collection of special Saleen vehicles at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction was an exciting and pressure-filled experience. With total sales exceeding $232,000 (not including auction fees), Jason’s Saleen collection illustrates the potential value of specialty vehicles, which may appreciate significantly over time.


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