I arrived at work on this day to find a rare Saleen Mustang convertible parked in neighbor tech Rob's bay.

This car is a 2005 Saleen S281 3-Valve convertible.

Asking price on this 22k original mile car was $25,980.

For 2005, three Saleen Mustang models were available. This car is the S281 3-Valve non-supercharged edition and was available as a coupe or convertible. The supercharged version was called the S281 S/C, and was also available as a coupe or convertible. The third model was the S281 E, which stood for "Extreme," and offered 500 hp.

Saleen Mustangs are known for their performance modifications. This car has a modified version of Ford's 4.6L "3-Valve" V8 that makes 325 hp, (an increase of 25 hp over the standard Ford Mustang GT).

Saleen also tweaked the interior of the Mustang with special gauges, (including a 200 mph speedometer), upgraded seating and interior trim, and a special shifter.

The Ford Mustang was all-new for 2005 with retro styling. Saleen added its own unique body modifications to further distinguish the car. The only interesting thing I see in the photo above is the lack of the Saleen car number that should be on the front bumper. The ID tag under the hood identified this car as a genuine Saleen. My best guess is that the front bumper cover was repainted or replaced at some point, and the number never replaced.

The rear body was also given a unique treatment.

When I arrived at work the following day, the Saleen had taken its place on the front line next to another rare Mustang, a 2007 Roush 427R coupe.

The name "427R" is a reference to the car's horsepower output of 427 hp.

The 2005 Saleen S281 3-Valve convertible is one of 92 produced that year. Total Saleen Mustang production for 2005 was 1,351 cars.

As near as I can determine, this Roush 427R coupe is finished in Satin Silver with a Matte stripe, which makes it one of 23 produced with that combination for 2007. Total Roush Mustang production for 2007 was 2,136 cars.