07-30-06: In a new paradigm of automotive retailing, Steve Saleen opened the doors to a sprawling 5500 square foot automotive boutique store in Irvine, CA dedicated to the company's growing line of products. The upscale Irvine Spectrum shopping center plays host to the venue, located right next-door to Nordstrom and other high end shops.

Steve Saleen who is usually known for his calm and calculated style of public address was choking up with emotion as he announced his daughter’s significant role in launching the latest chapter in the Saleen story. The Saleen Store is a family affair.

In his dry sense of humor, Steve told the waiting crowd standing in the heat that he would finish up the ribbon cutting quickly and open the doors. “You will want to get inside, the store has air-conditioning”.

Well, air-conditioning was a welcome change of atmosphere but the heat was soon forgotten. In typical Saleen style, this is a first class operation from the design and theme of the store to the eclectic collection of products.

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Only here will you find coil springs, supercharger pulley upgrades and high fashion shoes displayed on the same shelf. A new line of Saleen apparel that is decidedly Southern California chic along with the traditional race track duds can be found throughout the store as well as the full line of popular Saleen high performance parts. There is literally something for everyone including Saleen die-cast cars, collectibles, memorabilia and other gift items.

On display of course are the real Saleen cars. There is a Saleen F-150, S-281, and S7 for your viewing pleasure. You can get up close and personal with the cars in the comfort of the aforementioned air-conditioning. While the fashion models who were stationed with the cars at the grand opening will not likely be there everyday, the cars still offer plenty of eye candy.

If you want one of the cars, they’ll sell you one. You can order your new Saleen S281-E or S7 right on the spot. The store is set up to offer test drives of Saleen automobiles, no-haggle pricing and can even give quotes for trade in vehicles. For the most part, you can handle the entire transaction on the spot.

If the price leaves you breathless no worries, the NO2 Oxygen Bar is right in the showroom to get your heart back in beat. They also have cold drinks, ice cream and a fresh bottle of NO2 for your car.

Once you get your refreshments, the coolest car display ever stands at the ready to help you really appreciate what goes into a Saleen Mustang. An S281 Extreme was surgically cut in half and pulled apart allowing you to walk through the middle of the car, getting a sharp visual on every single component that drives the car from 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds. The display really opens the door for understanding the level of technology and precision engineering that goes into the cars. Seeing the inner workings of the Saleen supercharger isn’t bad either.

If you still are looking for short attention span theatre, there is a ride simulator that features Saleen vehicles in a gaming environment. Cool.

So you might ask, what makes the store so special? Anyone can put together an auto parts, apparel and souvenir shop right? Not so fast. What sets this store apart is the fact that Steve Saleen and company have crafted this showplace with the same level of glamour and class that they do everything with. This place would be every bit at home on Rodeo Drive or in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian in Las Vegas. It's that good.

The Saleen Store is to the Mustang Enthusiast what a Bass Pro Shops or Cabella's super store is to the outdoor buff. We hereby officially place the store on the top ten list of Ford and Mustang tourist attractions in the US.

Where: The Irvine Spectrum, 111 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
When: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 11:00, Sunday 10:00 - 10:00