One-Owner 41k-Mile 2002 Ford Mustang Saleen S281SC Convertible

Description

Richard McAdam, known as “Doc” to his friends and family, epitomizes "work hard, play hard." Born and raised in rural Appalachia, Doc went on to become a renowned neurosurgeon in Virginia. Patients could regularly find Doc pulling into the hospital parking lot in one of his beloved Cobras or high-performance Mustangs. These cars were driven and enjoyed by Doc through the years, taking his family on back road joyrides on sunny day commutes. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present the Doc McAdam Collection, offered entirely without reserve.

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OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Since I started building cars in 1984, my goal has always been to go above and beyond where anybody has been before”, said Steve Saleen. The 2002 Ford Saleen Mustang resulted from a storied partnership between Ford Motor Company and Steve Saleen, the motorsport entrepreneur who had been transforming Mustangs into high-performance machines since 1984. By 2002, Saleen Autosport had refined its craft into an art form, taking the base Ford Mustang GT and subjecting it to a comprehensive overhaul that elevated it far beyond its factory origins.

At the heart of the Saleen S281SC sits a 4.6-liter SOHC V8, force-fed by a Saleen-tuned Roots-type blower that pushed output to approximately 365 horsepower when new, a dramatic leap over the base GT's 260. A TREMEC TR‑3650 5‑speed transmits that power through a specially tuned suspension featuring Saleen-spec springs, Bilstein shocks, and upgraded anti-roll bars — giving the convertible handling that defies its soft-top layout.

Visually, the S281 is unmistakable. Saleen’s aggressive body kit — hood scoop, rocker extensions, rear wing, and rolled rear fender lips — gave it a purposeful, race-derived stance. The interior received serialized S281 badging, sport bucket seats, and a numbered build plaque, reinforcing its limited-production exclusivity.

Doc McAdam purchased this Saleen S281SC convertible — serial 02-138 — new at Wynne Ford in Hampton, Virginia, and has owned it since. Just 199 Supercharged convertibles were reportedly produced in 2002.

This 2002 Ford Mustang Saleen S281SC convertible is now offered by a Broad Arrow Specialist at no reserve with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean Virginia title in the current owner's name

Highlights

• Offered from the Doc McAdam Collection

• One of 199 S281 Supercharged convertibles produced in 2002

• Saleen Series II Supercharger system

• “PowerFlash” performance calibration system

• TREMEC TR‑3650 5‑speed manual transmission

• Finished in Mineral Gray (TK) with a Dark Charcoal leather (XW) interior

Factory Equipment

• Saleen’s upgrades to the standard Mustang GT include:

  • Based on Ford’s 4.6‑liter 2‑valve Modular V8

  • Fitted with a Saleen Roots‑type supercharger

  • Air‑to‑water intercooler

  • Saleen ECU Powerflash calibration

  • High‑flow intake system

  • 24 lb/hr fuel injectors

  • Saleen high‑flow mass air meter

  • Stainless steel 2.5‑inch Saleen exhaust

  • Revised cooling elements to handle sustained boost operation

  • Lowered ride height (~1.5 inches)

  • Saleen‑spec springs and shocks/struts

  • Thicker sway bars front and rear

  • Geometry tuned to reduce cowl shake common in convertibles

  • 13‑inch front brake rotors

  • Performance brake pads

  • Saleen 18‑inch alloy wheels

  • Performance-rated tires

  • Saleen front fascia with larger cooling openings

  • Side skirts unique to Saleen

  • Saleen windshield banner and side stripes

  • Rear bumper with integrated diffuser styling

  • Heat‑extractor hood

  • Rear wing

  • “SALEEN” rear bumper lettering

  • Serialized Saleen dash plaque (year + production number)

  • White‑faced Saleen gauges

  • Boost gauge added to instrument cluster

  • Saleen leather upholstery with embroidery

  • Saleen steering wheel

  • Short‑throw shifter

Servicing & Documentation

• Newly replaced alternator

• Nitto tires with 40% tread

• Paint meter readings of various body panels are provided in the documents

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History report

Known Imperfections

• Light curb rash on all four wheels

• Paint cracked on rear bumper cover

• Nicked and scraped front chin spoiler

• Some cracking starting on leather upholstery

• Tears on edge of drivers inside door panel

• Paint chips on rear scoops

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this one owner 2002 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 Supercharged convertible in Virginia from new.

Included Items

• Saleen front spare tire and wheel with special spacer to use on rear

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 Email: dgould@hagerty.com