In this WebRidesTV.com special, the legendary Parnelli Jones and Steve Saleen introduced the Parnelli Jones edition Mustang. Born Rufus Parnell Jones, Parnelli was nicknamed by his childhood friend to keep his parents from discovering that he was racing at the age of 17! After a distinguished career in all types of racing, from off-road to NASCAR, Jones started to restore a 1970 Boss 302 for himself. He approached Saleen with his idea for a modern version after realizing how dated the design of the original he was restoring had become. Steve loved the idea, and the Parnelli Jones edition was born. This Saleen designed Mustang is a modernized replica of Jones’ 1970 Trans Am Championship winning Boss 302 Mustang.
Staying true to the original, authentic reproductions of the hood scoop, chrome strips and accents, as well as the orange with black stripe paint scheme, and other touches like the rear window screen and wing found their way onto the modern Parnelli Jones Edition.
Using a stock Mustang as the base platform, the entire engine was changed out for an authentic Boss 302 motor… a modern one of course! Five liters and 302 cubic inches of normally aspirated fury power this street machine down the road, putting out an impressive 400HP and 390ft/lbs of torque. The custom grill and lights as well as the black with orange thread interior bespeak modern comfort while staying true to its racing heritage.
Small touches like the reproduction mini-light inspired rims and the modernized yet authentic wats-link rear suspension, unique to the original 70’s car, were used on this blast form the past. Sporting a solid rear axle coupled to the wats-link suspension engineered by Saleen to fit the new Mustang, the Parnelli Jones edition is slightly stiffer sprung than a regular Saleen pony.
Nathan Swartzbaugh, of the new generation of Le Mans Series Pro drivers, took the Parnelli Jones edition out for spin, putting it through its paces on the street. Featuring a limited run of only 500 cars, the Parnelli Jones is as rare as it is unique.
