Saleen s7-r GT1 #014R
1 OF 16 FACTORY BUILT COMPETITION EXAMPLES
COMPETED IN MAJOR RACES SUCH AS LE MANS 24, SPA 12, SEBRING 12 AND PETIT LE MANS
FOUR POLE POSITIONS IN THE 2004 FIA GT CHAMPIONSHIP
ELIGIBLE FOR LE MANS CLASSIC AND ENDURANCE RACING LEGENDS
The GT1 era at Le Mans is one of the most legendary eras in Le Mans history. Producing such iconic cars as the Porsche GT1, McLaren F1 GTR, Mercedes CLK, Aston Martin DBR9, Chevrolet Corvette C6R and Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT to name a few. However, there was one brand which sprung out of nowhere and captured the hearts of countless fans. On top of this it proved competitive, not just at Le Mans, but across the globe against the might of the major works efforts.
Saleen is a name that some could be forgiven for not being familiar with, yet in a short space of time it rose to produce not just iconic supercars, but their mighty racing variants.
With its all new S7R, Saleen combined cutting edge European engineering expertise with American power to create one of the fastest cars in GT1 history. Renowned engineering firm Ray Mallock (RML) was initially tasked with construction of the cars whilst Phil Frank was tasked with the stunning styling. When coupled with its mighty Roush-developed 7-litre Ford V8, the result was incredible.
In 2001 the S7R made its competition debut and it did not disappoint, bringing home a podium for the American manufacturer. Once this result showed what the car was capable of, there was no turning back for Saleen and their GT1 programme. More success soon followed, not just in all major European series but also on its home turf in the American Le Mans Series. It wasn’t long before GT1 rivals viewed S7Rs as a serious threat.
Whilst the first half of S7Rs were built by RML in the UK, after 2003 production shifted to Saleen’s native California. From this point all new cars received a number of upgrades aimed at improving reliability, speed and the overall driveability of the car to keep it competitive. It should be noted that most of the early production still in active duty also received these upgrades eventually. What is remarkable is the longevity of the S7R, which remained competitive across 10 seasons, an accomplishment no other GT1 car holds.
This chassis is one of the finest examples of the S7R and started life being delivered to the well-known Konrad Motorsport outfit, where it was soon resplendent in their signature white and turquoise livery. Konrad debuted their new car in the 2001 European Le Mans Series. However, before long it made the move over to the American Le Mans Series where it would compete in one of its biggest races, the Petit Le Mans.
The 2002 season would be one of the most important seasons for this chassis. Not so much because of the results it obtained, but because of the calibre of races it competed in. The start of the season saw the car transported over to the United States to tackle the forever iconic Sebring 12 hours. After this the car would make it’s way back to Europe to compete in the biggest race of them all, the Le Mans 24 Hours. After the team did not achieve the success they were searching for, the car headed back to the States for a second chance at the Petit Le Mans crown.
2004 saw the chassis competing in the hotly contested FIA GT championship where it would finally show it’s lightning speed. This chassis would achieve 4 pole positions across the season over what many people believe to be the greatest GT1 cars of all time, the Maserati MC12 and the Aston Martin DBR9. The 2004 season would also add the Spa 24hrs to the already impressive CV of 014R. It didn’t end there though as the car continued to be raced in FIA GT up until 2010
The mighty Saleen S7R not just known for its dramatic looks, fearsome sound and impressive results, but also for its incredible speed. It was one of the only GT1 cars to not just compete against, but outpace the might of Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Ferrari and Maserati. Indeed, the S7R to this day holds the accolade for the fastest ever GT1 lap of Spa Francorchamps, when Labre Competition achieved a 2:13.9 lap in 2008.
Since its retirement, chassis 014R has been restored and race prepared by BBM Sport and has seen success in the incredibly popular Endurance Racing Legends series. This is the ideal car for the historic racer looking for something a little different, something that will turn heads, score trophies and put a huge smile on their face. Now available for viewing in our showroom.
