Extremely Rare 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 Is For Sale

It isn’t exactly every day that we come across a Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 for sale in any condition or capacity – and for very good reason, given the fact that only around 300 of them were built in total. In fact, we’ve only seen a couple of these high-performance SUVs surface at auction over the past few years, though YouTuber Doug DeMuro did manage to get his hands on one for a formal review back in 2023, and that example that was also auctioned off at the time. Now, this 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 has surfaced for sale, giving someone the rare chance to bring one home.

This particular Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 is up for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Hickory, North Carolina, and it’s number 28 built with just 26k miles showing on the odometer. It looks to be in great shape, and according to the owner, it’s been stored in a climate controlled environment since new. However, it isn’t bone stock, as this SUV has been fitted with upgraded headers, a Race Craft Suspension that drops it two inches, as well as N2 shocks and sway bars.

Otherwise, everything reportedly works as intended, and it features Saleen’s own front fascia, side skirts, door cladding, rear valence, rear wing, and graphics, plus Speedline 18-inch five-spoke magnesium wheels. Inside the cabin, there’s a numbered plaque and Saleen embroidery on the headrests, which helps further distinguish the performance-focused model from its more mundane counterparts.

Pop the hood, and one will find Ford’s 5.0L V8, which has been enhanced with a Saleen supercharger that boosted output up to 286 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. With a host of suspension upgrades, the XP8 was a solid performer during its heyday – but perhaps more importantly, it’s also a rare and rather cool piece of Blue Oval history, in general, making this one quite desirable.