Jason Dietsch’s collection of rare Saleens will hit the Mecum auction block this May.
Steve Saleen’s influence on Ford Mustangs since 1985 has left an indelible mark on enthusiasts like Jason Dietsch. Hailing from Hicksville, Ohio, Dietsch was mesmerized by the performance-enhanced Saleen Mustangs showcased at his local Noah Yoder Ford dealership during his youth. Despite being out of reach financially, the allure of these cars fueled Dietsch’s determination to create his own Saleen tribute.
Undeterred by budget constraints, Dietsch embarked on his journey by transforming a wrecked 1987 Mustang hatchback into a Saleen tribute in 1989. Gradually, he pieced together his dream car by acquiring Saleen parts from Yoder’s and meticulously installing them. This endeavor became a recurring theme in his life, as he repeated the process with a 1990 ‘7-Up’ Mustang in 1991.
As Dietsch transitioned into adulthood, his passion for Saleen vehicles remained unwavering. Over the years, he dedicated himself to amassing a remarkable collection of Saleen-modified Fords, including authentic examples from Saleen’s portfolio and a unique build of his own. Now, this extraordinary collection, known as the Jason Dietche Saleen Collection, is set to headline Dana Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis this May.
Among the highlights of Dietsch’s collection are six Fox-body era Saleen Mustangs, including a rare 1986 hatchback with only 29,435 miles on the odometer. Noteworthy examples from the collection include two 1989 convertibles and a highly sought-after 1989 SSC model, showcasing Saleen’s distinctive performance upgrades and design elements.
Beyond Mustangs, Dietsch’s collection features two exceptional finds: a 1997 Explorer XP8 and a 1988 Ranger Sportruck, both meticulously maintained and showcasing Saleen’s expertise in enhancing Ford’s lineup beyond just Mustangs.
Completing the collection is a 2005 Ford Focus Saleen S121, a pocket rocket painted in a rare Egg Yolk Yellow, boasting enhanced performance and attention-grabbing design cues.
Dietsch’s dedication to Saleen vehicles culminated in memorable encounters with company founder Steve Saleen, who praised the pristine condition of Dietsch’s cars as akin to stepping into a time capsule.
After three decades of passionate collecting, Dietsch’s cherished collection will find new homes as it goes under the hammer at Indy 2024. Reflecting on his journey, Dietsch expressed profound satisfaction in realizing his childhood dream of owning a Saleen vehicle and curating an entire collection.
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