....I could be driving a Volvo

The heart of the Parnelli Jones Edition is its Boss 302 engine. Ford wanted to keep the Boss label for a future project, so although the 302 appears in oddly familiar script around the vehicle, the word Boss is nowhere to be found. That's ok! In place of the 4.6-liter SOHC V8 of lesser 'Stangs, the PJ has a true 302. It starts out as a 4.6, but Saleen strokes and bores it to make it a Five-Point-Ohhhhhh. They also add bigger injectors, ported aluminum heads, performance camshafts, forged-aluminum pistons, forged-steel connecting rods, a forged-steel crank and dual exhausts with bitchin' big oval tips. Oh, and that huge Shaker scoop up top.

This is a race car remake so the Saleen team made sure the Mustang handles like a race car, but one suited for the street. The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is standard on this car, like on all Saleen Mustangs. The shocks, struts, and sway bars are designed by Saleen to help offer the extra grip and excellent road feel. The wheels check in at 19x9 up front and 19x10 out back and are branded with the Saleen/Parnelli Jones logo. Stopping power is provided by Saleen 14-inch brakes.

Turn the key and it does indeed shake. It also sets off car alarms within 4 parking spots of yours. Really. It revs freely and keeps going well past what you feel it should. Especially if you've driven other recent muscle cars. The whole time producing a wonderfully sonorous wail.

The transmission is possibly the weak link here. Saleen uses the standard Ford 5-speed manual, albeit with a nifty PJ billet short-throw shifter. Reassuringly firm, but a bit sloppy at times. Traction control is standard and helpful, rather than intrusive. You can spin the tires a bit before it intervenes, or shut it off and wait an extra tick or two before the tires hook up and launch you down the road.

It makes for a very satisfying driving experience. Overall, this has to be one of the best naturally aspirated powerplants ever made by Ford.

Watts linkage. Remember those two words. That's what takes this Mustang from acceptable to damn near perfect. As much as anyone would like the sweet-sounding, rev-happy motor, the suspension is what really convinced me this was the Mustang to have. The Parnelli still uses a solid-beam rear axle, but two Saleen-developed Watts links are added in place of the stock Panhard rods on each side. This allows Saleen to use PJ-specific RaceCraft Suspension pieces like a thicker anti-roll bar and stiffer springs, bushings and shocks all around.

The handling and braking of this car is great. The word balance keeps coming to mind. The Watts links really make a huge difference in giving a driver the confidence it takes to truly take on the canyons. It begs to be driven harder, which is very endearing. The steering was nicely weighted and the pedals and other controls gave great feedback so you knew what was happening at all times too. It all adds up to a winner in any book.

The high compression engine also features forged internal components, high revving valvetrain, and an aluminum flywheel. The computer has been calibrated using Saleen's PowerFlash technology. Adding visual excitement under the hood is a set of valve covers bearing the legendary 302 logo.

At the end of the day, this is one fine car. The best Mustang out there to say the least. That strong, free-revving engine, beefed up suspension and retro racer look make it the total package. With performance on par with BMW M3s, Audi RS4s, and Aston Martin Vantages, it can even be seen as somewhat of a bargain. And let's not discount the limited edition nature and the name on the dash. When you buy a car like this, you're buying a piece of the legend that surrounds it.

I have been asked, " How in the world can you put miles on this car Tracy?"...."It should be on blocks in your garage."

My response is..."I could be driving a Volvo."