Mecham Vs. Saleen

Many of you here know that Mecham Racing, at least their 1980s efforts, are very overlooked today. In fact, the majority of the publicity goes to their earlier efforts. Which are the DKM “Macho” Trans am cars built from 1977-1980. My goal here is to not discuss the history of DKM or of Mecham Racing. However what I want to show here is a classic example of doing all the work and getting none of the credit for it.

The main push for the production of the Mecham Racing Trans Am cars in the 1980s was to showcase their efforts in SCCA Racing. With the simple idea “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”. However what is not largely remembered (outside the old school SCCA/Trans Am enthusiasts who are quickly dwindling in numbers), is that Mecham Racing as a whole started with a 1981 Mustang (MSE Press Release).

Here is one of the 1981 Mustangs which was pivotal in the creation of Mecham Racing. What this signifies, to me, is the transition from the 1970s DKM Macho cars to the 1980s Mecham Racing MSE cars.

The large Takeaway here is that Mecham Racing started with Fox Body Mustangs. All other endeavors before this, was DKM.

With Mecham Racing being officially created the next goal was to develop a new car. Moving away from the Mustang Mecham went back to their roots with the new 1982 Trans Am. With its sleek body lines, and overall well designed structure, Mecham Racing was able to win a SCCA championship with their Huffaker motorsports engineered car. The bomb shell here is, the drivers were Elliott Forbes-Robinson, and Steve Saleen

Here to see, clear as day, are two of the major cars raced by Steve Saleen in 1982. The first photo is of the commonly seen #50/#55 cars. Sponsored by Mecham Racing. They are, quite literally, the first cars that pop up when you google Mecham Racing. On both the drivers, and passengers roof of the car. You can see “Steve Saleen”.

Saleen started Saleen Motorsport in 1983 and started the creation of his own cars, The Saleen Mustang. This all happens roughly about 24 months after Mecham Racing started making Modifications to their own cars. Seen below is the first Saleen Mustang Ever built:

Some Visual Comparisons

Break Down By The Numbers

Interior

Mecham Racing: 170 MPH Speedometer With “MR” Logo (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: 170 MPH Speedometer with “Saleen” Logo (1984) Verdict: Same Design. Same Values

Mecham Racing: 4 Spoke Steering With “MR” Horn Button (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: 4 Spoke Steering With "Saleen” Script (1984/1985) Verdict: Same Design. Same Curves

Mecham Racing: Dash Plaque On Far Right Corner Of The Dash “MSE” (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: Dash Plaque On Far Right Corner Of The Dash “Saleen” (1984/1985) Verdict: Same Design. Same Placement

Mecham Racing: Center Console Serialization Plaque (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: Center Console Serialization Plaque (1984/1985) Verdict: Same Design. Same Placement

Mecham Racing: OEM Seats Or Halo Headrest Recaro Seats (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: Flo-Fit Seats With OEM 1984 Ford Headrests (1984/1985) Verdict: Same style. Cheaper Seats

Differences: Saleen Added “Saleen” Floor Mats And A Shifter Knob.

Exterior

Mecham Racing: Red, White, and Blue. 3 Stripe Decal Design. Body Color Dependent (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: 3 Color Stripe Body Decals. Body Color Dependent (1984-End) Verdict: Same style.

Mecham Racing: Racing Suspension Fender Decal “Talon Suspension” (1983/1984)

Saleen Motorsport: Racing Suspension Fender Decal “Racecraft Suspension” (1984) Verdict: Same style. Same Placement

Mecham Racing: Rear Aero Wing (1982)

Saleen Motorsport: Rear Aero Wing (1984) Verdict: Same style, and Obvious Rip Off

Mecham Racing: Cross lace wheels, Ronal’s optional (1983-1986)

Saleen Motorsport: Cross lace wheels, Ronal’s optional (1984-End) Verdict: Same style