If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the past through a windshield, then Jamie Marshburn’s 1988 Ford Mustang LX Hatchback will feel like a portal. From his home in Stuart, Virginia, Jamie has brought a vision to life—one rooted in nostalgia, performance, and a deep admiration for one of the most iconic names in Foxbody history: Saleen.
This car, affectionately named Triple 7, isn’t just a project—it’s a personal tribute. Wearing the number 777 proudly on its bumper, this Mustang pays homage to both its Saleen inspiration and the serendipity that helped bring it all together.
“I’ve always liked the styling of the Foxbody Saleens,” Jamie explains. “When I saw this one—red with gold stripes and a red interior—I fell in love. If you had told me 20 years ago that I’d own a red interior Fox, I’d have called you crazy!”
Originally found on Facebook Marketplace, this LX Hatchback wasn’t a factory Saleen, but it had a clean slate. Over the past three years, Jamie’s turned it into a period-correct Saleen tribute, down to the smallest detail. It’s not just an homage—it’s a full-on embodiment of what could have rolled out of Saleen’s factory in 1988.
From the full Saleen body kit and Racecraft suspension to the Recaro LX-A seats with netted halos, the build captures the spirit of the era. Under the hood, it’s equally impressive: a stock 80K-mile short block mated to Ford Motorsport X-303 aluminum heads, a rare authentic Saleen upper/lower intake, and an Anderson N-41 cam—all breathing through a BBK/LARS/Flowmaster exhaust setup that’s as functional as it is ferocious.
Jamie is especially proud of that rare Saleen intake manifold. “They’re not easy to come by,” he says. “Thanks to Brad Marsh for helping me find one.”
Jamie is quick to credit the people who helped make Triple 7 a reality. “First off, Sean Prost, who I bought the car from—he spent a ton of time and money getting it to where it was. That gave me the perfect canvas to finish it my way.”
And then there’s his longtime best friend, Mike Cleaves. “Without him, so many of my car visions over the years wouldn’t have come to life,” Jamie says. “And a shoutout to Jess Paxon at Modify My Stang for always having the best parts at the best prices.”
Unlike many tribute builds, Triple 7 isn’t a garage queen. It’s been displayed at local shows and made its mark at Ponies in the Smokies 2025, featured in the “62 Years of Mustang” lineup representing 1988. “I don’t really enter it in shows to be judged,” Jamie admits. “I just like having it out there where people can see it.”
And people do see it. At every gas stop, the car draws curious fans and Foxbody enthusiasts alike. “Everyone thinks it’s a real Saleen,” he laughs. “But I always tell them—it’s just a tribute.”
Jamie’s license plate reads “Backn88,” and for good reason. “Driving it takes me back in time,” he says. “Like I’m 17 again.”
That feeling—combined with the addictive nature of Foxbody Mustangs—is what keeps enthusiasts like Jamie in the game. “If you’ve never owned a Fox, and are thinking about buying one… don’t,” he jokes. “Just kidding. But seriously, once they get in your blood, they’re there for good.”
Jamie’s owned several cars over the years, learning something from each. Those lessons have found a home in Triple 7, and he’s not done yet. Future plans include a Saleen-style chassis brace, VDO gauge pod, and maybe even a T-56 swap or Vortech blower, if budget allows.
When asked for advice, Jamie doesn’t hesitate. “Make a plan. Make a detailed parts list. Stick to it. Your first vision of the car is usually the right one.”
With over 80,000 miles on the odometer and countless memories under its belt, Triple 7 is more than just a car—it’s a culmination of passion, patience, and persistence.
Follow Jamie on Instagram at @Triple7_fox to keep up with his journey.
