The 2020 Ford Explorer ST is one of the hottest mainstream crossovers on the market courtesy of its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower. Performance crossovers are quite commonplace today but back in the 1990s, they were much more obscure. While Ford never built a high-performance version of the second-generation Explorer, you may have forgotten that legendary Mustang tuner Saleen did offer one.

It was called the Saleen XP8 and it one of the coolest SUVs that most people forget ever existed. Saleen only built the Explorer XP8 from 1998 to 2001 with fewer than 300 ever produced. These cars are not easy to find but a pristine example has just become available on Bring A Trailer.

The red example up for auction is a 1998 model year number 28 out of fewer than 300 total units. Saleen offered the XP8 Package cars with the choice of two 5.0-liter V8 engines. In standard form, the V8 produced 222 horsepower going out to a four-speed automatic but this particular XP8 has the supercharger, bringing the output up to 286 hp.

On the outside, Saleen equipped the Explorer with a unique body kit, rear spoiler, and on this particular example, gold wheels. Saleen also improved the handling by lowering the suspension by two inches and fitting N2 shocks and sway bars from Saleen Racecraft

Inside, the Explorer features a tan leather interior with optional Recaro sport seats. The interior looks almost brand-new and pack original features such as a CD/cassette player with rear audio controls and a trunk-mounted subwoofer. As of this writing, the Explorer XP8 has a current bid of $8,100 with four days still left on the auction. We doubt the car will bring anywhere near its original MSRP of $52,228 but with such low mileage in this condition, we wouldn't be surprised if it brings a hefty sum.