Slideshow: Bullitt Mustang Back After 40 Years
The Bullitt is back. And we're not just talking about the 2019 model. Click along to see how one of the two original vehicles has resurfaced.
Unearthing a Legend
By now we're all relatively familiar with the movie Bullitt and legacy attached to the Highland Green GT390 driven by Steve McQueen. What you might not know is that there were two primary Mustangs used in the filming of Bullitt. The vehicle used for the jumps and chase scenes ended up in a scrapyard and was rediscovered in Mexico. That vehicle got a lot of attention upon its resurrection in 2017 and there was a great deal of initial debate about its authenticity. The second vehicle was sold by Warner Bros in 1974 and it had been off the grid since. Now it's back. Let's see if time has worn any of the charm off of this iconic piece of American cinematic history.
Following the Journey
After the Bullitt was sold by Warner Bros in 1974, the Mustang belonged to Robert M. Ross. Mr. Ross was smart enough to get a letter of authenticity from the company allowing us to track its lineage. Mr. Ross eventually sold the Bullitt to a detective by the name of Frank Marranca. Once again, we find life imitating art, imitating life.
Turning McQueen Down
Detective Marranca eventually sold the Bullitt to an insurance executive named Bob Kiernan. Bob had a strong hold on the Bullitt and an even stronger will. After being approached by McQueen via about selling the car, Kiernan held steadfastly and wouldn't relinquish the prized Mustang. He held onto the Mustang until he passed in 2014, leaving the Bullitt in the hands of his son Sean.
True to Form
In his letter, McQueen stated his intentions to leave the Bullitt unmolested and unrestored. The Kiernan family wouldn't hand over the keys to McQueen but they kept his vision in mind and never touched the paint or bodywork. The Bullitt might not be Pebble Beach Concourse ready but it's as imposing and genuine as the day it first crossed the silver screen.
Carrying on the Legacy
While Sean maintains his family never had any intentions of hiding the Bullitt, it had stayed out of the spotlight for 40 years. Sean eventually got in contact with Ford and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Not For Sale
Despite an estimated value of $4 million, Sean doesn't have any plans to let the Bullitt leave his collection. Given its startling appreciation and exclusivity, I'd say that's a smart decision.
Old School Cool
Although we'll never be able to own an original Bullitt Mustang it's comforting to know that for 40-something thousand you can try to replicate the magic of McQueen's Frank Bullitt. For Ford, having access to 1 of the 2 Bullitts ever in existence is a priceless piece of marketing and publicity.
A Grand Return
Kiernan's Bullitt returned to the public eye at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show alongside the third-iteration Bullitt. The lineage isn't hard to trace when these two Highland Green beauties fill the same room. Design elements have evolved over the years and modern safety requirements have forced the proportions to be a bit skewed, but there's not doubt the newest Bullitt is true to its heritage.
For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit the how-to section of our sister site, Mustang Forum.