1968 Mustang GT from Classic Film ‘Bullitt’ Sells at Auction
Made famous by one of the most celebrated chase scenes in cinema history, ‘Bullitt’ still has roads to burn.
All Guts, No Glory
Considered amongst many subsets of collectors as the “Holy Grail” of muscle cars, the 1968 Mustang GT made famous in the celebrated action film Bullitt (1968) recently sold at auction. But why is this car so revered? Because for many collectors, it was the vehicle that first sparked their love of all things speed, power, and action. For others, it’s a venerated part of American cinematic history. Either way, you don’t have to be a fan of film or Ford to be convinced that this is one super cool ride —a point the car’s auction ultimate sale price made with aplomb.
Quick Burst
Used in countless scenes throughout the famous film, the car maintains about 320-horsepower at 4,800 rpm thanks to its Ford 390 Thunderbird V8 engine. That equated to a top speed of approximately 105 MPH during the time of filming. It was no secret that during his life the actor Steve McQueen was very fond of the car, and even offered several times to purchase it off its owner. "I would like very much to keep it in the family in its original condition," wrote McQueen in a letter dated 1977, "I would be happy to try to find you another Mustang similar to the one you have."
>>Join the conversation about the Fastback from Bullitt right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Give Chase
While the vehicle has undergone a partial restoration, it's famed blue and yellow license played and unmistakable Highland Green patina still wears the scars borne from filming. While two Highland Green Ford Mustang Fastbacks were used in filming, this one, in particular, received the most screen time. After the shooting wrapped on the film, it was sold to a private collector only to emerge several years later to the thrill of automotive fans worldwide.
>>Join the conversation about the Fastback from Bullitt right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Tempers Flare
The car was ultimately inherited by the son of Robert Kiernan, who purchased it for just $6,000 in the early 1970s from a private seller in New Jersey. Mr. Kiernan left the car to his son, who ultimately decided to bring the vehicle to auction in 2020. Unlike the safety-conscious, computer-aided action scenes of modern American cinema, Bullitt was filmed live on location without special effects in the streets of San Francisco, California, where McQueen drove the Highland Green muscle car at often dangerous speeds.
>>Join the conversation about the Fastback from Bullitt right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
An American Classic
The lucky buyer from the recent January 2020 auction where the Bullitt Mustang was recently sold had no such deal. The final offer for the vehicle topped out at $3.4MM —a truly incredible figure and proof that it is still held in high regard by Mustang fans and film fans alike.
>>Join the conversation about the Fastback from Bullitt right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Guard the Boss
And if the January 2020 auction price won't automatically solidify the Bullitt's place in automotive history, it's 2020 release will. That's right —Ford is set to release a reimagined version of the famed muscle car in 2020, complete with a 5.0 L V8 engine and 480 horsepower. The vehicle will even have a specially designed cabin that combines modern tech amenities with retro styling so that those who love the 1968 film can now have Bullitt adventures of their own.
>>Join the conversation about the Fastback from Bullitt right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
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