The iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback from the movie “Bullitt” has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for decades. After disappearing from public view for many years, this famous car resurfaced in 2018 at the North American International Auto Show.
The Bullitt Mustang has been owned by the Kiernan family since 1974. Sean Kiernan inherited it from his father and kept it as a family secret for over 40 years.
In January 2020, this piece of automotive history sold at auction for a record-breaking $3.4 million to a mystery bidder. The new owner has stated they won’t be restoring the vehicle. Instead, they’ll preserve its original condition, which includes the patina and wear from its famous chase scenes with Steve McQueen behind the wheel. This Highland Green Mustang remains one of the most recognizable movie cars in history, representing both American muscle car culture and Hollywood heritage.
Key Takeaways
- The Bullitt Mustang was owned by the Kiernan family for over 40 years before being sold at auction in 2020 for $3.4 million.
- Steve McQueen drove this 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in the famous San Francisco chase scene that revolutionized action filmmaking.
- The new owner has decided to preserve the car’s original condition rather than restore it, maintaining its authentic movie history.
Origins of the Bullitt Mustang
The iconic green 1968 Ford Mustang GT from the movie “Bullitt” became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its starring role alongside Steve McQueen. This special vehicle forever changed how cars were featured in films and influenced generations of Mustang enthusiasts.
Steve McQueen and the Mustang Legacy
Steve McQueen, known as the “King of Cool,” had a genuine passion for cars and racing. When it came time to choose a vehicle for his character Detective Frank Bullitt, McQueen was heavily involved in the selection process. He wanted something that embodied American muscle and reflected his character’s no-nonsense personality.
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback was the perfect choice. The car was painted in Highland Green and modified specifically for filming. The modifications included upgraded suspension for chase scenes, removed badges and emblems for a cleaner look, and camera mounts added for interior shots.
McQueen’s personal driving skills helped make the car a star in its own right. His connection to the Mustang brand helped cement both his legacy and the car’s status in automotive history.
The 1968 Movie ‘Bullitt’ and Its Impact
“Bullitt,” produced by Warner Bros, revolutionized car chase scenes in cinema. The famous 10-minute chase through San Francisco streets featured minimal music and dialogue, letting the roaring engines tell the story.
What made this scene groundbreaking was its realism. The Ford Mustang GT and the villain’s Dodge Charger reached real speeds of over 100 mph. Cameras mounted inside the cars gave viewers an unprecedented sense of being in the driver’s seat during the action.
The film’s success caused Ford Mustang sales to soar afterward. The car became so famous that Ford has released special Bullitt edition Mustangs over the years to commemorate the original.
Beyond sales, the film elevated the Mustang from just another pony car to a cultural icon that represented American performance and style.
Specifications of the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback
The iconic Bullitt Mustang packed impressive performance and distinctive styling that made it perfect for the famous movie chase scene. This special car combined raw power with an understated yet menacing appearance.
Engine and Horsepower
The original 1968 Mustang GT Fastback from the movie Bullitt came equipped with a powerful 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine. This robust powerplant delivered an impressive 325 horsepower, giving the car formidable performance for its era.
The Bullitt Mustang could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds – quite fast for a 1960s production car. It could complete a quarter mile in about 13.8 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 140 mph.
All Bullitt Mustangs featured a four-speed manual transmission, giving drivers complete control over the V8’s power. This manual gearbox was essential for the intense driving scenes in the movie.
Design and Aesthetics
The most distinctive visual feature of the Bullitt Mustang was its Dark Highland Green paint color, creating an understated yet menacing appearance. This subdued color choice perfectly matched the character of Detective Frank Bullitt and has become legendary among car enthusiasts.
The Fastback body style provided a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette with a sloping rear roofline that enhanced both performance and visual appeal. Notable exterior elements included minimal chrome accents and badging compared to standard Mustangs of the era.
Inside, the Bullitt Mustang featured a functional, driver-focused cockpit with classic round gauges and simple controls. The car’s understated appearance was intentional – it wasn’t flashy, but rather purposeful and powerful, just like McQueen’s character.
The Car Chase Scene in San Francisco
The car chase in Bullitt is widely regarded as one of the greatest movie car chases ever filmed. The scene features Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT racing through the hilly streets of San Francisco against a black Dodge Charger.
Iconic Chase and Filming Locations
The famous chase scene took viewers on a wild ride through San Francisco’s distinctive neighborhoods in 1968. Though it appears as one continuous sequence, the chase was actually filmed across various locations in the city, cleverly edited together to create the thrilling pursuit.
Steve McQueen, who was an accomplished race car driver, performed some of the driving stunts himself during filming. However, he had help from professional stunt drivers for many of the more dangerous maneuvers.
The scene features McQueen’s green Ford Mustang GT chasing down a menacing black Dodge Charger. Both cars dramatically catch air over San Francisco’s steep hills during the sequence.
Behind the scenes, mechanic Max Balchowsky was responsible for maintaining both the Mustang and the Charger throughout the challenging filming process. His expertise kept the vehicles running despite the punishment they took during production.
In 2018, the original Bullitt Mustang returned to San Francisco for the 50th anniversary of the film, delighting fans who had wondered about its whereabouts for decades.
The Ownership History of the Bullitt Mustang
The iconic Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT from the movie “Bullitt” has changed hands only a few times since its silver screen debut. Its journey from Hollywood star to hidden treasure represents one of the most fascinating stories in automobile history.
From McQueen to the Kiernans
After filming “Bullitt,” the famous Mustang was sold to a Warner Bros. employee. Steve McQueen, who drove the car in the film’s legendary chase scene, later tried to buy it back but was unsuccessful.
In 1974, Robert Kiernan purchased the vehicle after seeing an ad in Road & Track magazine. He paid just $3,500 for what would become one of the most valuable Mustangs in history.
The Kiernan family used the car as their daily driver for some time. McQueen even wrote to Robert asking to buy it back, but Robert declined the offer.
After Robert’s death, his son Sean Kiernan inherited the famous Mustang. The car remained hidden from public view for decades, becoming almost mythical among car enthusiasts.
Public Appearances and Auctions
In 2018, the Bullitt Mustang made a dramatic public reappearance at the Detroit Auto Show, coinciding with Ford’s release of a new Bullitt edition Mustang. Car enthusiasts worldwide were thrilled to see the original vehicle in its unrestored state.
After showcasing the car on a national tour, Sean Kiernan decided to sell the iconic Mustang. In January 2020, it sold at Mecum Auctions for an incredible $3.4 million – setting a record for the most expensive Mustang ever sold at auction.
The car’s new owner has chosen to remain anonymous. However, Sean Kiernan confirmed that the buyer has no plans to restore the vehicle, preserving its authentic patina and historical integrity.
The Bullitt Mustang at the North American International Auto Show
The legendary Bullitt Mustang made a dramatic public reappearance at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, thrilling car enthusiasts around the world. This historic unveiling reconnected fans with a piece of automotive and film history that had been hidden for decades.
Unveiling the Restored Mustang
After more than 40 years in private ownership, the original 1968 Mustang GT Fastback from the movie “Bullitt” was finally revealed to the public in Detroit. Sean Kiernan inherited the iconic car from his father in 2014. He worked with Ford to showcase this long-hidden treasure.
The car’s journey to the auto show actually began in December 2015, when Kiernan decided it was time to share his family’s prized possession with the world. The Kiernan family had owned the vehicle since 1974, when Sean’s father purchased it for just $3,500 through a classified ad in Road & Track magazine.
The Mustang appeared in remarkably original condition, still bearing the camera mounts and modified exhaust system from its movie days. Ford displayed the vehicle under glass, protecting this priceless piece of automotive history.
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary
The 2018 auto show unveiling perfectly aligned with the 50th anniversary of the “Bullitt” film, creating a truly special moment for car enthusiasts and movie fans alike. Ford took advantage of this milestone by simultaneously revealing a new 2019 Mustang Bullitt special edition alongside the original movie car.
Following its Detroit debut, the original Bullitt Mustang embarked on a world tour. This tour allowed countless fans to see the vehicle that had remained hidden for so long.
The pairing of the original car with the new tribute model highlighted the lasting impact of the film and its famous chase scene on automotive culture. Sean Kiernan’s decision to share his family’s treasure gave a new generation the chance to appreciate this important piece of Hollywood and automotive history.
Modern Tributes to the Bullitt Mustang
Ford has continued to honor the legendary Bullitt Mustang with special edition models that capture the essence of the iconic movie car. These modern tributes combine classic styling elements with contemporary performance and technology.
The 2018 Mustang Bullitt Edition
The 2018 Mustang Bullitt Edition was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Bullitt” movie. This special model came in the signature Dark Highland Green color that matched Steve McQueen’s original car, though Ford also offered it in Shadow Black.
The 2018 Bullitt Mustang featured subtle chrome accents and minimal badging, staying true to the understated look of the movie car. It had unique 19-inch wheels designed to resemble those on the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback.
Under the hood, the 2018 Bullitt packed more power than the standard Mustang GT, with its 5.0-liter V8 producing 480 horsepower. Ford also included a white cue ball shifter knob as a nod to the original.
Features of the Tribute Models
Modern Bullitt Mustangs come equipped with special features that set them apart from regular Mustang models. The cars include premium sound systems and embedded navigation as part of their enhanced technology package.
The tribute models also feature an All-Digital LCD Instrument Cluster with a unique Bullitt welcome screen. Inside, you’ll find special Bullitt logos on the steering wheel and door sills.
The 2001 Mustang Bullitt was actually the first movie tribute car built by Ford. Ford loaded it with special components not found on other Mustangs of that year, which started the tradition that continued with later models.
Ford Motor Company has found success with these limited-edition cars that appeal to both movie fans and Mustang enthusiasts alike. Each generation of Bullitt Mustang maintains the spirit of the original while incorporating modern performance.
The Bullitt Mustang’s Cultural Impact
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT from the movie “Bullitt” transformed automotive history and popular culture. This special vehicle created a lasting impression that continues to influence car design and cinema.
Influence on Cinema and Car Enthusiasts
The Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in “Bullitt” set the standard for car chase scenes in movies. The famous 10-minute chase through San Francisco showed the Mustang’s raw power and handling, making it an instant cultural icon.
McQueen’s personal passion for cars helped cement the Mustang’s status. He pushed for using the Mustang in the film, a decision that forever linked the actor to the vehicle.
Car enthusiasts worldwide fell in love with this particular Mustang. Its understated appearance with minimal chrome and the dark green color created a look that many still try to replicate today.
The Legacy in Popular Culture
The Bullitt Mustang became more than just a movie prop—it evolved into a natural avatar for the movie’s significance. Ford recognized this cultural impact by releasing several Bullitt edition Mustangs over the decades.
When the original car resurfaced after decades in hiding, it created massive excitement. Its 2018 unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show generated worldwide media coverage.
The car’s value skyrocketed due to its historical significance and collector demand. In January 2020, it sold at auction for a record-breaking price, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
Pop culture references to the Bullitt Mustang appear regularly in music, television, and other films, keeping its legacy alive for new generations of car enthusiasts.
Future of the Mustang Brand
The Mustang brand continues to evolve with Ford’s commitment to innovation and electric vehicle technology while honoring its iconic heritage.
Ford’s Commitment to Innovation
Ford has shown its dedication to the Mustang legacy by continuing to create special editions that honor the past while looking ahead. After the success of limited models like the Bullitt Mustang, Ford is leveraging iconic nameplates to boost appeal for future generations.
The seventh-generation Mustang represents this balance between tradition and progress. Ford is investing in performance technology that maintains the Mustang’s reputation as an affordable sports car while adding modern features.
Design elements from beloved models like the Bullitt and Mach 1 continue to influence new iterations. This strategy helps Ford create future classics that appeal to both longtime fans and new customers.
Ford’s global approach includes customizing Mustang variants for different markets, with Ford of Europe receiving specially tuned models that meet regional preferences and regulations.
Evolution into the Electric Vehicle Market
The Mustang brand made a bold leap into the EV market with the Mustang Mach-E, expanding beyond the traditional coupe format. This move shows Ford’s willingness to adapt its most treasured nameplate to changing market demands.
The success of the Mach-E demonstrates that the Mustang brand can thrive beyond gasoline engines. Ford is carefully balancing this transition to maintain the emotional connection fans have with the Mustang.
Battery technology improvements are enabling Ford to develop electric Mustangs with performance characteristics that match or exceed their combustion counterparts.
Range anxiety is becoming less of an issue with each new advancement.
Ford’s investment in charging infrastructure is making electric Mustangs more practical for daily use. The company is partnering with charging networks to ensure Mustang EV owners have confidence in their vehicles for both commuting and road trips.
