The 1968 Mustang Bullitt’s story is surprisingly simple: a movie prop transformed into the most expensive Mustang ever sold.
Ford has churned out countless Mustang variations over the years, some with iconic names like Boss, Golden Nugget, and of course, Bullitt.
But the Bullitt Mustang holds a special place in pop culture history, thanks to Steve McQueen’s charisma, director Peter Yates’s vision, and a thrilling car chase.
The 1968 film pits McQueen’s Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco detective, against mobsters who killed his witness. The now-famous chase scene features Bullitt, behind the wheel of a 325-hp 390ci V8 Mustang GT fastback, pursued by a Dodge Charger with a more powerful 440 Magnum V8.
Ironically, the Charger should have overpowered the Mustang, but the film’s magic, and McQueen’s driving skills, turned the tables. Ford released a special edition Mustang Bullitt in 2001.
Based on the Mustang GT from the SN95 generation’s “New Edge” series, this collectible coupe offered a taste of the movie magic with some performance enhancements.
While not a radical departure from the standard GT, the Bullitt featured a lowered suspension for sharper handling, upgraded brakes borrowed from the Cobra model, and a tweaked exhaust system that bumped horsepower to 265.
Cosmetically, it sported unique wheels inspired by classic Torq Thrust designs, and omitted fog lights, and came in three color options: Dark Highland Green, True Blue, and Black.
With only 5,582 units produced, finding a Bullitt, especially a well-maintained one like this example with just over 3,600 miles, is a rare opportunity for Mustang enthusiasts seeking a piece of automotive history.