Ford Mustang Bullitt – A Tribute
In 1968, Warner bros. premiered the crime thriller Bullitt starring film icon Steve McQueen. All told it’s a remarkable film, but what stands out even today is the breathtaking chase scene on the streets of San Francisco featuring a Dodge Charger taking on the 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback. This muscle car later became known simply as the Mustang Bullitt.
In order to film such a memorable scene two 1968 Mustang GTs with 390 cubic engines were purchased and modified. One of the vehicles was badly damaged by the end of shooting it had to be scrapped. Legend holds that in 1972 the remaining car was purchased by its current owner, a mystery buyer. The car was kept at their father’s garage until 1990, when it was moved to a horse farm in the Midwest after a Mustang snagged spy photos. Today, the location of the car remains a secret.
In 2001, Ford offered a special version of its GT with the Bullitt nameplate. The car was designed lowered (3/4 of an inch), received special shocks and sub-frame connectors. A new intake was designed along with high-flow mufflers, and special underdrive pullies helped increase the power to 265 horse power. These special edition Mustangs are known to cover the quarter mile in 2 to 3 tenths of a second quicker and about 2 mph faster than regular GT. Aluminum pedals and shifter, gauge facings and seat upholstery were all patterned after the 1968 model, along with red brake calipers with the Mustang logo on them, and the removal of the spoiler and fog lamps regularly found on Mustang GTs. Total production was kept to a minimal 5,582 units.
A 2008 Bullitt edition has been released last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary opf the vehicle. Design upgrades included uniquely finished 18″ Torq-Thrust style wheels and removal of the decklid spoiler and all badges (except for a faux gas cap, which is replaced with a Bullitt-unit). Inside, there are Bullitt door sills, gauges, and steering wheel cap, an engine-turned aluminum dash panel, aluminum shift knob and pedals, and GT500-inspired front seats and GT500-inspired steering wheel with black stitching. The first factory Mustang open-element air filter, unique exhaust that mimics the sound of Steve McQueen’s GT390 and ends in 3.5 inch tips, and new engine programing raise this ride to 315 horse power. It all comes at a cost, the Bullitt package is a $3,310 upgrade from the standard GT Premium.
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