You’ve seen that iconic car chase through the hills of San Francisco, right? The 1968 film Bullitt starring Steve McQueen featured a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback that has become nearly as famous as the movie itself. That Mustang embodied 1960s American muscle and cool. Ford has brought back the Mustang Bullitt for 2019 and 2020 to celebrate the 50th and 51st anniversaries of the movie. If you’re in the market for an American performance icon that turns heads and ignites nostalgia for the era of McQueen and big block V8s, the modern Bullitt Mustang deserves a look. With styling cues pulled straight from the movie car and performance to back up the retro attitude, the latest Bullitt may just be the most desirable Mustang since, well, the original Bullitt. Read on to learn all you need to know about the 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
The History of the Bullitt Mustang
The Bullitt Mustang first roared onto the scene in 1968 as a tribute to the iconic car chase in the movie Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. McQueen loved the dark green ’68 Mustang GT fastback so much that he bought it after filming. Ford recognized the car’s instant popularity and decided to produce a special edition Bullitt Mustang the following year.
A High-Performance Beast
The original Bullitt Mustang was a beast, with a 390 cubic inch V8 that produced 325 horsepower. The 2001 and 2008 Bullitt editions also featured performance upgrades like cold air intakes, performance exhaust systems, and sport-tuned suspensions. The latest 2019 Bullitt produces a whopping 480 horsepower from its 5.0 liter V8.
While the engines and performance have evolved over the years, all Bullitt Mustangs share a few trademarks. They only come in Dark Highland Green, a color as daring and rebellious as the car itself. They also feature minimal badging and no spoilers for a stealthy look. And of course, they all have that signature white cue ball shifter knob as a nod to the original.
A Cult Classic
The Bullitt Mustang has become a cult classic over the years and still turns heads on the streets. Steve McQueen’s granddaughter herself owns one of the rare original ’68 models. If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, take a moment to appreciate the vehicle that brought some of the most iconic car chase scenes to life on the big screen. The Bullitt Mustang is an American muscle car legend.
What Makes the Bullitt Mustang Special
The Bullitt Mustang is a legend for any muscle car enthusiast. What makes this iconic ride so special? For starters, it was the Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt. But beyond its cinematic fame, the Bullitt Mustang is a high-performance beast.
Powerful Engine
The Bullitt houses a powerful V8 engine that produces a whopping 315 horsepower. This gives it an incredible amount of torque and allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. With a top speed of over 150 mph, the Bullitt delivers a thrilling amount of power and performance.
Unique Styling
One glance at the Bullitt Mustang and you know it’s not your average Mustang. It features a unique Highland Green paint color, subtle chrome accents, and Torq Thrust-style rims. The grille, gas cap, and badges also received a makeover. These retro touches give the Bullitt a distinctive look that turns heads.
Handling Built For Speed
The Bullitt was built for speed but also engineered to handle like a race car. It comes equipped with sport-tuned suspension, larger stabilizer bars, and high-performance brakes that provide crisp stopping power. The result is a muscle car with precision handling that hugs the road.
With its legendary status, powerful V8 engine, unique styling, and performance handling, the Bullitt Mustang is a special vehicle revered by muscle car fans. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you’ll instantly see why it’s considered an American icon.
Bullitt Mustang Performance and Specs
The 1968 Bullitt Mustang is an iconic muscle car, renowned for its memorable role in the movie Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. This Mustang delivered impressive performance and handling for its time.
Engine and Transmission
The Bullitt Mustang came with a 390 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 325 horsepower. This gave the car a top speed of over 125 mph, fast for its time. The engine was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, allowing the driver to fully experience the rumble and power of that V8.
Suspension and Brakes
To improve the Mustang’s handling, the Bullitt came with a tuned suspension, upgraded shocks and springs, and a thicker front sway bar. The brake system also received an upgrade with power front disk brakes for better stopping power. These enhancements made the Bullitt Mustang much more nimble and responsive than the standard Mustang.
Exterior Style
The Bullitt Mustang had a number of exterior modifications that gave it a distinct look. It featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights, spoiler, and wheels. Chrome accents were removed for a more understated appearance. The only chrome parts were the window trim and badging. The Highland Green paint color, now iconic, was also unique to the Bullitt Mustang.
Interior
The interior of the Bullitt Mustang was purposeful. The wood trim was removed for a sportier look. A wood-rimmed wheel, metal pedals, and chrome shift ball added to the performance feel. The seats featured a unique houndstooth pattern. An 8,000 rpm tachometer let the driver see when to shift for maximum acceleration.
The 1968 Bullitt Mustang has enduring appeal due to its memorable role in pop culture and as a pioneer muscle car with handling and braking to match its power. Decades later, it remains an automotive icon and a coveted collector’s car.
Where to Find an Original Bullitt Mustang
Finding an original 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a dream for many muscle car enthusiasts. These rare classics have skyrocketed in value, so buyers must have deep pockets to obtain an original. However, with some persistence, you may be able to track one down.
Classic car auctions
High-profile auctions like Barrett-Jackson, RM Sotheby’s and Mecum are your best bet for finding an authentic Bullitt Mustang. When one comes up for bid, be prepared for some heated competition and a hefty final price tag, likely in the hundreds of thousands. These auctions attract serious buyers from around the world, so you’ll need to come armed with your maximum offer and the means to back it up.
Private sellers
Some original owners or collectors may sell their Bullitt Mustang through private party listings on sites like Autotrader, eBay, and Craigslist. You’ll have to filter through many replicas and modified “Bullitt-style” Mustangs, but occasionally a legitimate original surfaces. Be very wary of scams, though, and never buy sight unseen. Hire a professional to fully inspect the vehicle before purchasing to ensure it’s the real McCoy.
Mustang clubs
hard-core Mustang organizations like The Mustang Club of America or regional clubs are also places where original Bullitts occasionally change hands. Owners within the clubs are die-hard enthusiasts, so they tend to take very good care of these special cars. Let club leaders and members know you’re in the market for an original Bullitt. Someone may know another member who is considering selling, or be selling their own.
Patience is key
Tracking down an authentic 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt requires patience and persistence. These special vehicles are few and far between, so you may be searching for years to find one in solid, unrestored condition. But for the muscle car collector, owning this rare piece of Mustang history is worth the wait. Keep your ear to the ground, check all the right places regularly, and don’t get discouraged. When the right Bullitt comes along, you’ll be glad you hung in there.
Owning and Maintaining a Bullitt Mustang
Owning an iconic muscle car like the Bullitt Mustang comes with certain responsibilities. To keep your Bullitt running strong for years to come, you’ll need to properly maintain it.
Regular service
It’s important to follow the recommended service schedule in your owner’s manual. The high-performance engine and components in a Bullitt require more frequent oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections to prevent premature wear and tear. Most experts recommend changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Don’t skip or delay service—it will cost you more in the long run.
Quality fuel
Fill your Bullitt’s tank with premium fuel, the highest octane rating recommended in your owner’s manual. Lower octane fuels can cause knocking and pinging that reduces performance and damages the engine over time. Premium fuel helps the Bullitt’s high-compression engine run smoothly and produce maximum power.
Drive it
Bullitts are meant to be driven, not left sitting in a garage. Take your Bullitt out for a spin at least once a week for 30 minutes or more to keep the engine, transmission, brakes, and other components in good working order. Short trips around town are fine, but also take it out on the open road when you can to open it up. Driving your Bullitt regularly will also help prevent rust and corrosion.
Store properly
If you do need to store your Bullitt for an extended period, properly prepare it. Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture buildup, change the oil, inflate the tires to the maximum pressure, wash and wax the exterior, and consider using a fuel stabilizer. Park the Bullitt on jack stands to take the weight off the tires. Cover it with a breathable car cover and place moisture-absorbing desiccant packets under the cover.
Following these best practices for owning and maintaining a Bullitt Mustang will help ensure many miles of driving pleasure and keep your prized muscle car in peak condition. What could be more rewarding than that?
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about the legendary Bullitt Mustang. This iconic muscle car has cemented its place in automotive history and pop culture. If you’re lucky enough to spot one on the road, take a moment to appreciate the raw power and timeless style of a true American classic. The Bullitt Mustang represents the golden age of Detroit muscle and a rebel spirit that will continue to captivate car lovers for generations to come. Next time you’re watching that famous chase scene through the hilly streets of San Francisco, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of the storied history behind the dark green stallion. The Bullitt Mustang is a perfect blend of performance and nostalgia – what more could you want in a vintage muscle car?
