‘Missing’ Bullitt Mustang found
Car stars at North American International Auto Show in Detroit, USA
‘It doesn’t need to scream about anything. It’s just cool’
One of two identical 1968 Ford Mustangs used in the filming of Bullitt is on display at the Detroit Auto Show, its whereabouts having been unknown for decades.
The 1968 movie, starring Steve McQueen, used two Mustangs while filming the famous San Francisco chase scene – one for jumps and stunts, the other for close-ups. It is the latter, known as the hero car, that had been hidden away by Robert Kiernan since 1974.
Approaching the Detroit Auto Show and Bullitt’s 50th anniversary, Robert’s son, Sean, who had by now inherited the Mustang, contacted Ford about re-introducing the car to the public.
Ford chose the Detroit show to reveal the car as it was simultaneously launching a Bullitt special edition 2018 Ford Mustang. Like the movie car, it is de-badged, features a cue-ball gearstick and has chrome accents around the grille and windows. And it is, of course, available in Dark Highland Green.
In unrestored condition after spending decades in a New Jersey garage, the 1968 Mustang took centre stage next to the new release, faded paint, rusted wheelarches and all.
The car has been registered on the United States National Historic Vehicle Register due to its cultural significance and while it has not been announced if the car is going to be restored or left just as is, some work has been done, with the front valance clearly a new panel.
Mustang chief designer, Darrell Behmer, says: ‘ The Bullitt Mustang is, as Steve McQueen was, effortlessly cool. As a designer, it’s my favourite Mustang – devoid of stripes, spoilers and badges. It doesn’t need to scream about anything. It’s just cool.’