BACK TO THE BULLITT
Special ’Stang evokes mixed feelings, says
According to the Internet, actor Steve McQueen had a two-pack-a-day habit. He died aged 50. It was a heart attack that claimed him, following an operation to remove cancerous tumours. Through films like 1968’s Bullitt, he will remain immortalised as an alpha-male archetype; a textbook example of cavalier charm and swashbuckling boldness. He was the King of Cool, after all.
Fast-forward to 2020 and the template of the steely-faced, tobacco-imbibing actionman is not really something most aspire to. We know that cigarettes are bad. Therapy is good. And violence is never the answer. We also know that internal combustion is no longer as sexy as it was. Which is why even the most iconic nameplates like the Mustang from Ford have gone the electric route, with iterations such as the Mach-E.
In contrast, the company last year released a special-edition Bullitt-themed version of the current Mustang, commemorating its association with the classic movie. Make time to YouTube the car-chase scene, regarded by many as one of the best in the history of the genre. It’s a bit on the slow side by modern standards, so best get the popcorn ready.
I’ll give you a summary of what happened. The protagonist, played by McQueen, steered a Highland Green fastback through the streets of San Francisco and squared-off with a Dodge Charger that eventually crashed and burned.
This month, an example of the Mustang Bullitt came my way. With only 50 brought to SA, and an asking price of R1,079,700, I had no intention of exchanging paint with anyone — criminal or not.
What a fine colour it is, this Highland Green, lending a sophisticated appearance to proceedings. The Bullitt sits on 19-inch wheels with a classic five-spoke design. Look closer and you will spot the red Brembo callipers, prompting the idea that an upgrade in braking hardware was necessitated by more fire power. This is only partly true: the output of 338kW is just a smidgen more than the standard GT, while torque is unchanged at 529Nm. This does not really translate into swifter pace, but that’s okay because the aural theatrics have been turned up a few notches.
That fettled exhaust system amplifies the signature 5.0-litre rumble, barking into life on start-up in a truly obnoxious, neighbour annoying fashion. It is also only available as a six-speed manual, so give this one a skip if your left arm and leg are not up to the task.
In fairness, it is a lot more agreeable to pilot than you may think, with a light shift action and a third pedal that is not unpleasantly firm to depress. However, the interior is a bit sombre. Aside from a pair of form-embracing Recaro seats and a numbered plaque on the fascia, there is little setting it apart from the standard car. Oh, the gearstick is topped off with a cue-ball knob, which is a neat touch.
Driving it pandered to delusions of being an enforcer type, behind a sepia filter. You are not passive in the act of keeping the Bullitt on the road: it demands your attention and commitment, especially with a rear that will happily swing out when goaded.
My parting shot? It occurred to me that the meaning behind the special logo and motif is a little obscure in our market. Understandable, considering that the movie was released even before the parents of most current South African Mustang buyers were conceived.
If your budget falls short, you’d probably turn as many heads in the slightly more affordable GT. Heck, even the basic 2.3 EcoBoost makes a statement. But something tells me McQueen would have spat on the ground at the thought of a four-cylinder Mustang.