The Mustang Bullitt is an iconic vehicle in our history. Check out LMR's article explaining the Mustang Bullitt's evolution over the years.
The Mustang Bullitt stole the hearts of America in 1968 by playing a crucial role in the film “Bullitt” by Director Peter Yates. This was driven by Steve McQueen and piloted this 68’ Fastback in one of the most famous car chase scenes in film history. This started a very important lineage for the Mustang family.
On January 10, 2020, the original 1968 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt was sold in Kissimmee, Florida for $3.4 Million at Mecum Auctions!
Starting in 1968, Warner Bros purchased 2 68’ GT Fastbacks for the movie “Bullitt”. In the same year, a Warner Bros employee named Robert Ross purchased the second vehicle. In 70’, Robert sold it to Frank Marranca for $6,000 who was a police detective. Frank had it until 74’ and then sold it to couple Robert and Robbie Kiernan for the same $6,000.
In 77’ Steve McQueen offered to buy it, but the Kiernans denied it. In 78’, Robbie purchased the New Jersey “Bullitt” vanity plates as a gift to Robert. Moving onto 89’, the car ends up in Kentucky with the same owners and 6 years later on another move to Tennessee. Restoration started in 2001 by Robert and his son Sean Kiernan who was 20 at the time.
Fast forward to 2016, Sean finally completes the restoration and starts it for the first time. In 2017, the vehicle was reunited with Steve McQueen’s granddaughter, Molly McQueen. They met in the Ford Design Studio in Dearborn, MI. In 2018, this vehicle was revealed for the 50th movie anniversary in conjunction with the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt announcement that was available in the Summer of 2018.
3 colors were offered with the 2001 Mustang Bullitt which was Black, True Blue, and Dark Highland Green paint. It came equipped with 265 HP and was tighter and swifter than the standard GT. The torque came out to 305 and had a compression ratio of 9.4:1. It came in a 5-speed manual transmission with a final drive ratio of 3.27:1.
This being an S197 model, this 2008-09 Mustang Bullitt much more closely resembled the exterior appearance of the original from 1968 and only came in Black and Highland Green colors. Subtle changes done to this Mustang made it go a long way! One major change from the New Edge Bullitt to the S197 is that the New Edge version is called a “Mustang Bullitt” and the S197 is Mustang GT with the Bullitt package.
The reason is that there are NO production Bullitt parts on this car as they are all preproduction, but it did however have an “early” version exhaust, some early chassis hardware, grille, and Bullitt faux fuel cap installed.
This model only came in a 5-speed manual transmission and came with 315 HP. This was a 15 HP increase from the standard GT and it also included a specific engine calibration that increased throttle response. It could even run on 87, 91, or even 93 octanes and had a camshaft timing revision.
Also returned exhaust was added for the signature Bullitt sound as well as the Redline limiter changed from 6250 RPM to 6500 RPMs. Below are some specifications for this 08’-09’ build:
The most current Bullitt model came out in 2019 and is an appearance and performance package for the 2019 Mustang GT. Many consider this the best-looking Bullitt edition yet and only comes with the Dark Highland Green or black options for the exterior color.
The Mustang Bullitt has spanned many generations because of the simplistic details which create a clean as well as aggressive look. This is a look that can stand the test of time and are sure we will continue to see more variations of this package in the future. Shop our many Bullitt parts below!
These 1994-2004 Mustang Bullitt wheels give your Stang the same great looks as the 2001 Bullitts and are a great upgrade for any V6 or GT!
Check out our YouTube channel for even more tech tips, installation videos, how-tos, and more. The best place to go for anything Mustang related!
