1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT390

The 1968 Bullitt Mustang is an icon in the world of classic american cars and like Steve McQueen an icon of the movie industry. Its understated menace in its de-badged dark highland green metallic livery had the audience on the edge of their seats in the film Bullitt. The 10 minute chase through the streets of San Francisco and out into the open country is one of the best filmed car chase sequence ever made. The spectacle was aided and abetted by the villains' black 1968 Dodge Charger R/T's.

The Mustang had been around since 1964 and immediately made its film debut in James Bond Goldfinger. It soon had the Shelby treatment to produce the GT350 model and a fastback design. The model used for the Bullitt was the big block GT390 Fastback with a few modifications. Apart from the dark green color the most noticeable was the lack of any badges including the front mustang and corral.

2001 saw the first factory built Mustang to offer the 'Bullitt' model. Based on the new platform Mustang GT it aimed to bring the characteristics of the original to a new generation. Key to the project was the addition of a tuned exhaust system giving the 4.6ltr V8 265 bhp engine a growl to mimic the rumble and roar of the original soundtrack.

Considering the punishment the original 1968 cars took over the steep gradients of San Francisco their suspension were upgraded and strengthened. These 2001 versions also had up rated springs and shocks, heavy duty anti-roll bars and reinforced connection points. This allowed for a lower profile than the standard GT model

The car came in a choice of three colors, the original Dark Highland Green, black and True Blue. To make sure there was no doubt about the intension the name BULLITT was added to the tail and inside the door sills.

The most recent homage to the Bullitt Mustang was in 2008. The 2008 Ford Bullitt Mustang is a true modern interpretation of the original Steve McQueen 1968 GT390 Mustang. Great effort has been made to stay true to the original machine but with the advantage of the better modern mustang chassis and the race bread engine, brakes and suspension.

The Dark Highland Green is the only color option required, although black can be ordered, and this is complemented by some fine detail such as the gas filler with the only external bullitt badge. Internal styling is in keeping with the overall theme with black seating and aluminum panel offsetting the gun sight dials.

The key to this machine is the hidden performance that comes at together at a less than inflated price.