In 1968, an unremarkable crime drama cemented its place in car history. Bullitt, the 1968 film starring Steve McQueen, has what is widely considered one of the greatest car chases in cinema history. The 10-minute pursuit combines a then-new Ford Mustang fastback, a similar-era Dodge Charger, and the hilly streets of San Francisco.
As proof of the movie’s enduring appeal, a new Bullitt film is in the works. And it’s expected to be directed by superstar auteur Steven Spielberg.
If the Spielberg redux makes it into production, you can expect increased interest in 1968 Mustangs—and a growing rank of Bullitt special editions, tribute cars, and clones to become available.
A Legit ’68 Mustang
An eBay seller recently offered a remarkable replica of McQueen’s 1968 original. The tribute car had a rotisserie restoration in California but is now located in Kernersville, NC.
The seller says that the build showcases key differences between a stock 1968 Ford Mustang and the modified car used in Bullitt. For example, the chrome ornamentation in the grille was deleted, the fuel filler door is painted black, and it wears gray aftermarket Torq Thrust-style 5-spoke wheels like McQueen’s car in the movie.
The Bullitt tribute car sports a print of McQueen’s signature on the dash. And there’s even the correct yellow-on-black California license plate, JJZ 109, as the car in the movie. The tribute had a Buy-It-Now price of $129,900—well below the original movie car, which sold for $3.74 million in 2020.
Official Ford Tribute Cars
Ford officially built a number of special edition Mustang Bullitts over the years—in 2001, 2008, and 2019. We currently count about half-dozen official Bullitt tribute cars available on eBay.
Bullitt fans also regularly get into the game. This 2020 Bullitt Mustang has only about 1,600 miles.
The car is located in Edmonton, Canada. Builders modified the engine with a supercharger and upgraded fuel system to produce a claimed 825 horsepower. The suspension also received significant modifications.
That’s quite a step up from McQueen’s car, which would have had a gross SAE horsepower rating of 325 in 1968. The seller is asking nearly $120,000 in Canadian dollars.
Where prices go from here is anybody’s guess. But with the Spielberg movie in the mix, you can expect the number of movie tribute cars (and their prices) to grow. In other words, right now could be the best time to invest in one of these classic muscle cars.
Or consider modding your own car with some McQueen-influenced components. See how to pull that off with the right paint, wheels, suspension, and accessories.
Start by reading this: How to Add Steve McQueen Mojo to Your Ride.
