education insights | January 06, 2026

Where is the original car from Bullitt?

The Bullitt Mustang ended up staying in the Kiernan family's D.C.-area garage for decades. Upon Kiernan's passing in 2014, the car was passed down to his son Sean who was inspired to get the car back up and running. Sean Kiernan restored the car in secret on his own before unveiling it to the public.

Who has the original Bullitt car?

According to Kiernan, the only person who does know who bought the car is none other than Frank Mecum of Mecum Auctions. It does seem kind of odd that a car this important could spend the last two years on a global tour, only to be hidden away once again by its new owner.

Who bought the Bullitt Mustang today?

The iconic movie car has been owned by the Kiernan family since 1974. After nearly 50 years, McQueen's Mustang GT fastback from "Bullitt" is back on the world's stage. The Mustang Steve McQueen expertly drove in the 1968 movie "Bullitt" was no average sports car.

How much did the original Bullitt Mustang go for?

The 1968 Ford Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen in the legendary chase scene in the movie “Bullitt” sold on Friday for $3.74 million. “It's a record auction price for any Mustang ever sold,” said Dana Mecum, the principal of the auction house, Mecum Auctions, that sold the car.

How many Mustangs were used in the making of Bullitt?

Two Mustangs and two Dodge Chargers were used for the famous chase scene. Both Mustangs were owned by the Ford Motor Company and part of a promotional loan agreement with Warner Brothers.

McQueen’s Bullitt Mustang: Found at Last

Who drove the Charger in Bullitt?

In Bullitt, this wasn't the case. The Dodge Charger was the most talked about car from the film, and it happened to be driven by the bad guy—a hitman played by Hollywood stuntman Bill Hickman. The car chase scene showed the Mustang easily tailing the Charger.

Did Blue Bloods use the real Bullitt car?

Unfortunately, according to CBS, that was just some dramatic license. The telecast featured two authentic 1968 Mustangs, but neither is the car from the film.

What engine did the original Bullitt Mustang have?

1968 Mustang GT Fastback – The Original Bullitt

Two Mustang GTs were used for the movie Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. Both cars had 390-cubic inch V8 engines with four-speed transmissions. The engine supposedly made 320 horsepower and 427 lb.

How much is the 1968 Bullitt Mustang worth?

Bullitt Movie Car Sells for $3.4M, Is Most Valuable Ford Mustang Ever. The iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT that Steve McQueen drove in the film Bullitt sold for $3.4 million at auction.

What car was Steve McQueen driving when he died?

1945 Willys Jeep MB from McQueen's personal collection

The WWII Jeep not only remained in his garage until his death, but its original California license plates were renewed on October 31, 1980, just one week before McQueen passed away.

Where is the charger from the movie Bullitt?

After the film's production was wrapped up, the yellow-turned-black Charger was returned to Glendale Dodge and was repainted to its original yellow finish. It was sold and resold, until it was acquired by Arnold Welch in 2002.

Did Steve McQueen own a Shelby Cobra?

Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster

Being an advocate of speed and style, Steve was pictured driving this car many times. But it turns out McQueen never actually owned the car, with car designer Carroll Shelby only lending him the vehicle for a period of time. Regardless, this car was a perfect fit for the King of Cool.

Did Steve McQueen do his own stunts?

As in all of his movies, McQueen is doing his own stunts. "You can't trick it no more when you do a job, right?" he commented. BESIDES the rigors of the job there is the added matter of working for Henry Hathaway, a director with a reputation for toughness. "Difficulties I don't mind," McQueen went on.

What cars did Steve McQueen own?

Keep scrolling for 18 of the best classic cars Steve McQueen owned throughout his life.

  • 11 Von Dutch 1904 Winton Flyer Replica.
  • 12 1961 Cooper T-56 Mark II. ...
  • 13 1967 Mini Cooper S 1275. ...
  • 14 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. ...
  • 15 1969 Porsche 911S. ...
  • 16 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster. ...
  • 17 Ford Mustang GT 390. ...
  • 18 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. ...

How much did the Bullitt Mustang sell for at Mecum auction?

Mecum Auction sells Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang for $3.4 million.

How many 1968 Mustangs were Bullitt?

A total of 317,404 Mustangs were built in 1968, with 42,581 being fastbacks. So, breaking it down to just Fastbacks, in the '68 model year, 12,987 GTs rolled off the assembly line, along with 5,488 Highland Green cars. How many of these Fastbacks share these two traits is unknown.

What is the rarest Ford Mustang?

According to MotorTrend, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Convertible is arguably the rarest Mustang of them all. If you've never heard of this Mustang, it's probably for a good reason—only one exists! In the mid-'60s, the GT500 convertible got held up with production issues due to lack of fiberglass.

Was the Bullitt Mustang a Shelby?

Ford Mustangs, already beloved by hordes of car collectors in the US and around the world, reached an extreme level in 2020, hitting startlingly high record-setting auction sales for two very special examples.

Who drove the Bullitt Mustang?

Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in 'Bullitt' sells for $3.4 million. (Reuters) - The 1968 Ford Mustang GT that Steve McQueen drove in the classic car chase from the movie “Bullitt, one of the most famed cars from American cinema, sold for $3.4 million at auction in Florida on Friday, Mecum Auctions said.

How many Bullitt cars were there?

Two Mustangs and two Dodge Chargers were used for the famous chase scene. Both Mustangs were owned by the Ford Motor Company and part of a promotional loan agreement with Warner Brothers.

How much horsepower did the Bullitt Mustang have?

The Bullitt version generates 480 horsepower, while the Shelby GT350 and GT350R produce 526 horsepower. Just as smashing is the Mustang EcoBoost with its 310-horsepower four-cylinder turbo. Whether you opt for a convertible or a coupe, manual or automatic transmission, the Mustang is impossible to dislike.

What is the difference between a Mustang GT and a Bullitt?

The Mustang GT has all the sporty looks and appeal that you have with the Bullitt. The only difference is the grille will be branded with the iconic pony. So, if that's something you really like, then the GT has it. Under the hood, you'll find a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine that deliver 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

What does the ending of Bullitt mean?

The movie leaves the viewer to conclude that the hotel doorman called mob connections that relayed where "Ross" was staying by getting it out of the cab company, because the cab driver certainly did not appear to be withholding information that he was an underworld informant from Bullitt, he was helping him.

What kind of car did Jacqueline Bisset drive in Bullitt?

In the 1968 thriller Bullitt, co-staring Jacqueline Bisset, McQueen's character (Frank Bullitt) drives a 1968 Ford Mustang 390 GT 2+2 Fastback.

Who was McQueen on Blue Bloods?

James Lesure is an American actor best known for his roles in For Your Love and Las Vegas.