The original 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback, widely known as the "Bullitt Mustang" due to its prominence in the 1968 film "Bullitt," starring Steve McQueen, is currently privately owned by Sean Kiernan, a renowned car enthusiast and collector.
Ownership History of the Bullitt Mustang:
- 1968: The Mustang was purchased by Warner Bros. Pictures for filming "Bullitt" and later sold at a private auction to Robert Ross.
- 1970s: Following Ross's ownership, the car went through several hands and even fell into a state of disrepair.
- 1974: Robert Kiernan, Sean Kiernan's father, purchased the Mustang in a dilapidated condition and initiated its restoration.
- 2020: After undergoing a comprehensive restoration process, the Bullitt Mustang made a public appearance at the 2020 Detroit Auto Show.
- Present: The Mustang remains part of Sean Kiernan's private collection and is occasionally showcased at car events and exhibitions.
Preservation and Restoration:
Sean Kiernan and his father diligently restored the Bullitt Mustang to its former glory, ensuring its preservation as an iconic piece of automotive history. The car underwent a body-off restoration, bringing it back to its original condition with the Highland Green paint and the distinctive Magnum 500 wheels.
The Bullitt Mustang's unique features include:
- A modified 390 cubic inch Ford V8 engine
- A Hurst four-speed manual transmission
- A special front spoiler
- A functional ram-air intake on the hood
- Special paint stripes and badging
The Bullitt Mustang is not only an iconic car featured in a legendary movie but also a symbol of Steve McQueen's cool persona and the golden era of American muscle cars.