1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Steve McQueen's Bullitt: A Timeless Icon
"There’s
more to racing than just going fast." – Steve McQueen
Few
vehicles have made as lasting an impression as the 1968 Ford Mustang GT390,
famously driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. This is more than just a
car; it is an emblem of American muscle, rebellion, and cool. The dark green
Mustang roared through the streets of San Francisco in that unforgettable chase
scene, cementing its place in automotive and cinematic history. Even decades
later, the legacy of the Bullitt Mustang lives on, symbolizing a perfect blend
of raw power, design, and attitude.
The Birth
of a Legend
The
1968 Ford Mustang GT390 was the brainchild of Ford’s design team, led by Chief
Designer Joe Oros. Born during an era of racing enthusiasm and a thirst for
speed, the Mustang GT390 was built for performance.
With
a roaring 6.4-liter V8 engine and 320 horsepower, it was designed for drivers
who wanted more than just transportation – they wanted an experience.
Ford’s
vision for the Mustang was to create a car that combined sleek aesthetics with
high performance. From its unmistakable body lines to its aggressive stance,
the GT390 was all about boldness. What truly sets this model apart, however,
was its moment in the limelight with Steve McQueen behind the wheel.
The Bullitt
Connection: Power, Style, and Movie Magic
In
1968, Bullitt hit the big screen, with Steve McQueen starring as Lt. Frank
Bullitt, driving what would soon become one of the most iconic vehicles in film
history – a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT390. That thrilling chase
through the streets of San Francisco, where the Mustang pursued a black Dodge
Charger, was a pivotal moment for car enthusiasts and film buffs alike. It was
not just about speed; it was about grit, determination, and coolness under
pressure.
The Mustang became more than just a car—it was a co-star. As McQueen himself famously said, "I am not just driving. I am doing something a lot more." It was this seamless blend of driver and machine that transformed the Mustang GT390 into an icon. Even more surprising? The chase scene was so authentic because McQueen did much of his own driving, pushing the Mustang to its limits.
Production Secrets: The Untold Story
Behind
the scenes, there were some fascinating details about the GT390’s production.
Ford only made a limited number of these models in 1968, with approximately
4,400 units produced. One little-known fact is that there were two Mustangs
used during the filming of Bullitt. One was lost for years, only to resurface
decades later, while the other was kept in Steve McQueen's possession until it
too became a piece of Mustang lore.
When
the first 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 rolled off the production line, it had a base
price of around $3,500. Today, that same car in good condition can fetch up to
$3.74 million at auction – quite the leap from its humble beginnings.
|
Year |
Original
Price |
Current
Price (Solid Condition) |
|
1968 |
$3,500 |
$300,000 - $3,740,000 |
The Bullitt
Mustangs: Rare and Beautiful Colors
Though
Highland Green is the most famous color associated with the Bullitt Mustang,
Ford also offered other colors for the GT390, including Candy apple Red,
Wimbledon White, Acapulco Blue, and Sunlit Gold. However, it is Highland Green
that remains the most iconic, forever tied to Steve McQueen’s character and
that fateful chase scene.
Sales History
and Peak Performance Years
The
Mustang GT390 peaked in popularity in the late 1960s. The most successful
production year was 1968, due to the car’s starring role in Bullitt. From 1964
to 1973, the Mustang became Ford’s fastest-selling model, with 1.9 million
units sold within its first few years. Despite fluctuating demand, the Mustang
has continued to be a coveted collector's item, particularly the GT390 from
1968.
Engine
Power and Specifications
The
Ford Mustang GT390 was not just about looks. It packed a serious punch under
the hood:
|
Type |
Size |
Carburetor |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
V8 |
390 cu in |
4-barrel |
320 hp |
427 lb.-ft |
Performance
enthusiasts will appreciate the numbers that make this Mustang a beast:
|
0
to 60 mph |
Quarter
Mile |
Engine |
Engine
Source |
|
6.3 seconds |
14.5 seconds |
6.4 L V8 |
Ford |
Competitors
in the Rearview Mirror
While
the 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 was carving its legacy on the streets and in
hearts, it was up against stiff competition. Rivals such as the Dodge Charger
and Chevrolet Camaro tried to keep pace, but few could match Mustang’s
charisma, thanks in part to Bullitt. It was not just about horsepower; it was
about soul. And in that respect, the Mustang came out on top every time.
|
Model |
Year |
Notable
Features |
|
Ford Mustang GT390 |
1968 |
Bullitt Mustang, Highland Green |
|
Ford Mustang Mach 1 |
1969 |
Sports Roof, Shaker hood |
|
Ford Mustang Boss 302 |
1970 |
Performance tuning, race-bred
suspension |
Conclusion:
Legacy Continues
The
1968 Ford Mustang GT390 is more than just a muscle car; it is a cultural icon,
a symbol of an era where cars were more than machines—they were statements.
From the roar of its V8 to its sleek, muscular lines, it stands as a testament
to the power and beauty of American automotive design.
"The Mustang wasn’t just built for
the road; it was built for legend."
If there
is one thing to be learned from the Mustang GT390, it is this: timeless design,
performance, and the perfect movie moment can turn a car into something
unforgettable. For any fan of muscle cars or classic cinema, the 1968 Ford
Mustang GT390 will forever be the king of cool.