Once considered lost forever, the original 1968 Ford Mustang GT from the Warner Bros. movie “Bullitt” is headed for Washington, D.C. The iconic car is on display at the National Mall in celebration of Mustang’s 54th birthday and the 50th anniversary of “Bullitt.”
As one of the most recognized cars in movie history, Ford recently surprised the automotive world by unveiling the original Mustang from “Bullitt” at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The car was driven personally by Steve McQueen in the movie, including its unforgettable chase scene on the streets of San Francisco.
The car’s whereabouts had been a mystery for decades. It was one of two duplicate Mustang GTs used in the movie. After filming, the cars went their separate ways. The hero vehicle driven by McQueen in the movie was sold by Warner Bros. to a private buyer, and the other – used in many of the jumps during the famous chase scene – was sent to a salvage yard. That jumper vehicle resurfaced in Baja, California, in early 2017, but the other was lost to history. Until now.
Two years ago, Sean Kiernan, the current owner of the “Bullitt” Mustang, contacted Ford to discuss authenticating and possibly restoring it. The car still has many of the unique artifacts from the movie, including camera mounts welded underneath, a Warner Bros. parking lot sticker, and the missing rear backup lights that McQueen wanted removed.
After verifying its authenticity with the Historic Vehicle Association, Ford unveiled the original “Bullitt” Mustang in January alongside the new limited-edition 480-horsepower* 2019 Mustang Bullitt.
Now through April 23, the original “Bullitt” Mustang will be on display in a glass garage lit up at night for ’round-the-clock viewing by National Mall visitors as part of the Historic Vehicle Association’s month-long Cars at the Capital celebration. Joining the iconic 1968 Mustang will be the 15-millionth Ford Model T. There are only 24 vehicles currently in the National Historic Vehicle Register.
“To see the Bullitt under glass within steps of the Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument is a fitting tribute to automobiles that have transcended utility to become truly iconic examples of America’s culture,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Mustang chief engineer.
Orders for the limited-edition 2019 Mustang Bullitt officially began in late March.
BULLITT and all related characters and elements© & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s18)
*Horsepower rating achieved with 93-octane fuel.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (opening 2018). With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.