Michael Satterfield
The Hero Car driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt has crossed the block in Kissimmee Florida selling for $3.4 million ($3.7 with auction fees) making it the most expensive Ford Mustang ever sold at auction. The previous record was set last year at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction when a 1967 Shelby GT500 that sold for $2.2 million.
The historic car was thought to be lost to time until it was reintroduced to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2018. Since then the car has been on tour at events across the US. For the full backstory on the car and the family that had it hidden away for so many years,visit Bullitt.Mecum.com
Highlights of the car from Mecum:
- The Hero Car driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 Warner Bros film, “Bullitt”
- Featured in the majority of scenes from the legendary car chase through San Francisco
- Sold to Warner Bros employee Robert Ross following the film debut
- Subsequently acquired by New Jersey Detective Frank Marranca in 1970
- Purchased by Robert Kiernan of Madison, New Jersey in 1974 from Marranca
- Bequeathed to Kiernan’s son Sean in 2014 upon Robert’s passing
- Letter from Warner Bros certifying that this car was featured in the film
- California Registration from 1968 in Robert Ross’ name
- 1978 New Jersey Insurance Card and registration dated in Robert Kiernan’s name
- Letter from Steve McQueen to Robert Kiernan attempting to purchase the “Bullitt” Mustang
- The 21st vehicle entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register
- Unveiled to the public at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show alongside Ford’s 3rd edition Bullitt Mustang
- Retains camera mounts welded into the rockers
- Rebuilt S-code 390 CI V-8 engine
- 4-barrel carburetor
- 4-speed manual transmission
- GT emblems removed and grille blacked out
- American Racing Torque Thrust wheels
Check out the full auction listing HERE
