Description
The Ford Mustang 390 Fastback “Bullitt” is one of the most legendary cars in American automotive history, forever tied to its starring role in the 1968 film Bullitt, where Steve McQueen piloted it through the streets of San Francisco in what has become cinema’s most iconic car chase. Based on the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback equipped with the 390 cubic inch V8, the Bullitt Mustang became an enduring cultural symbol, combining raw muscle, understated style, and Hollywood cool.
The car itself was a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, chosen deliberately for its subtle and unflashy appearance. Unlike many Mustangs of the era, which often carried stripes, chrome trim, or bright colors, the Bullitt Mustang was stripped of excess decoration. It had no badging, no GT or pony emblems, and no shiny chrome accents beyond what was absolutely necessary. This minimalist look, combined with its deep green paint and American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, gave it a sinister presence perfectly suited for McQueen’s gritty detective character, Frank Bullitt.
Inside, the Mustang retained its standard GT fastback layout, with bucket seats, wood-grain dash accents, and a floor-mounted shifter. The cabin in the film car was functional and unfussy, reflecting the same stripped-down personality as the exterior. With its fold-down rear seat, the fastback retained some practicality, but the emphasis was squarely on driving.
Under the hood, the Bullitt Mustang carried Ford’s FE-series 390 cubic inch V8, rated at 320 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the engine delivered the kind of brute strength and torque that made the Mustang a true muscle car. While not as exotic as some of the high-performance small-blocks or as extreme as the big 428 Cobra Jet, the 390 struck a perfect balance of performance and reliability, giving the car the ability to thunder through the streets with authority.
For the film, two nearly identical 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastbacks were used. Both were modified for stunt work, with one car receiving reinforced suspension, heavy-duty shocks, and other mechanical tweaks to survive the punishing chase sequence. The second car was used for close-up shots and less demanding driving scenes. After filming, one car was scrapped due to its condition, while the other disappeared into private ownership, becoming one of the most famous “lost” cars in history until it resurfaced in 2017.
On the road, the 390 Fastback was a strong performer, capable of mid-14-second quarter-mile times and top speeds of around 120 mph. Its weight over the front axle made it less agile than smaller-engine Mustangs, but its raw acceleration and presence more than compensated, especially for straight-line driving. The modifications made for the film emphasized durability and real driving dynamics, which is why the chase sequence was so visceral—no trickery, just a big V8 Mustang being pushed to its limits.
Priced higher than small-block Mustangs but still accessible to enthusiasts, the 390 Fastback appealed to buyers who wanted genuine muscle car power in one of the most stylish Mustang body styles. Its popularity soared after Bullitt, and the association with McQueen turned it into an instant classic.
Today, the Ford Mustang 390 Fastback Bullitt is one of the most collectible and celebrated Mustangs of all time. Original Highland Green 1968 GT fastbacks with 390 engines already command high values, but those tied to the film’s legacy are virtually priceless. The reappearance of the original movie car created headlines worldwide, reinforcing its status as an automotive icon. Modern “Bullitt” edition Mustangs released by Ford in 2001, 2008, and 2019 pay tribute to the legend, but the original 390 Fastback remains the ultimate symbol of Mustang heritage, muscle car power, and Hollywood cool.