Description
motodrome offer this utterly magnificent Ford Mustang Bullitt replica.
If you’re reading this, you’re no doubt familiar with the 1969 film, where the Highland Green Mustang 390 fastback, driven by Steve McQueen, get the better of a black Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco in probably the most iconic car chase in cinema history.
Two Mustangs were used for filming, and one of them resurfaced a few years ago in original unrestored condition, and was sold at auction in 2020 for over 3. 2 million dollars, making it the most expensive Mustang ever.
However before then a whole subculture devoted to replica Bullitt Mustangs grew up, some very accurate, others less so. This one, we believe, is one of the most visually accurate replicas out there, even down to the number plate. It’s properly UK registered as JJZ 100 – the film car was JJZ109
The last owner, a long time Mustang owner and enthusiast, decided in 2012 to source a 68 fastback Mustang and build his dream. However, at the time a halfway decent 68 Fastback with the correct black interior couldn’t be found. He did however find a very sound and unmolested, low mileage, base spec 67 C-code manual Fastback in the US, and imported it to the UK in 2013, when it’s 2 year restoration and conversion began.
The only external differences between a 67 and 68 Mustang are a) the front wings have marker lights, b) the rear wings have side reflectors and a different scoop shape c) the grille.
On a Bullitt, the grille is unadorned, so that one was easily solved by removing the trim parts, and 4 brand-new 1968 wings were fitted with the correct lights, reflectors, and scoops, making the car externally indistinguishable from a 68 model, once all the badging was removed as per the real thing.
Other body changes to reflect the original included the reversing lights removed and faired over, a small colour coded drivers door mirror, and rear wing mounted radio antenna. An accurate Bullitt replica is as much about what you leave off as put on, so you won’t find any snazzy chrome tailpipes on this one, as per the original.
Following the inevitable structural work needed, it was treated to a bare metal, glass out repaint in the correct Highland Green metallic, and 9 years on it still looks fantastic.
The tail panel was painted Matt Black. This is a bone of contention among Bullitt aficionados. Some shots from the film show green, others black. The theory is the rear panel (and the rear light bezels) were temporarily blacked out with distemper, to avoid reflections where a chase car was filming from behind..
The external look is completed by a set of the correct TorqueThrust D wheels, and the only deviation from Bullitt spec is a clip on passenger side mirror.
Internally it’s about as correct as possible, with the correct fake wood trim, and the desirable Shelby Cobra dished steering wheel. The only deviations I can think of are no rev counter, 2-point rather than 3 point seat belts, and the gearknob is a more modern Steve McQueen type.
Of course, being a 67 it’s not fitted with a 390 V8, but still runs a 289 V8, but uprated with Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor and manifold, AC Cobra headers, and sports exhaust system with the option of straight through pipes. These enhancements more than make up for the 101 cu in it loses over an original, in my opinion. And, really, who’s going to know?
Since the restoration was completed in 2015, it’s remained with the same owner (V5 shows 0 previous keepers), has always been garaged and maintained by him, and has done around 4000 miles, including a trip to Le Mans The odometer reading is now just under 46000 miles
It is, in my opinion, a very fine Mustang Fastback in it’s own right, even before the Bullitt work is taken into consideration, and both looks and sounds superb. I’d go as far as to say that it’s the finest Mustang I’ve ever had through my hands. And driving it, you really do feel like the King of Cool himself….
On our own website, you’ll find our usual comprehensive video package, which forms part of the description.
viewing by prior appointment
