Bullitt is one of the most iconic car chase films of all time. Starring an unmistakable green 1968 Ford Mustang alongside legendary actor Steve McQueen, the movie is perhaps best known for its 10-minute breathtaking chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco, California. Viewers who don’t have time to watch the whole movie – or just want to relive the vehicle chase itself – can now view the Ford Mustang Bullitt do its thing, now that the insane dash has been posted by Warner Bros. on YouTube in its entirety.
Not only does the car chase showcase the power of the Ford Mustang Bullitt, it adds fuel to the Dodge-versus-Ford rivalry. Titular character Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, played by McQueen, catches wind of a Dodge Charger on the prowl, cruising around and looking for him. Bullitt bides his time, nonchalantly trying to lose his pursuers through a narrow alleyway – and then positions his Mustang in their rearview, getting the drop on his enemies.
When the Charger suddenly peels off, the Ford Mustang Bullet gets right to it. The ensuing chase takes the pair of vintage muscle cars through the hilly streets of San Francisco, dodging passersby and performing death-defying stunts to the scream of its throaty V8 engine. The chase culminates in – what else – massive explosion, sending the Charger up in flames and “killing” both of its occupants. Bullitt himself, meanwhile, lives to drive another day.
That 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt survived filming. It was purchased by the Kiernan family in the early 1970s for a mere $6,000. McQueen reportedly attempted to buy it back, but Kiernan refused, and the muscle car stayed in the Kiernans’ hands for decades. It was even placed on display alongside a 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Kiernans finally relinquished ownership, and the 1968 Mustang was sold at auction in 2020. Since then, the iconic pony car has gone completely underground – its new owner has never been publicly revealed.
Comments
It always amused me that the one tire smoking wheel hopping burnout was done in reverse gear. It is a classic car chase though.
Nobody mentions the Ford pickup chase in Mr. Majestyk . . .