To commemorate the 1968 hit film “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen, Ford teased the press and public with a concept Bullitt-edition Mustang at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. The crowd went positively wild over the idea, and Ford green- lighted the dark green Mustang for limited production. The first two production cars, serial numbers 440 and 441, were given to Steve McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen, and granddaughter, Molly McQueen. This 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt, No. 441, the same one once owned by Molly McQueen, will be sold with a copy of the historic title showing the McQueen family name. Kept in a climate-controlled garage and showing just 39 miles on the odometer, this Bullitt Mustang presents exquisitely well. Ford built 5,582 Bullitt Mustangs, 3,041 of which were finished in Highland Green, like the movie car. Each Bullitt was equipped with a 4.6L/265 HP SOHC V-8 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. To give the car a more aggressive, but subtle look, the headlights were tinted slightly, the rear spoiler was removed, the side scoops were smoothed over, a custom gas filler door was fitted and dark toned, five-spoke, 17-inch Torq Thrust wheels were installed. Inside, the Bullitt Mustang featured Dark Charcoal leather upholstery with seat covers stitched to resemble the pattern used in the 1968 Mustang GT. Brushed aluminum accents and a bright shift knob were also installed, along with the Bullitt logo in the door sills. To give the Bullitt Mustang a performance edge, Ford modified it with a twin-blade 57mm throttle body and a cast aluminum intake manifold, both boosting horsepower and torque. Ford also installed a high-flow water pump, larger alternator and a tuned muffler set that would produce a tone similar to the 1968 GT used in the movie. Lowered .75 inches from a factory Mustang GT, the front end is set up with 13-inch Brembo brakes, a stabilizer bar and MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension was treated to a 4-bar link with coils and a stabilizer bar. Front and rear subframe connectors were also employed. Ford revisited the Bullitt Mustang idea in 2008 and 2009, and again in 2019 and 2020, but this one stands apart as the one owned by the King of Cool’s granddaughter, Molly McQueen.
