2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT

Description

Ford introduced the Mustang Bullitt edition in 2001, but it wasn't until the redesigned Mustang showed up in 2005 that the Bullitt could really reach into the past and truly channel Steve McQueen. This 2008 Bullitt Mustang is an incredible investment-grade piece of Ford history, showing only 1,424 original miles (not a misprint), and completely untouched aside for a few routine maintenance items. Wow!

The color is Highland Green, just as in 1968, and it practically glows on the surfaces of this modern variant. Thanks to the miracle of two-stage urethane paint, it has a dazzling shine without losing the deep color that made McQueen's car the ultimate sleeper. The Bullitt eschews flash, and standard Mustang items like a hood scoop and rear wing, just to add authenticity. You'll note that there are no badges or other indicators on it, and the only real identifier is a faux gas cap in the center of the rear valence, that is special just for these cars. The 1968 original used chrome bumpers, but since there's no chrome on an '08 Mustang, they substituted a satin-finished trim ring around the now-horseless grille opening, which mimics the spirit, if not the exact look of the original. And yes, it is as perfectly preserved as possible and showroom fresh in every possible way.

The interior got a few upgrades over the standard GT fare as well, and all of it is as nicely maintained as the exterior. It's not a duplicate of the '60s icon, but there are deign cues everywhere that remind you that this is no ordinary Mustang. There were no machine-turned panels in Frank Bullitt's car, but they give the dash in this one a period-perfect look, and brighten up the otherwise dark gray interior. Same goes for the aluminum shift knob and gray shifter surround, all of which help place the car in-period without actually going back in time. The GT's gauges use a very 1968-looking font with tall, narrow numbers, although the layout is quite modern overall. The seats were borrowed from the GT500 and offer narrow pleats like the original, and the leather-wrapped wheel is a luxury Steve McQueen might have appreciated during the stunt driving sequences.

Ford gave the Bullitt a few extra horsepower, too, thanks to an intake system designed by Ford Racing, as well as a strut tower brace that also carries the car's individual number plate. It's very nicely detailed and obviously someone cared about not only keeping it fresh but also making it look as good as possible, because even the factory didn't make it shine under the hood like this car does. It's been properly maintained to keep it in top condition, but only things like the fluids and perhaps the battery have been changed. The exhaust system was specially tuned to sound like the 1968 car from the film, and it makes a few extra ponies thanks to a custom engine calibration. The suspension was lowered about a half-inch from stock and is tuned a little more aggressively. The stock Mustang brakes are an easy match for the horsepower, and they live behind 18-inch Torque-Thrust replicas wearing 235/50/18 tires that look suitably tall in the wheel wells.

Documented with a binder full of paperwork like the original window sticker, dealer invoice, and maintenance records, this is a no-stories car. If you missed your chance in 2008, here it is again with one extremely well-preserved Bullitt Mustang. Call now!