The movie “Bullitt” (1968) more than any before and perhaps since, has singularly redefined the car chase in the history of cinematography. With Steve McQueen, the King of Cool, behind the wheel of the Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT it has captivated generations since its first release over a half century ago.

With a wild and hidden history, the "Bullitt" Mustang was locked away for most of its life before finally coming out of hiding in 2018. And this star of the big screen is now slated to cross the auction block with no reserve this month at Mecum Kissimmee 2020. And it could very well be the most expensive Mustang ever sold in history.

The "Bullitt" Mustang

The new for 1968 Mustang GT was purchased specially for use in the film and personally tweaked as per the specifications of Hollywood star and gearhead Steve McQueen himself. The car came in Highland Green with a 390 FE motor and 4-speed manual transmission. The suspension and underbelly were then thoroughly beefed up to handle the punishment of the titular chase scene through the streets of San Francisco. McQueen, however, demanded the car be stripped of emblems, given a bit of patina, and treated to a set of racing rims. The look was and is singular and historic. The one, the only, "Bullitt" Mustang.

Where Did It Go?

After filming wrapped up the car was sold to Warner Brothers employee Robert Ross and then it changed hands again to New Jersey Detective Frank Marranca in 1970. After Marranca used the car a few years it was put up for sale in an advertisement tucked away in a car magazine. Robert Kiernan of Madison, New Jersey then picked it up in 1974. McQueen made an effort to purchase the car a few years after that, and apparently made a very attractive offer to Kiernan, but he wouldn't budge. And after that, the trail went cold. Everyone thought the "Bullitt" Mustang succumbed to an ignominious death until it resurfaced in 2018.

When, Where, And How Much

With the passing of Kiernan in 2014, title of the car went to his son, Sean, and now the car is set to be auctioned off as Lot F150 at Mecum Kissimmee running from January 2-12, 2020. No presale estimate has been released but given the provenance of the car and its considerable cultural and historical significance it could top the $2.2 million paid for the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake that Mecum sold at the 2019 auction. If I were a betting man I'd have to say that it will top that number ... and maybe by a whole lot! Buckle up.

Source: Mecum