2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
By Jim Prueter - 2/08

It was on October 17 1968 that movie going audiences were blown away by a 9 minute 42 second car chase that forever redefined movie history. 

The movie “Bullitt” starred actor Steve McQueen as San Francisco police Lt. Frank Bullitt and co-starred Robert Vaughn, Robert Duvall and Jacqueline Bissett in supporting roles.  It was filmed almost entirely in the city.

The movie itself was at best confusing and a disappointment but it was the classic chase scene with McQueen chasing mob hit men in their Dodge Charger literally flying through the streets of San Francisco driving his powerful Highland Green ’68 Mustang GT fastback. 

While the scene had no dialogue, there was the unmistakable sweet “rhumba and burbling” exhaust notes, shifting gears and squealing rubber that stole the scene as McQueen leapt around notable San Francisco landmarks like Bernal Heights, Protrero Hill, North Beach and Russian Hill, then airborne on Taylor St. and finally hitting speeds of over 100 miles per hour before the Charger came to its explosive finale. 

Now as the movie celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall after hitting the big screen, the Ford Mustang Bullitt returns and “embodies the true spirit of the 1968 movie car,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.

On sale since last month, Ford Motor Co. will only make 7,700, asking a starting price of $27,765.  Ford last offered a limited edition Bullitt model in 2001 using the previous generation Mustang chassis platform, which was redesigned for 2005. 

The 2008 Bullitt is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that delivers 315 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than the stock ’08 Mustang GT.  Top-end speed has been upped to 151 miles-per-hour.  A Tremac 5-speed manual shifter is the only transmission offered and gears are selected via a special aluminum shift knob designed exclusively for the Bullitt.  Shift throws are butter smooth with a short throw.

The live rear axle uses a unique 3.73:1 gear that helps to firmly launch the Bullitt from a standing stop for snappier starts. 

We especially liked the custom-designed true dual exhaust system, again specifically developed for the 2008 Bullitt.  There’s larger 3.5-inch exhaust tips (standard Mustang GT uses 3-inch) that maximizes horsepower but more important is the special attention to create an exact duplicate of the original exhaust notes that utilized a digitally mastered DVD created from the movie’s soundtrack for accuracy. 

Ford also modified the chassis and suspension using firmer shocks and struts to give the Bullitt a firmer ride and better handling.  Still we thought the ride was surprisingly comfortable yet handling and steering was precise and body roll an absolute minimum.  This is a car that could easily fill the role of a daily driver.

Outside, Ford took great care to duplicate as painstaking detail as possible a look of the original Mustang including the same Highland Green paint, lack of exterior badges, scoops and spoilers. 

The only visible identification is the “Bullitt” name in the center of the faux gas cap on the rear deck lid.  Non-purists can opt for a black exterior, the only other color available. 

This car looks fantastic with its undercover coolness.  Most people won’t know what you’re driving until, well; they see the “Bullitt” name as they fade in your rearview mirror. 

Up front there’s a unique black mesh grille with metallic surround but no fog lights.  Even the galloping pony has been removed.   Special 18-inch aluminum wheels match the same painted gray as the brake calipers. 

Inside the undercover look continues with charcoal black leather seating and classy hand-machined look aluminum swirl dash and instrument panel.  Aluminum rings outline the air vents.

The seats are patterned after those in the Shelby GT500 providing added lumbar and bolster support. 

Standard equipment includes one-touch up-down power windows, power mirrors and door locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, tilt but not telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Shaker 500 Audio System with six-disc CD player, MP3 and eight speakers. 

Available options include HID headlamps, SIRIUS satellite radio, ambient lighting, active anti-theft system, wheel locking kits, DVD based navigation system, and active anti-theft system.

Standard safety gear includes dual front airbags, side-mounted airbags, ABS and traction control.

What we like most about the Bullitt Mustang is like the late Steve McQueen, the vehicle is the epitome of “cool.”  It takes the best of the Mustangs and blends it into one tough, classy ride.