THE CARS OF MCQUEEN [PART 2] // 1968 'BULLITT' MUSTANG

For part two of 'The Cars of McQueen', we decided to look at the Ford Mustang fastback that Steve McQueen drove in the 1968 film Bullitt.

A car that in many ways represents all that we love about automobiles, follow the link for a bit more info on Steve McQueen's 'Bullitt' Mustang and a look at the chase scene that made the car so famous... [read more]

Two 1968 Ford Mustangs were used for the filming of Bullitt's infamous chase scene, both of which were owned by the Ford Motor Company and were on loan to Warner Bros. The cars suspension, brakes and engines were heavily modified by veteran race car driver Max Balchowsky, which allowed the Mustangs to perform on the hills of San Francisco. Additionally, two Ford Galaxies had been on loan from Ford, however the producers found the cars to be too heavy to perform as needed, and opted for a pair 1968 Dodge Charger's which the studio purchased from Glendale Dodge in Glendale, California.

Though it is believed Steve McQueen performed much of the stunt driving for Bullitt's chase scene, the films stunt coordinator, Carey Loftin, had actually hired famed stuntman and motorcycle racer Bud Ekins, to perform the majority of dangerous stunts in the Mustang.



Featured above is the infamous chase scene through the streets of San Francisco...

Having become an accomplished race car driver, competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Steve McQueen brought his love of motor sport to the silver screen. The cars he drove, both on and off the screen, helped define not only who he was, but the lasting impression he would leave on us all.

Steve McQueen's 1968 Ford Mustang, all muscle, no bullshit. Just the way we like it!

Stay tuned for part three of 'The Cars of McQueen'

Editorial: Justin Coffey