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SOLD 09/23

1968 Ford
Mustang "Bullitt" Tribute

Bring A Trailer NO RESERVE auction preview: Over $200K invested, better than new in every regard!

  • VIN8F02J164232
  • Exterior ColorGreen
  • Interior ColorBlack
  • Mileage1466 Miles (TMU)
  • Engine5.7L V8
  • Transmission5-speed manual
  • StatusSold
  • StockFJ2779

Description

1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” Tribute

VIN – 8F02J164232
Exterior Color – Highland Green Metallic
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 5.7 Liter V8
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 1,466 miles
Owner Purchase – 2022
Owner Miles – approx. 200 since build completion

Highlights of this Car


- Over $200k invested in professional build and performance features
- Exceptional tribute to one of the most iconic movie chase-scene cars
- Upgraded with 347 stroker engine, 5-speed gearbox, power steering, power front disc brakes, coil-over front suspension, A/C, and retro Bluetooth radio

General Overview


When first released in 1965, the Ford Mustang took the world by storm. It was instantly popular, selling tens of thousands in a matter of months, towering over the competition. Less than two years after launch, Ford sold their millionth Mustang. The key to their success was the sporty compact design that could be optioned with a wide range of features. A Mustang could be a thrifty 6-cylinder commuter or a capable performance car. All with just a few ticks on the order card. Available in three body styles (convertible, hardtop, and fastback), the fastback was the clear choice for performance minded enthusiasts.

By 1967, the Mustang was updated with more engine options, a revised body design, and new features. The last year of this two-year body design captured the imagination of Steve McQueen and his movie production company Solar Productions. Fitting to the story line, they fatefully cast a 1968 Mustang GT fastback as the mighty steed for the now legendary movie “Bullitt”. Filmed on the streets of San Francisco, Bullitt won many awards for the realistic film sequencing, editing, and most importantly the epic 11-minute chase scene between Lt. Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen) piloting his 1968 Mustang against an ominous black 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, driven by stoic hitmen on hire by “The Outfit”. Since its 1968 release, this chase scene has gained legendary status where it remains today, securing the iconic status of Steve McQueen, the 1968 Mustang, and forever changing the landscape of realistic crime-genre filmmaking.

In 2020, the original 1968 Mustang used in the actual filming and driven by Steve McQueen sold at auction for a record price of $3.4MM, making it the most valuable Mustang since the first model debuted nearly 60 years ago.

History of this Car


According to a copy of the Marti Report, this 1968 Mustang was originally equipped with a J-code 302 V8 engine and automatic transmission. Options delivered on the car included an electric clock, sport deck rear seat, louvered hood, center console, power steering, wheel covers, and AM radio. Originally sold in the US, the car was later exported to the UK. In 2018, a comprehensive restomod build was initiated with The Mustang Workshop in Hook, UK to capture the look and performance features of the Bullitt Mustang. During this 2018-2019 period, an entirely new Dynacorn factory correct steel body shell was purchased as the basis for the build. The floor and firewall were insulated with Dynamat, and Waxoil undercoating was later applied for rust prevention. During the build, the Dynacorn seat floor section was cut and lowered to allow for taller drivers, using a Cougar driver’s side seat section to gain greater head and legroom. In addition to the Dynacorn body, all metal seams and welded areas were addressed, and the important three original factory numbers and VIN were retained and remain in place today.

Build details for more than $200k spent from 2018-2019 include:


• Ford Racing 347 stroker crate engine (aftermarket aluminum heads, roller rockers)
• 5-speed Tremec gearbox
• Centerforce hydraulic clutch
• MagnaFlow 2.25” exhaust with Patriot ceramic-coated headers
• Wilwood power front disc brakes, upgraded 11” rear drum brakes
• Total Control Products front coil-over suspension
• Total Control Products power rack and pinion steering
• Koni adjustable rear shocks
• Currie 9” rear-end with 3.50 gearing
• Painless chassis wiring loom
• American Racing 15 x 7” Torq Thrust D wheels (steel spare wheel in trunk)
• BFGoodrich 225/60R15 radial tires (smaller Goodyear spare tire in trunk)
• LED taillights (amber indicators with original red lenses)
• Reverse lights deleted
• Décor interior with wood applique
• 8k RPM tachometer
• Quartz dash clock upgrade
• High torque starter
• Pertronix electronic ignition
• AMK nuts and bolts

The current owner acquired the car in the UK in 2022, returned it to The Mustang Workshop for an inspection and subtle improvements, repatriated it back to the US for additional work performed by Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, CT, and titled the car in Montana. The additional work performed in 2022-2023 totaled more than $30,000, including:

• Old Air Products retro-look air conditioning system
• Original Philco AM stereo rebuilt for FM and hidden Bluetooth
• Upgraded stereo speakers in stock dash and door locations
• Leather-wrapped 1967 reproduction wooden Shelby steering wheel with an adapter for the 1968 steering column and an original Shelby over-the-counter horn button foil
• Eaton Truetrac limited slip rear
• Retro-look aluminum radiator painted black
• US spec headlights

The completed car has been driven approximately 200 miles sorting out final build details. The finished car is an exceptionally well-built example that elevates the original Bullitt car and updates it with the very best in modern performance componentry while still reflecting the vintage qualities of the iconic original.

General Condition


Today this Bullitt Tribute Mustang presents as a fresh build. With break-in miles now covered, the car is in excellent condition offering a beautiful largely stock appearance while featuring a series of exceptional performance improvements concealed beneath the iconic fastback body. The Highland Green metallic paint is glossy and smooth with excellent coverage throughout the body including fine finishes applied to the underside opening panels and door jambs. The hood, doors, and trunk show excellent panel gaps and proper fitting to the body. The fastback roofline and full rear glass create a daring and unified profile in this rich green metallic color. The exterior chrome and various trim are in excellent condition, with the Mustang emblems correctly deleted to match the specifications of the original movie car. The glass, lenses, and lighting are exceptional throughout, and all rubber and exterior gasket materials are fresh and consistently applied. The beautiful stock blackout grille is correctly void of any Mustang emblems, exactly as the movie car was, and the louvered hood contains a set of amber turn indicators. Even the satin black recessed taillight panel is correctly finished with a blacked-out center fuel cap. A set of satin black and polished aluminum rim correct American Racing 15 x 7” Torq Thrust wheels with BFGoodrich 225/60R15 radial tires are mounted. Upgraded Wilwood front disc brakes and larger drum rear brakes are activated by a power brake booster system. The impressive stance, hunkered down suspension, and period-correct presentation is well-paired with the power that lurks under the hood.

The interior is reflective of the original design and layout, restored using correct components and materials. The black vinyl interior is finished with matching black door panels, a black dashboard, and the traditional AM radio has been upgraded with modern Bluetooth connection and FM band while still maintaining the vintage look. The instrument panel is in excellent condition as are the accessory knobs, and beautifully finished faux wood features indicative of deluxe interior cars often packaged with the GT option. Even the center-mounted clock functions properly, flanking the speedometer and rare 8k tachometer. The correct low-pile black carpeting, correct door trim, fold-down rear seat, and fastback interior side panels are all in excellent condition. Best of all, the Tremec 5-speed manual transmission boldly announces the performance lineage of this Mustang. A modern air conditioning system is installed, cooling the cabin through factory A/C vents and controls.

Under the hood, the beautifully finished Ford Racing 347 stroker crate engine features an Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley QFT 4-barrel carburetor, and Patriot ceramic-coated headers. The engine and engine compartment have been detailed to a high level of quality with a harmonious blend of original and new components. The overall finish is very crisp, detailed, and tastefully done including a period correct open element air cleaner, Autolite battery, vintage appearance aluminum radiator, Total Control Products power steering, modern A/C, and correct vintage features including factory markings throughout the engine compartment. The trunk is finished with Dynamat insulation under the factory-correct vinyl floor liner. A steel wheel with Goodyear tire and lug nut tool are mounted on the factory trunk floor post, covered by a matching spare tire liner.

The underside reveals exceptional engineering and attention to detail leveraging modern Total Control Products power rack and pinion steering and front coil-over suspension with adjustable Koni rear shocks, and Currie rear end, to name just a few of the updated modern components on this superb build. The chassis is finished with the correct red oxide primer, selective black paint in seam areas, correct paint markings for the driveshaft and leaf springs, and Magnaflow 2.25” dual exhaust with straight exit pipes.

The car starts immediately with an unmistakable burst of V8 power from the dual exhaust. The 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, engaging the nearly 400 hp engine up to freeway speeds in a matter of seconds. The 5th gear overdrive is excellent for cruising and highway touring. Power rack and pinion steering makes for smooth operation at lower speeds and the vastly improved power front disc brakes and larger diameter rear drum brakes bring the car down smoothly from highway speeds. Handling is substantially improved due to the advanced suspension selected for the components of this Bullitt Tribute.

This one-of-a-kind Bullitt Tribute is ready for shows, driving events, and enjoyable use. The added engineering offered by the Ford Racing stroker 347 V8 crate engine with the modern Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, plus comfort amenities like power steering, power front disc brakes, Bluetooth radio, and A/C, coupled with legendary Mustang and Bullitt history, makes for an undeniably top-level performance car that can be driven with confidence.

Items Included with the Car


This Mustang is offered with a set of branded rubber floor mats, a scissor jack, a 1968 Mustang Owner’s Manual, copies of restoration and build records, and two sets of keys.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608