Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ Mustang Sells For $3.74 million

Further proving the endearing ‘cool factor’ of late actor Steve McQueen, the 1968 Ford Mustang used in his film Bullitt sold at auction in Kissimmee, Florida, last week for $3.74 million (with buyer’s fees). It’s a record not just for a Mustang but for any American muscle car.

The Highland Green Mustang Fastback was just one of two used in filming, and was featured in possibly the most famous car chase scene ever recorded for film, as McQueen was chased by – and then turned the tables on – two hitmen in a black Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco. In fact, this weathered and rusted Mustang still bears the scars on its left front fender when McQueen crashed into a parked car during the chase, unscripted.

McQueen’s production company had owned the car but sold it soon after filming. Then in 1974, Bob Kiernan bought it for $3,500, and it has stayed in the family up until last week, when Kirenan’s son Sean put it for auction (Bob had since passed away).

The whereabouts of the Mustang had, in fact, been a bit of a secret until it leaked out just a few years ago, though in 1977 McQueen himself tried to buy back the car, sending a letter to Bob Kiernan for it, which went unanswered.

*Images courtesy of Mecum Auctions and Warner