The Bullitt Mustang: More than a museum piece
The Ford Mustang is one of the most celebrated cars ever produced in America, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it has developed a second life as a pop-culture icon. Appearing in hundreds if not thousands of films, the Mustang has become synonymous with youth, energy, and a spirit of adventure. And while the brand has innovated relentlessly over the more than 50 years since the first Mustangs rolled off production lines in 1965, the appeal of owning a Mustang still has much to do with the outlaw aesthetic it has become associated with thanks to Hollywood.
Mustang has done much to capitalize on this over the years, frequently releasing special edition Mustangs to celebrate its unique history. For auto lovers who want to buy a Mustang but may not be able to afford a car that is just a showpiece, it can be hard to know whether these special edition vehicles are worth buying. Cool as it might be to drive an updated version of the 1968 Mustang from the legendary chase scene in Steve McQueen’s film Bullitt, can it really compare to the newest Mustangs currently on the road?
If you are considering buying a new Ford Mustang and want to make sure you get a car you’ll be excited to drive for years to come, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt is actually an extremely compelling option. Behind the glitzy exterior and Hollywood nostalgia, the Bullitt is, like most Mustangs, a surprisingly practical car. Shoppers who are immediately attracted to its beautiful Highland Green color and cool retro looks may be surprised to know that under the hood, the Bullitt is equipped with an engine even more powerful than that of the 2018 Mustang GT. Both have a 5.0 L V8, but the Bullitt manages 475 horsepower with a top speed of 163 mph, compared to the GT’s 460 horsepower/155 mph. In addition to this beefed-up powertrain, shoppers also have an expanded range of special feature options, including Brembo 6-piston front brake calipers equipped with bigger rotors, a limited-slip differential with a shorter gear ratio, and stiffer springs.
Clearly, the Bullitt can hold its own against even the newest Mustangs on the road, and is also an appealing choice on its own aesthetic merits — the 2019 Bullitt is hardly a slavish reproduction, and its rugged good looks and aggressive lines reference the 1968 GT while also offering a distinctly modern profile.
The question of whether or not it is worthwhile purchasing a special edition vehicle like the Bullitt comes down to personal taste. The 2019 Bullitt is not the first special edition to capitalize on the brand’s association with the film — special edition Bullitt Mustangs were released in 2001 and 2008 — and it is entirely possible it won’t be the last. But if you like the look of it and want to get behind the wheel of one of the most powerful Mustangs on the road, it is definitely worth considering.
Rob Teitelman is an avid blogger and digital marketing enthusiast with years of experience creating content for businesses and brands. His work has been published on major publications and blogs across North America, covering a variety of niches from tech to real estate. Recreational guitarist, amateur photographer and avid fan of all things technology and gadgets.