Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in ‘Bullitt’ sells for $3.4 million as present day Saudi Prince plans to Negotiate with millions of euros to get car from buyer

The Legacy of the Bullitt Mustang: A Cinematic Icon Reaches New Heights

In a milestone moment for automotive and cinematic history, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT, famously driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic film “Bullitt,” has set a new benchmark at auction, fetching a staggering $3.4 million. This sale, which includes buyers’ fees totaling $3.74 million, marks the highest price ever paid for a Ford Mustang at auction, underscoring its status as a cherished artifact of American culture.

The car’s journey from movie set to auction block is a tale of preservation and passion. The Mustang, clad in its distinctive “highland green” paint and showcasing the wear and tear of decades, achieved cinematic immortality through a gripping 10-minute chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco.

Driven by McQueen’s character, Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, the car leaped into the hearts of audiences with its raw, unfiltered power—an exhilarating blend of roaring engines and screeching tires set against the backdrop of a scoreless pursuit.

Behind the scenes, the Mustang’s own story unfolded with equal drama. After filming wrapped, the car passed through several owners, each adding to its mystique. Robert Kiernan, a New Jersey police detective, purchased the vehicle in 1974 for a modest $6,000. Kiernan’s steadfast refusal to sell, even turning down an offer from McQueen himself, speaks to the Mustang’s personal significance and its place in cinematic lore.

Sean Kiernan, Robert’s son and inheritor of the Mustang, faithfully preserved the car, respecting his father’s wishes to keep it in its original condition. For nearly four decades, the Mustang remained largely untouched, a testament to its enduring allure and historical importance.

The recent auction at Mecum Auctions in Florida, where the Mustang was sold without a reserve price, captured global attention and drew bids from collectors eager to own a piece of Hollywood history. While the buyer remains anonymous, the record-breaking sale price underscores the car’s cultural and monetary worth, cementing its status as a rare gem in the automotive world.

Looking forward, the Mustang’s new chapter begins with the potential of joining an esteemed private collection in Saudi Arabia. This transition marks yet another chapter in its storied journey, ensuring that its legacy continues to captivate and inspire for generations to come.

In commemorating the sale of the Bullitt Mustang, we celebrate not just a car, but a symbol of American ingenuity, cinematic brilliance, and the enduring passion of collectors worldwide. As it embarks on its next adventure, the Bullitt Mustang reminds us of the timeless allure of a bygone era, where every rev of the engine echoes with the spirit of adventure and the thrill of the chase.