Bullitt Mustang Replica Nearly Indiscernible from Original Movie Car
Stock 289 cubic inch V8 was swapped out for a movie-correct 390, in addition to added Torq-thrusts and white-letter tires.
The legend surrounding the Bullitt Mustang, recently unearthed after decades of mystery, is larger than life. The chase scene from the classic film Bullitt is so iconic that it’s inspired Ford to build a special version of the car on four separate occasions, with the latest iteration hitting dealerships next year.
That’s especially impressive considering that the original movie car was completely debadged. That utilitarian look inspired countless look-alikes, including this example from the U.K. Being an original A-code car sold new in Pennsylvania, it was restored into a Bullitt replica in 2008.
For Love of the Bullitt
Following that restoration, it eventually found itself in the collection of consummate car enthusiast Jay Kay, the flamboyant frontman of the funk band Jamiroquai. Jay is now ready to move on and let some other lucky Brit enjoy this high-horsepower slice of American muscle.
During the restoration, the stock 289 cubic inch V8 was swapped out for a movie-correct 390, which was treated to a balanced rotating assembly, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake, a Stage 2 Crower cam, and a 750 CFM carburetor, also from Edelbrock. Finally, an electronic ignition replaces the original points system for drivability’s sake.
That’s backed up by a rebuilt top-loader four-speed manual and a similarly refreshed Ford 9 inch rearend. Wilwood disc brakes were fitted on all four corners for fade-free stopping power. Those binders sit behind staggered American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels wrapped in white-letter BFGoodrich rubber.
If you’re an international reader, you might be pleased to find out that this car will be offered at the upcoming NEC Classic Motor Show Sale organized by Silverstone Auctions. Pre-auction estimates put it at somewhere between $75,000 and $87,000 USD.
That’s a downright bargain considering what it would cost to build this same car, especially considering that, unlike America, you’re not likely to trip over three or four fastbacks at your typical cruise-in.
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