One of the most well-known Ford Mustang models in automotive history set a new record at last weekend’s Mecum Auto Auction. The iconic 1968 Ford “Bullitt” Mustang GT, driven by Steve McQueen in the legendary chase scene movie Bullitt, set a record high auction price for any Mustang ever sold during the world’s largest collector car auction in Kissimmee, Fla.
The car was previously owned by former New Jersey insurance executive Robert Kiernan, who bought the “hero” Mustang that was used for the closeup shots in the Bullitt movie in 1974. His son Sean Kiernan, who had since inherited the car, had the opportunity to make a huge profit after this family’s hidden treasure sold for $3.74 million dollars on Friday.
The auction on this legendary Ford, which had eventually become a daily driver back in the mid ’70’s, began at the same price as the family bought it for. Although the sale began in the lower thousands, bidding quickly climbed to over $2 million before the price settled at over $3 million dollars for the rusty, old-school Highland Green fastback.
Although the new owner’s identity has not been revealed, the previous owner says he is happy that the legend will live on in a new way. We look forward to hearing more about this stunning piece of automotive history for years to come. Stay tuned to RacingJunk.com for more about this and other future automotive news.
A friend attended the auction and said it was unreal!!! The building was filled to overflow capacity to the point you could hardly see the car! I was a big Steve McQueen fan, but doubt that even Steve wouldn’t have paid $3.7 million for “Bullitt.” Wonder whatever happened to the motorcycle he rode in “The Great Escape?”