Finally Found & Freed

[Tracker1]

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/01/14/mustang-bullitt-found-real-mcqueen?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&[email protected]&utm_content=Newsletter_Special_Bullitt_Mustang


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekfFp8cjRmU

[big gear head]

Anybody think that this car should be at MCACN for 2018?

[CamaroNOS]

With out a doubt. Bob, it needs to be there!

Can you make that happen?????

Paul

[Tracker1]

I think if this was the ONLY car at MCACN you'd get the same amount of people coming through the place to look at it. :)

[southernfriedcj]

I would have been driving that pile all these years.

[Mr70]

Amazing & thank God the hunt & speculation is finally over.

[68l30]

Fifty....it took that long to see it again. 2018's looking pretty good... :grin:

BIG

[BJCHEV396]

When it ever goes up for sale wonder if Ford has first dibs for their museum?

[Mr70]

Jay Leno driving it & the new 2019 Bullitt awhile ago..
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/jay-leno-chased-by-original-bullitt-mustang-while-driving-new-one/ar-AAuKg7B

[BJCHEV396]

Cool video,thanks for sharing!Leno,as usual,living the dream!!

[earntaz]

Cool video,thanks for sharing!Leno,as usual,living the dream!!

The old one looks so much better -- the new one looks like a 2 door Fusion ... TAZ

[BJCHEV396]

I agree TAZ!!

[The Boss]

Molly McQueen, Steve's Granddaughter unveiled the car. Mmmm :D

http://wpmedia.driving.ca/2018/01/dsc_7407.jpg?quality=99&strip=all&w=1024

[Hotrodpaul]

I wonder what it would bring at Barrett Jackson?

[scuncio]

Looked great at the NAIAS.

[the427king]

After reading the letter he sent to the owner in 1977,its no wonder he never got it back. He could have at least offered a new mustang for it.

[BJCHEV396]

Read an article a few years ago that stated the Mustang couldn't keep up with the Charger when filming The Chase.Guess it would be the other way around if they refilmed using the new Stang.

[SS427]

After reading the letter he sent to the owner in 1977,its no wonder he never got it back. He could have at least offered a new mustang for it.

A 1977 Mustang. What a slap in the face that would have been. :)

[Canuck]

Steve offered a Mustang similar to the 68, which in my mind was not a generous offer in 1977 and as he said "if there is not too much monies involved". Not enough to stir the pot I'd say.
In any event the current outcome is the best that could have been, the car got preserved, and is now out in the public and is registered with the HVA, The owner is savvy and should do quite well collecting appearance fees and story rights rather than sell the car.
Show time: Both Mustangs and the Dodge Charger in the same building, the Charger needs more proof.

[BJCHEV396]

Has one of the Chargers surfaced?

[Lee Stewart]

Has one of the Chargers surfaced?

Yes - the Camera Car. Was up for sale not that long ago. Guy wanted a fortune for it though.

https://bringatrailer.com/2013/01/14/million-dollar-claim-the-bullitt-1968-dodge-charger/

http://www.ponysite.de/charger_welch.htm

[Canuck]

Arnold Welch wanted $1,000,000 for it. No documentation just speculation on where he found mounting holes. Granted there was lots of circumstantial evidence that the car "could "have been the Bullitt Camera car. Back in the day, with Warner Brothers deal with Ford, WB could not buy off brand cars so it was either Steve Mcqueens Solar Productions who bought the Chargers or the other version was that Bill Hickman arranged for the cars, which means he borrowed, rented or bought the cars through his own name or whatever legal entity he was associated with. WB had no records on any of the Dodges used for the film, just the Mustangs. Until a Dodge Charger services with better proof, that car may hold the title as a Bullitt Movie used Charger.
It did sell to a German Collector but the sale price is not known.

[BJCHEV396]

Is the Mustang at the Detroit show the actual car that Mcqueen drove or one of the stunt Mustangs?

[Canuck]

The car in Detroit is known as the Hero car, reported as the one that was used for long shot filming as opposed to an "in Car camera". Mcqueen would have driven both as there are outtakes of him getting into a roll bar equipped vehicle (stunt car).
The car in Detroit is also reported as being the car used in the door to door bashing in the final minutes of the chase scene.
According to various articles posted in the past week,the pass anger door had about 40 lbs of bondo as a result of repairs done by Warner Bros before selling it.

[Crush]

A lot of cool info.. if you haven’t read the article posted by Haggerty it has a lot of history on the owner of the car.

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/01/14/mustang-bullitt-found-real-mcqueen?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&[email protected]&utm_content=Newsletter_Special_Bullitt_Mustang

[BJCHEV396]

Great article!Thanks for sharing Crush!

[1967Z28]

Pretty neat that the other Bullitt Mustang was found last year also.

http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/03/06/ford-mustang-found-in-mexican-junkyard-is-from-bullitt-expert-confirms.html

[A12pilot]

What is really cool about seeing this car FINALLY in person is all the conjecture and assumptions made about the family that owns it are cleared up. :biggthumpup: Also, the debated details of the car (emblem holes, black tail panel) can finally be dispelled. Just too cool!!!!:3gears:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[earntaz]

Looks like it still has the dent in the right front fender -- I think that is from hitting the camera van ... TAZ

[Ambrola]

I think the Charger looks much better than the Mustang in the chase. Too bad that car can never be verified. Here's a cool video of the chase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vNvc9n1ikI

[olredalert]

----Went to the Detroit auto show yesterday and saw the Bullit Mustang. If you are from the area I'd suggest going. Car is very cool in person! I have to say that the rest of the show disappointed a bit. Some great brands did not participate. Jaguar, Ferrari, Bentley were no shows. I have always enjoyed seeing the latest of those brands. Ligenfelter, on the other hand had several vehicles there......Bill S

[Tracker1]

I drove down yesterday to see it, man it was cool ! I got shivers!

[BJCHEV396]

I drove down yesterday to see it, man it was cool ! I got shivers!

Was there a crowd around it?I would pay just to see it only!

[Tracker1]

It was a big draw, yeah. Lots of people around the car. Some didn't have a single clue what it was!

[A12pilot]

What??! No pics Big D??:dunno: Unlike the Eleanor craze, I don't think this car will ever go out of desirability. Those "Fad Cars" seem to run their course pretty quick but this car's simpleness and iconic heritage will always make it popular.

Cheers
Dave

[BJCHEV396]

Surprised there haven't been pics posted from members who attended the show!?

[olredalert]

----If you have a Hagerty policy you will be getting an in depth story and several great pics in their latest house magazine........Bill S

[Tracker1]

He's behind me!!

[Tracker1]

Wheel detail

[Tracker1]

artifacts

[Tracker1]

R&T ad from 1974

[Tracker1]

Another

[Crush]

The letter from McQueen trying to buy it was classic too, not sure if anyone has it to post.

[Tracker1]

Letters

[BJCHEV396]

Had to LOL when I read the add and it described the Mustang as "mint"! The letter struck me as being a bit cold and impersonal.From what I've ever read about McQueen he wasn't very warm and fussy.Also he didn't offer much for the return of his Mustang.Thanks for the pics TRACKER!!!

[markinnaples]

Have to agree with that statement; he didn't seem all that kind or however you want to term it, but more of a matter-of-fact and if you don't take my deal then ____ you, lol.

Honey gets more bees thank vinegar and maybe the owner didn't care for his attitude.

[The Boss]

Like money really mattered to Steve.

[Tracker1]

Call it weird, call it odd, or whatever, but this car's clutch gave out - it essentially died, and was left in that condition - in 1980. Same year McQueen passed away.

[Vern B]

Fir those in Northern Michigan and Southern Ontario that want to see the car, it's at Hagerty's home office in Traverse City.

https://www.traverseticker.com/news/the-mona-lisa-of-the-car-world-is-in-traverse-city/

[JRC99]

I saw it Saturday. Imgur link because I took 45 pictures of it. I talked to Sean, the owner, for a minute. Nice guy, super glad he unveiled it.
https://imgur.com/gallery/SeSuv

[Vern B]

For those that have seen the car, I see the hood is down, but does anyone know if it has a 390, or 427 engine? It supposedly came from the factory with a 390, but in a You Tube video I was watching recently, Steve's son said it had a 427. If so, it would have had to have an engine swap because Kevin Marti says there were no factory W code 427's. 428's yes, but no 427's. Apparently there were quite a few modifications to make it chase ready, but was an engine swap one of them?

[Lee Stewart]

For those that have seen the car, I see the hood is down, but does anyone know if it has a 390, or 427 engine? It supposedly came from the factory with a 390, but in a You Tube video I was watching recently, Steve's son said it had a 427. If so, it would have had to have an engine swap because Kevin Marti says there were no factory W code 427's. 428's yes, but no 427's. Apparently there were quite a few modifications to make it chase ready, but was an engine swap one of them?

390 with modifications:

https://s26.postimg.org/gwi12chex/screenshot_5897.png (https://postimages.org/)

http://www.mustangtek.com/Library3/CL_69-08.html

[Lee Stewart]

Just a trivia note . . .

When the Producers met with San Fran. city officials to get the necessary permits that would allow them to film on the streets along with blocking certain cross streets, they promised that the cars would not exceed 45 MPH.

One the first day of filming city officials were, along with SFPD, bombarded with telephone calls from concerned citizens that cars were racing through the streets at 100 MPH.

This gave way to the old adage . . .

"It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission."

[Vern B]

Here's the link to the video where his son Chad references the 427 at the 2:39 mark.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YC0cFQGLVJY

Not sure if that was intentional, he forgot, or just didn't know which motor it had.
He did get the guy's name right that made the modifications to the 390 motor.

[Lee Stewart]

Here's the link to the video where his son Chad references the 427 at the 2:39 mark.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YC0cFQGLVJY

Not sure if that was intentional, he forgot, or just didn't know which motor it had.
He did get the guy's name right that made the modifications to the 390 motor.

There was no 427 in either of the BULLITT Mustangs . . . and if there was one - it definitely would not have been in the "hero car" which is what was presented by Ford. They were both 390s.

Chad McQueen was 8 years old when BULLITT hit theaters.

Read the entire article that I linked in the August 1968 Motor Trend

[Lee Stewart]

This should stir things up . . . From an interview with Loren Janes who drove in BULLITT:

"We had three identical green 1968 Ford Mustang fastbacks and three black Dodge Chargers in the movie. Many writers have said two, but there were three of each. We needed the extra cars in case one was damaged. The movie's shooting schedule can't be slowed for dents and things like that. Fortunately we only had to use a second Mustang once when the first Mustang had to go in to be fixed up.

https://jalopnik.com/5744523/the-real-story-of-the-chase-scene-in-bullitt

[BJCHEV396]

Now the hunt's on for the third Mustang!

[Craig_Maiorana]

So out of curiosity which mustang is the one that he drove into the ditch?

[BJCHEV396]

Think it's this one 'cause they mention the body work done on one side.

[Craig_Maiorana]

Oh the one that just came out of hiding? ...

[Lee Stewart]

So out of curiosity which mustang is the one that he drove into the ditch?

The "jumper." The front suspension was heavily damaged.

If I remember correctly, McQueen wanted to do the slide. Unfortunately after three takes - he couldn't do it. So Loren Janes jumped in the car and did it on his first take. There is a big difference between a good race car driver, which McQueen was and a Hollywood stunt driver which McQueen wasn't. He only did 10% of the driving in BULLITT.

One of the most incredible things about BULLITT is that at the time of it's filming there were 4 top stunt drivers in Hollywood:

Bud Elkins
Carey Loftin
Loren Janes
Bill Hickman

All 4 drove in BULLITT.

[69hurstSC]

Now all we need is to find someone with info on Jim Morrison's Shelby...

[Lee Stewart]

Now all we need is to find someone with info on Jim Morrison's Shelby...

LOL - the Mary Celeste of muscle cars. So many claim to know where it is but it has never surfaced. Some experts claim that while driving drunk Morrison totaled it and simply walked away from it. The car was then sent to a junkyard and destroyed.

What I would like to see appear is one of the two remaining 1970 Hemi Road Runner Convertibles. Plymouth built 3 of them - 1 was sent to Canada, the other two for the USA. One of the USA cars is definitely known to have been destroyed. So where are the other two?

[69hurstSC]

LOL - the Mary Celeste of muscle cars. So many claim to know where it is but it has never surfaced. Some experts claim that while driving drunk Morrison totaled it and simply walked away from it. The car was then sent to a junkyard and destroyed.

What I would like to see appear is one of the two remaining 1970 Hemi Road Runner Convertibles. Plymouth built 3 of them - 1 was sent to Canada, the other two for the USA. One of the USA cars is definitely known to have been destroyed. So where are the other two?

It wasn't destroyed that day.

[Lee Stewart]

It wasn't destroyed that day.

Correct. Many say the police had the car towed to a junkyard where eventually it was crushed and sold as scrap.

One of the things that Morrison did which has been documented was . . . he would drive drunk, get into an accident (not too serious). Walk away then report the car stolen so his insurance would be on the hook to repair it. But the last time he supposedly ran into a telephone pole.

And we can't forget the rumor that he parked it at LAX long term on his way to the DOORS touring overseas, forgot about the car which was eventually seized and sold at auction which would mean the car MAY exist.

[69hurstSC]

It wasn't towed to a junkyard either. Don't believe what you've read online. What is true is it hasn't been titled since Morrison's ownership.

[Charley Lillard]

I know someone that says he knows who has it and has been trying to buy it for years. He has come up with some very rare cars so I have no reason to doubt him.

[Lee Stewart]

Like I said . . . . the Mary Celeste of muscle cars.

[PLATINUM6BBL]

I have a customer that may own it. Years ago he bought a 68 GT390 Mustang from a movie car lot and had it shipped back east. He said that while fixing it up to paint red (early 80's) that it had a bullet hole and right front suspension damage similar to what is seen in the movie. I will tell you - HE HAS NO INTEREST IN FINDING OUT IF IT IS A BULLIT CAR! Seriously! I have asked him many times for the vin number. He just chuckles and turns a little red in the face. He is tired of hearing about it. May have to drive the Runner to his place this summer just to see it. I have only ever seen pictures he has brought over to the shop.
This should stir things up . . . From an interview with Loren Janes who drove in BULLITT:

"We had three identical green 1968 Ford Mustang fastbacks and three black Dodge Chargers in the movie. Many writers have said two, but there were three of each. We needed the extra cars in case one was damaged. The movie's shooting schedule can't be slowed for dents and things like that. Fortunately we only had to use a second Mustang once when the first Mustang had to go in to be fixed up.

https://jalopnik.com/5744523/the-real-story-of-the-chase-scene-in-bullitt

[PLATINUM6BBL]

I have a customer that may own it. Years ago he bought a 68 GT390 Mustang from a movie car lot and had it shipped back east. He said that while fixing it up to paint red (early 80's and still green) that it had a bullet hole and right front suspension damage similar to what is seen in the movie. I will tell you - HE HAS NO INTEREST IN FINDING OUT IF IT IS A BULLIT CAR! Seriously! I have asked him many times for the vin number. He just chuckles and turns a little red in the face. He is tired of hearing about it. May have to drive the Runner to his place this summer just to see it. I have only ever seen pictures he has brought over to the shop.
This should stir things up . . . From an interview with Loren Janes who drove in BULLITT:

"We had three identical green 1968 Ford Mustang fastbacks and three black Dodge Chargers in the movie. Many writers have said two, but there were three of each. We needed the extra cars in case one was damaged. The movie's shooting schedule can't be slowed for dents and things like that. Fortunately we only had to use a second Mustang once when the first Mustang had to go in to be fixed up.

https://jalopnik.com/5744523/the-real-story-of-the-chase-scene-in-bullitt

[69hurstSC]

I know someone that says he knows who has it and has been trying to buy it for years. He has come up with some very rare cars so I have no reason to doubt him.

It would be rather easy to validate, considering the VIN was made public. Though it hasn't shown up in any active records department through the government or insurance companies.

Which begs the question, why wouldn't you insure a very, very valuable Shelby Mustang? The owner would potentially be out millions if an accident occurred. Hence, I'd like to see more proof than beyond the rumor.

[Charley Lillard]

The owner knows he has a Shelby that he has owned for years and has been sitting for years. He does not know the history of it. I doubt that it is insured. I doubt it is worth millions. I put far more value on the Bullitt Mustang than I do on a Shelby owned by Morrison.

[Tracker1]

I could see a deep pocket Doors fan going close to a million for it, maybe, but thats about it.
Cool car to see if it's still around though.

Bullitt is an Icon car. Not many people know or cared that Jim Morrison had a Shelby Mustang.

[1967Z28]

Janis Joplin's 356 Porsche went for $1.76 million three years ago when it was expected to go for a quarter to a third of that amount. I could easily see a similar scenario for Morrison's Shelby, if it was still out there and in a similar state.

[BJCHEV396]

Janis'car was all painted up with psychedelic images.Like something you might see on an LSD trip!

[tom406]

Not as visually iconic or well known as Janis' Porsche but one of my very favorite muscle cars in the best color combination owned new by one of my favorite rock stars? I'd pay way too much for that. So would a number of other people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDAmweqwMSM

Its more desirable to ME, just because it dovetails my car and music geek tendencies in one vehicle. I love the Bullitt Mustang and chase, and I like Steve McQueen, but I find the rest of the Bullitt movie tedious. I've never been able to sit through the whole thing.

[69hurstSC]

Not as visually iconic or well known as Janis' Porsche but one of my very favorite muscle cars in the best color combination owned new by one of my favorite rock stars? I'd pay way too much for that. So would a number of other people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDAmweqwMSM

Its more desirable to ME, just because it dovetails my car and music geek tendencies in one vehicle. I love the Bullitt Mustang and chase, and I like Steve McQueen, but I find the rest of the Bullitt movie tedious. I've never been able to sit through the whole thing.

Agreed. I can easily imagine north of 1 million.

[Charley Lillard]

I would like to make a motion to ban Tom406 on the grounds of not liking Bullitt.

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Others please speak up w/ better info but as much as I've ever understood, the last confirmed sightings of Morrison's Shelby was sometime in 1969?
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[1967Z28]

Neat info. Morrison moved to Paris, France in March 1971 and died in July of that year. It appears he got rid of the car before going overseas.

[mr 707]

MILLIONS easy. There are hard core doors fans who would love to own it

[69hurstSC]

Ban Tom! LOL

[tom406]

(My thanks to everyone who chose not to second Charley's suggestion to banish me);)

[Craig_Maiorana]

I'm with you Tom The chase is great but otherwise the movie itself just drags. However I still own it and watch it (mostly as background noise until the chase)

[Mr70]

Blasphemy! :burnout:

[Charley Lillard]

OK.....I'm throwing Craig in with Tom.

[Crush]

OK.....I'm throwing Craig in with Tom.

X2!!

[Craig_Maiorana]

All in favor? Hey atleast I've watched it and still watch it hahaha

[Tracker1]

At least it's well-acted...Two-Lane Blacktop on the other hand, oof (the brilliant Warren Oates aside)...

[The Boss]

Or Vanishing Point?

[Craig_Maiorana]

Really most of the old car movies were literally filler to go around awesome chases with the exception of Two Lane .. that's just a weird movie with 2 cool cars at the center. Even Dirty Mary Crazy Larry is an odd flick

[bashton]

Anybody think that this car should be at MCACN for 2018?

Request is in...

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member
www.mcacn.com

[BJCHEV396]

Really most of the old car movies were literally filler to go around awesome chases with the exception of Two Lane .. that's just a weird movie with 2 cool cars at the center. Even Dirty Mary Crazy Larry is an odd flick

French Connection is a great movie with a very good chase scene!

[Mr70]

As is the Seven-Ups.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vACWV5sRcY

[Craig_Maiorana]

Yes it is just watched The French Connection about a month ago .. The 7ups is also a good movie with a great chase scene

[BJCHEV396]

Love Gene Hackman as Popeye Doyle in French Connection! "Do you pick your toes in Poughkeepsie?"

[The Boss]

What about John Wayne in his Brewster Green 73 TA in McQ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHtTwacRpTI

[Craig_Maiorana]

Mc Q is another great one ... That poor Brewster green T/A though