Ford Brings 2019 Mustang Bullitt to Detroit With '68 Car

Over the long weekend at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford made history by unveiling an icon of its past while simultaneously dropping the curtain on what will surely be an icon of its future.

And they go by the same name: Bullitt.

During a ceremony attended by Steve McQueen’s granddaughter Molly, Ford confirmed what many musclecarheads (including us) have been speculating with the reveal of the limited-edition 2019 Mustang Bullitt in classic dark highland green. With a tuned-up five-liter V8 packing 475 ponies and capable of providing a top speed of 163 MPH, the 2019 Bullitt shares much of its DNA with the 1968 model that starred alongside McQueen in the film of the same name.

The similarities were made all the more obvious by the fact that Ford also brought the original ‘68 Mustang GT fastback out on stage. Largely off the radar since Warner Bros. sold it to a private buyer after filming of the movie had concluded, the car was largely believed lost to time since McQueen unsuccessfully attempted to purchase it in the ‘70s.

While it doesn’t have the same pedigree, the ‘18 model does seem like a worthy heir to the Bullit throne. “This new Bullitt is, as Steve McQueen was, effortlessly cool,” said Mustang chief designer Darrell Behmer. “As a designer, it’s my favorite Mustang — devoid of stripes, spoilers and badges. It doesn’t need to scream about anything —it’s just cool.”

We don’t have concrete pricing details on either model, although the ‘68 model is likely worth millions. The new model won’t cost that much when it hits dealerships this summer, but be advised that if you are an automatic driver, this ain’t the Bullitt for you: the muscular Mustang will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission.