One of just two Mustangs used to fill the role in the 1968 action/thriller “Bullitt,” named after main character Lt. Frank Bullitt played by McQueen, this car was the film’s “hero” car and was driven by McQueen in countless scenes throughout the movie, including in the infinitely famous car chase scene, which went on to become the most influential car chase scene in all of film history.
From CBC Radio:
"For decades after Bullitt hit theatres, car aficionados believed the Mustang was lost. But in reality, it was with the Kiernan family.Bullitt will be auctioned off this coming January in Kissimmee, Florida. We know those big bucks are burning a hole in your pocket. Have you registered as a bidder, yet?
Robert Kiernan Jr., an avid car collector, bought it for a few thousand dollars from a Road & Track magazine classified ad in 1974. "He bought it because it was a '68 Fastback — that's what he was searching for — but kept it because it was Bullitt," Kiernan said.
At first, Kiernan Jr. was skeptical that it really was the car from the movie, his son said. And he remained skeptical until McQueen himself got in touch looking to get it back.
"I would be happy to try to find you another Mustang similar to the one you have if there is not too much monies involved in it," McQueen wrote in a 1977 letter. "Otherwise, we had better forget it." But Kiernan's father declined the offer.
So what did he do with it, rather than return it to McQueen?
"They do what we all do, what's supposed to be done with cars — we drive them," Kiernan said. "My mom and dad ... drove this car for six years during the '70s and yeah, I mean they absolutely loved it."
The car remained in the family for decades as they moved around the country, eventually settling on a farm in Nashville where Kiernan still resides."
