If you ever wanted to get the details of the infamous Bullitt Mustang correct then David Kunz and Ponysite have put together a comprehensive guide to all things Bullitt. First off Mr. Kunz recommends purchasing a copy of the film in order to have the ability to pause the film to see the details of the Mustang made famous by Steve McQueen along with bonus features like interviews with Max Balchowski (the man in charge of preparing the car for the film).
All of the film extras serve as inspiration and a possible resource for getting the details just right.
For instance and according to Kunz, “The following items are painted over, either in Highland Green or black: Rocker molding, quarter ornament, taillight trim. The center of the gas cap is painted black, though there is still some debate as to which gas cap is actually on the car – a pop-open or standard (or a non-original unit).”
Details can make or break a restoration or project like replicating a widely recognized model like the ’68 Highland Green Fastback.
It is critically important to start with the correct year car because of subtle changes to exterior lights, trim or even slight changes to the body panels. According to Kunz one of the oddities plaguing Bullitt aficionados is the use of side mirror belonging to the ’65-’66 Mustangs instead of the period correct rectangular style found on the 1968 Fastback.
Mr. Kunz goes into the details surrounding the history of the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels and why they have the distinctive charcoal accenting; Kunz states the original Torq Thrusts found on the Bullitt car were Magnesium wheels that without meticulous cleaning/polishing will oxidize giving the Bullitt wheels their distinctive look. For those unable top find a vintage set of Torq Thrusts, Kunz recommends using a charcoal paint from Eastwood to achieve the proper look.
For those interested in wealth of information accumulated by Kunz, his website covers all aspects of the Bullitt. From information about the original tires used in the film to the intricacies of the interior; Kunz provides extensive information about the Shelby steering wheel found in the Bullitt along with the names of a couple companies that produce reproduction Shebly-style steering wheels.
Everything from engine choice and a little insight into sound of the Highland Green Mustang is covered on this webpage. According to Kunz’s site, the ’68 Fastback is allegedly lip-synching during notorious chase scene, but as long the exhaust selection is loud lacks ornate tips it will be just fine. Much like the exhaust choice, engine selection is truly up to the vehicle owner due to the costs and the prohibitive nature of big block on the street.
Mustangs used the in film were powered by an FE 390 engine with a 4-speed transmission, Kunz states that a small block and an automatic viable options even if they are not true to the original. It may seem like this step-by-step collection of distinctive features and minutia of the Bullitt Mustang may appear as a cry for OCD medication, but it may serve as a resource for those looking to achieve a proper Bullitt Mustang. Just in case one wants to take their fascination with the film a step further, Kunz even provides a few fashion tips to achieve McQueen’s signature style in the film.