WHERE IS THE REAL BULLITT MUSTANG?
For the filming of “Bullitt,” two 1968 Mustang Fastbacks were used from the Warner Brothers fleet for actor Steve McQueen’s movie character. Once the Mustangs were selected, veteran race driver and builder Max Balchowski was enlisted to modify the cars for the rigors of the high-speed pursuit scenes. Balchowski added stronger springs and Koni shocks, and he fabricated braces for the inner fenders. He also did some minor tuning to the 390-cubic-inch engine for a little more top-end power. After filming was completed, the primary car was in sad shape. Two weeks of stunt driving had taken its toll on the Mustang, so it was sent to the crusher due to liability concerns. The remaining car, the less-damaged backup, was sold to an employee of Warner Brothers’ editing department. In the early 1970s, the car was advertised in a classified ad in The Los Angeles Times for the then princely sum of $6,000. A buyer was found and the car eventually made its way to the East Coast. The Mustang went up
