When Steve McQueen raced through the streets of San Francisco in the movie Bullitt, he probably had no idea that it was the making of a legend. Today, the Ford Mustang has appeared in more movies than most of Hollywood's brightest stars.

In memory of one of the greatest car chase scenes ever, Ford is bringing the magic back with the special edition 2001 Mustang Bullitt GT, a performance derivative inspired by the classic Warner Bros. Pictures film.

"The 1968 fastback Mustang GT 390, driven by Steve McQueen, created an indelible image in the minds of millions of people," says Jim O'Connor, president of Ford Division. "We have taken some of the passion from the Hollywood film and put it in an exciting new car. Now, we're taking the car on a road show."

The 2001 Mustang Bullitt GT will join the new Thunderbird and Focus on Ford's "Living Legends Tour," a traveling exhibition of the company's great car nameplates of the past and future. From June through August, Ford will bring the new cars to consumers throughout the U.S. and Cananda.

"We know people have an affinity for our trucks and SUVs," says O'Connor. "But we're also looking to remind folks that at Ford we're putting the fun and the romance back into driving cars."

The 2001 Mustang Bullitt GT features exterior enhancements that visually and emotionally connect it to the 1968 fastback from the film. These modifications include unique side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminum wheels and a lowered suspension.

The C-pillars and quarter panel moldings have been modified to create a unique look. Rocker-panel moldings enhance the low-to-the-ground appearance. A bold, brushed aluminum fuel filler door is prominently placed on the quarter panel. Bullitt badging and polished-rolled tailpipe tips further distinguish the car. Bullitt is available in Dark Highland Green, True Blue and Black.

The heart of the Mustang Bullitt GT is a 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 engine modified to improve airflow. It produces 265 horsepower and a broader torque curve compared with the Mustang GT engine. Modifications include:

• Twin 57 mm bore throttle body
• Cast aluminum intake manifold
• High-flow mufflers for increased power and aggressive performance sound
• Optimized alternator and pump pulley ratios

Bullitt's suspension translates this power into crisp road manners. The vehicle is lowered three-fourths of an inch to generate a firmer, better-balanced ride and improved handling characteristics. The performance-handling package includes:

• Re-valved Tokico struts and shocks
• Unique stabilizer bars (front and rear)
• Frame rail connectors

Thirteen-inch Brembo front rotors and performance calipers provide impressive stopping capability. The calipers are painted red and are visible through the 17-inch wheel spokes when the car is parked or when it is cruising the streets of San Francisco.

"Bullitt is quick off the line, handles great, stops fast and shifts easily with improved pedal relationship," says Art Hyde, Mustang chief program engineer. "This is the best performing GT we have ever produced."

Inside, Bullitt features performance bucket seats with Dark Charcoal leather trim. A brushed aluminum shifter ball, shifter bezel, door sill plates with Bullitt nomenclature and aluminum pedal covers accent the interior's performance appearance. The instrument cluster gives a modern look to 1960s interiors with unique curved numeric speedometer graphics and a white-lit background.

"With the Mustang Bullitt GT, we have a lot of functional features that would make Steve McQueen and Det. Frank Bullitt proud today," says O'Connor. "Bullitt has transformed the GT into an unforgettable car that enhances Fords performance reputation and builds on Mustang's performance tradition that began with vehicles like the Mach 1, Boss 302 and the 428 Cobra Jet."

The Mustang Bullitt GT has a MSRP of $26,830. The limited production of approximately 6,500 Mustang Bullitt GTs will be built on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant as other Mustangs. Each Bullitt will come with a unique serialized identification label from the factory to ensure exclusivity and collectability.

Story by Ford