Bullitt (1968)
His unforgettable chase through the rugged streets of San Francisco remains in the retina Cinema lovers and the engine . Half a century after making the screens vibrate, a reissue of the legendary car from the movie Bullitt is put up for sale . Can anyone resist him?
It has gone down in history as one of the coolest actors on celluloid and his career was always closely linked to the engine. steve mcqueen sure he would have been professional pilot of not having dedicated himself to the cinema, taking into account his passion for vehicles, both four and two wheels.
In fact, he considered this option on several occasions throughout his career and in the legendary film Le Mans (1971), one of the most celebrated in his filmography, gave life to the character of michael delaney , a tormented race runner.
McQueen playing Michael Delaney in 'Le Mans' (1971)
Although if there is a title starring McQueen closely linked to the adrenaline of cars , that is undoubtedly Bullitt (1968).
The iconic film directed by Peter Yachts turns half a century this year and continues to appear at the top of all the rankings of movie chases thanks to the unforgettable sequence of more than 10 minutes in which the Lieutenant Frank Bullitt (played by McQueen) he was chasing two hit men through the streets of San Francisco.
The bulk of the sequence was shot in the neighborhood of Nob Hill, specifically on Fillmore Street, between Broadway and Vallejo Street , although there are also some shots shot in the San Francisco International Airport , like the moment in which Bullitt's car circulates between the wheels of an airplane.
They also wanted to film in the famous golden gate bridge , unequivocal emblem of the Californian city, but the city council did not grant the pertinent permission.
The protagonist's apartment, where he receives a visit from his imposing girlfriend Cathy, played by a very young Jacqueline Bissett , is also located in Nob Hill, on Taylor Street to be exact.
Bullitt, McQueen and San Francisco
That story of adrenaline was also accompanied by the fantastic soundtrack by the composer Lalo Schifrin , so with such resounding ingredients, the myth was served.
Focusing on the cars in the chase, the one the hit men were driving was a Black '68 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum , with V8 engine and 375 CV of power . It reached a maximum speed of 217 km/h, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and had a 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual transmission.
But who remembers that car? The true protagonist, the one who went down in the history of cinema and the automotive industry, was the '68 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback, Highland Green (olive green, to understand each other), who was driving Bullitt/McQueen.
On the hood of it too a 6,392 c.c. V8 engine was beating, with 325 hp of power . Its manual transmission had four speeds, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 193km/h.
Steve McQueen enjoyed driving a good part of the chase scenes (for the most dangerous ones he had an extra), he even experienced moments of risk when on some occasion the mustang has failed brakes.
The chase is part of those scenes that we already consider mythical
What did not make him so funny, in his role as producer of the film, was that the Ford brand did not give away the cars for free or invest in a filming that without a doubt he was going to pass one of his models down to posterity.
So it was decided to eliminate all reference to the American company and if we look closely when contemplating the famous persecution, both in the front and rear of the Mustang the galloping horse that gives the model its name and is its unmistakable logo is missing . Enough free advertising already had!
About the original Mustang used in the filming (two were used, but one ended up so damaged that it ended its days in a scrapyard in Mexico) all kinds of rumors have spread, since it had been hidden for four decades as part of a private collection.
The truth is that in 1974 Robert Kiernan , an American collector, bought the vehicle for $6,000 and three years later Steve McQueen contacted him with an offer to buy.
Kiernan turned down the offer and decided to keep the car hidden until his heirs recently contacted Ford because they wanted to get it running. a documentary about such a prized piece of collectibles.
In this way, the car saw the light again in the past detroit hall , coinciding with the launch of a new edition of the Ford Mustang Bullitt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film.
The car saw the light again at the Detroit Motor Show
And what's that new Mustang Bullitt going on sale this year like? It is the third generation of the car-tribute to the Hollywood film.
The first was launched in 2001 and the second in 2008, although this is the first that can be purchased in Europe. It is available in two colours: in its original dark Highland green paint or in Shadow black. . On the outside, its black rims stand out, as well as an obviously vintage-inspired tank cover. Magnetic dampers and an active performance exhaust system can also be fitted.
Every new Mustang Bullitt coming out of the factory will feature a identification plate inside that proves that it is an authentic copy and not one of the many imitations that circulate uncontrollably on the second-hand market.
Also in the cabin has a 12-inch fully digital instrument panel which is initialized with an image of the car, a gear lever with a white retro-inspired grip (like the original), some access moldings to the passenger compartment with the word "Bullitt" printed and Recaro sports seats that show off their embroideries in the same color chosen for the bodywork. To alternate the roar of your engine with music, the audio system provides 1,000 watts of power through 12 speakers.
That engine that roars inside you is a 5.0-liter V8 with a power of 462 hp, a new air induction system, intake manifold, 87 mm throttle body. and recalibrated propulsion control software.
The new Mustang Bullitt
Its manual transmission is six-speed, with a revolution compensation system that is responsible for adjusting the revolutions in the reductions so that those changes are more precise and faster.
To complete its equipment, it offers a significantly improved suspension, larger brakes and competition tires. Michelin Pilot Sport.
With all these features, can anyone resist become a Bullitt through the streets of San Francisco?