Review: Ford Mustang Bullitt

The star’s choice of a battered, Highland Green Mustang GT390 for his titular detective was carefully considered and perfectly suited the film’s vibe. And the image of McQueen convincingly throwing the car around San Francisco streets in clouds of tyre smoke is rightly iconic for its raw speed and authenticity. This latest Bullitt Mustang is the third Ford has built over the years but the first we’ve been able to buy here in right-hand-drive. Although it’s on the regular pricelist expect supply to be carefully managed, talk of the allocation selling out likely to fuel excitement.

The formula remains true to those previous, US-only editions too – Highland Green paint, a few trim pieces and some minor engine tweaks to put the driver in McQueen’s loafers, even if they’re just popping down the shops. On paper there’s not a huge amount to justify the £5,400 premium over the regular (and already very good) 5.0 GT. But the experience at the wheel goes to show what a difference a few subtle modifications can make, especially for a born entertainer like the Mustang.

The engine gets an Open Air Induction system adapted from the America-only Shelby GT350, a supersized cone filter the obvious clue to the improved breathing. Power is up slightly from 450PS (444bhp) to 459PS (453bhp) but with the promise of a lot more noise and improved response, especially at the McQueen end of the rev range. You also get the signature cue-ball shifter (the Bullitt is only available as a Fastback manual), standard Recaro seats, green stitching and standard B&O Premium Audio and SYNC3 navigation. A 12-speaker stereo delivers 1000W of booming bass and a subwoofer in the boot. But the only sound system you really need concern yourself about is the one under the bonnet.

Thanks to that carefully tuned V8 sound you’ll be constantly checking the mirrors for bad guys in black Dodge Chargers, even on the daily commute. And fighting the temptation to lay down thick number elevens every time you hit the throttle. No apologies necessary, the Bullitt Mustang is an unashamedly macho car.

The V8 pulls hard in any gear but also loves revs, erupting with new-found vigour beyond 5,000rpm. Controlling it via the stubby little shifter is a richly interactive experience, a new rev-matching function delivering automated throttle blips to replicate the sound of that iconic chase scene if your footwork isn’t up to achieving the same. But because it’s based on the updated MY18 Mustang with its driver modes, improved Michelin tyres and MagneRide dampers (the latter a £1,600 option, admittedly) there’s a sophistication and quality to its driving manners perhaps unexpected in an old-school muscle car. OK, it’s no BMW M2 Competition. But in the performance range you can actually appreciate on the road the Bullitt will plaster a grin across your face like no serious-minded German alternative.

The reconfigured steering has various modes but can be configured with an authentic amount of weight if you fancy, the handling balance is defiantly old-fashioned and rear-biased and the sound of that engine addictive at any speed. There is a quiet ‘Good Neighbour’ mode on the exhaust if you’re feeling self-conscious. But, let’s face it, you don’t buy a Mustang if you’re trying to keep a low profile.

At just shy of £50,000 the Bullitt is no longer the bargain the Mustang seemed when it first appeared in British showrooms. But if you’re the kind of person who’d like a V8 muscle car it’s likely you’re also the kind of person who’ll appreciate the exclusivity, the McQueen connection and the way Ford has successfully created a sense of the movie in this car. Literally, this Mustang is about the thrill of the chase. Something it delivers on in convincing style.

Engine: 5.0-litre, V8 petrol

Transmission: Six-speed manual, (very) rear-wheeled-drive

Power/torque: 459PS/529Nm

0-62mph: 4.6 sec

Top speed: 163mph

Price: £47,545 (before options)