The saga of the 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT, famously driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic film “Bullitt,” continues to captivate car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. After decades spent hidden from the public eye, and a recent global tour, this legendary pony car has been sold at auction for a staggering $3.74 million, including commissions and fees. However, the identity of the new owner remains shrouded in secrecy, adding another layer of intrigue to the Bullitt Mustang’s already fascinating history.
Sean Kiernan, son of the late Robert Kiernan who owned the Bullitt Mustang for over 40 years, placed his father’s cherished Highland Green Mustang on the auction block at the Mecum Auctions event in Kissimmee, Florida. The atmosphere was electric as the bidding commenced. “It was like an 11-minute rock concert,” Kiernan recounted, describing the overwhelming energy of the crowd of approximately 7,000 people. He admitted to being so engrossed in the spectacle that he almost lost track of the escalating bids.
To honor his father’s initial purchase price, Kiernan set the starting bid at a modest $3,500 – the amount his father paid for the car back in 1974. “When the auctioneer asked, ‘Who will give me $3,500?’ Everybody in the room raised their hand. Everybody had a chance to bid on the car,” Kiernan explained, emphasizing the accessible starting point for such a historically significant vehicle. Despite the initial low bid, the price quickly soared, ultimately reaching a record-breaking sum for a Mustang at auction.
The journey of this particular Original Bullitt Mustang from Hollywood set to private garage is a story in itself. Robert Kiernan, an insurance executive at the time, acquired the car from a New Jersey detective who had advertised it in Road & Track magazine. The advertisement notably mentioned the vehicle’s connection to the Steve McQueen film and included “documentation,” hinting at its special provenance. In the film “Bullitt,” McQueen himself performed some of the thrilling chase sequences through the streets of San Francisco, adding to the car’s allure and authenticity.
Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT, driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt, showcased at an event.
The public re-emergence of the original Bullitt Mustang in 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show was met with immense excitement. Mark Gessler, president of the Historic Vehicle Association, declared it “probably the Holy Grail” of automotive artifacts, highlighting its national cultural significance. This sale has now surpassed the previous Mustang auction record held by a 1967 Shelby GT500 “Super Snake,” further solidifying the Bullitt Mustang’s place in automotive history. While the record for overall “muscle car” auction price remains with a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, the Bullitt Mustang’s sale price underscores its unique appeal and historical importance.
However, for Sean Kiernan, the sale was about more than just dollars and cents. It was a deeply personal decision driven by family priorities. After years of sharing the original Bullitt Mustang with the world, and facing a family health scare, Kiernan decided to focus on his family and simpler pursuits.
A Family’s Chapter Closes
The decision to sell the original Bullitt Mustang was not taken lightly. Kiernan and his wife, Samantha, after experiencing challenges in expanding their family, welcomed their third daughter. This life event prompted a re-evaluation of their priorities. Samantha’s health concerns further solidified their decision to sell the car and embrace a quieter life on their farm. “Sam just was not healthy. She had endometriosis extremely bad. That was a big part of our deciding to sell the car. She had emergency surgery,” Kiernan shared, revealing the personal context behind the sale. His vision shifted towards spending quality time with his wife and daughters, Katelyn, Brooklyn, and Summer – all born in years coinciding with new Ford Bullitt Mustang model releases, a quirky coincidence.
Before the auction, Kiernan brought the original Bullitt Mustang back to his family garage, its home for four decades. This poignant homecoming served as an opportunity for his family to say goodbye. He prepared the car for sale, a final act of caretaking for the vehicle that had become such a significant part of their lives. His mother, Robbie, who had used the car for everyday errands in its earlier days, and other family members, shared emotional moments with the Mustang, a tangible link to their past.
The entire Kiernan family traveled to Florida for the auction, marking the end of an era. A previous six-month loan of the car to LeMay – America’s Car Museum served as a trial period, helping Kiernan emotionally prepare for parting with the original Bullitt Mustang. The car had remained a treasured secret within the family until its public unveiling in 2018, timed with the 50th anniversary of the “Bullitt” film. Robert Kiernan’s passing in 2014 had left Sean with the responsibility of the car, and its sale represented a significant emotional step for him and his family.
An Incredible Legacy
The journey of the original Bullitt Mustang, from movie set to hidden gem to international icon, is truly remarkable. Sean Kiernan’s dedication to sharing the car’s story with the world was supported by his employer, LKQ Corp. Nick Zarcone, president of LKQ, granted Kiernan leave to travel with the car, recognizing its cultural significance and the unique opportunity it presented. This gesture allowed Kiernan to become a global ambassador for the Bullitt Mustang, showcasing it at prestigious events and sharing its history with enthusiasts worldwide.
The impact of the original Bullitt Mustang extends far beyond the automotive world. Diane Parker, vice president of the Historic Vehicle Association, emphasized its indelible mark on international car culture, citing the film’s groundbreaking car chase scene as a key factor in its enduring appeal. Even before the auction, the car’s presence at the Detroit Auto Show drew international media attention, with news crews from around the globe eager to capture a glimpse of this automotive legend.
Reflecting on the Bullitt Mustang’s mystique, McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, likened its rediscovery to finding a “Mona Lisa lost in a garage.” Following the record-breaking sale, Hagerty reiterated the car’s unique appeal, highlighting its combination of cinematic history, the McQueen connection, and its remarkable “time capsule” condition after decades of obscurity. The original Bullitt Mustang’s story is a testament to the enduring power of film, the allure of classic cars, and the personal stories that intertwine with automotive history. While the identity of the buyer remains a mystery, the legacy of this iconic vehicle is firmly cemented in automotive lore.
