Bullitt Mustang Going To Auction

[Lee Stewart]

McQueen’s Bullitt could be the most expensive Mustang ever sold at auction

When we broke the news in January 2018 that the long-lost Bullitt Mustang was safe and sound in Tennessee, the story rocked the automotive world. It also ignited speculation about how much the iconic car might be worth if it ever hit the market.

In five months, we’ll know the answer.

The 1968 Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt is headed to Mecum’s 2020 Kissimmee auction in January.

Company president and founder Dana Mecum made the announcement on August 14 to kick off Monterey Car Week. Mecum says he expects the Mustang to surpass the American muscle car record of $3.5M paid for a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible at Mecum’s 2014 Seattle auction. The highest auction price for a Mustang to date is $2.2M for a 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake at Mecum Kissimmee earlier this year.

[Tenney]

Did this one ever sell ...?

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/0...comments-block

[JRSully]

That is the definition of an Iconic car for sure

[AutoInsane]

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...d-real-mcqueen

[BCreekDave]

Buy the car that Steve couldn't.

[A12pilot]

Man.... I gotta be there for this one! Estimates? $5mil?

Cheers
Dave

[Tenney]

$5M wouldn't surprise - has to be the most valuable muscle car w/McQueen factor. Though also dig the '67 Super Snake (and it wasn't pretending!).

Would be a cool fit at the Petersen next to Steve's XK-SS - and figure it'd be the cornerstone in their Hollywood Dream Machines exhibit ...

[markinnaples]

Originally Posted by AutoInsane

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...d-real-mcqueen

I read that whole article. Not sure who wrote it, but it was a little difficult to follow, at least for me. Anyway, wow, the guy who owns the Bullitt Mustang (and it sounds like his father as well, may he RIP), are taking ownership of this car to the extreme. I get that it's iconic and an important car in history from the movie, but it sounds like they are stressed almost to the limit owning this car. I definitely get keeping it quiet to keep it safe and secure, but it almost sounds like it's a huge burden instead of what I would think it would be, a gift or an exciting situation that will provide your family with a great deal of wealth when it's all said and done. We all approach things differently, which I get, but man, that guy seems to be taking all of this way too seriously. We only live this life once, and I think it's meant to be enjoyed. Just MHO.

[Lee Stewart]

My guesstimate is $10 million. I am basing it on the fact that the first Cobra sold for $13.75 million

[Tidmack]

I've been giving the sale of this car some thought, and have contemplated why the family would choose to sell, rather than continue to celebrate its history with the world. It's difficult to fully understand anyone else's financial situation, and the value of this car solely lies in its current condition being unaltered.

I recently visited Ring Brothers facility out here in Spring Green, WI. The Ring Brothers are known for their high dollar builds and I was shocked to see one of their high dollar builds with a dented quarter, door, and gouged wheel. The damage occurred in a shipping container while on its way to Europe. The employee said damage in shipping cars overseas in more common than you'd think. In this case, a strap let loose, allowing the car to bounce around. I always stress out any time I have a vehicle shipped, so having the Bullitt Mustang off and on a trailer constantly would freak me out. And DRIVE it to local shows? Umm, that's a nope.

The family has the equivalent of a winning lottery ticket. I was mildly surprised they have been as willing to parade the Bullitt car around the country as much as they have, as I'm not sure I would have had the courage to do so. ANYTHING can happen in transit, or while on display. The sale of this car, in its current condition, has the ability to change this family's financial trajectory for generations to come. Invested wisely, the proceeds should allow grandkids' grandkids to go to college for free, and/or have a down payment on a home. No one knows if the proceeds from the sale of the Bullitt Mustang would really help/change this family's financial situation, but I know it would drastically change mine.

With that said, I love guessing what cars will sell for. After weighing the provenance of this car during a conversation with my cousin, I'm sticking with a bold prediction: $10 million. In this 42 year old guy's mind, there's no other car that represents the muscle car era like the Bullitt Mustang. I think there are several people out there, with pockets deeper than I can fathom, who will duke it out for the right to say this car is theirs.

Jeff