Steve McQueen, the name synonymous with cool, rebellion, and a passion for speed, remains an icon decades after his passing. His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, deeply impacting car culture, especially the Ford Mustang. The 1968 film “Bullitt” cemented this legacy, featuring McQueen as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt tearing through San Francisco streets in a Dark Highland Green Mustang, creating arguably the most legendary car chase in cinematic history. This enduring impact is now celebrated in a truly special vehicle: the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang.
The Enduring Legend of Steve McQueen and the Bullitt Mustang
Steve McQueen wasn’t just an actor; he was the embodiment of cool. His on-screen persona mirrored his off-screen life: a blend of rugged individualism, effortless style, and a thrill-seeking spirit. From his early days navigating a challenging youth to his service in the Marines and eventual rise to Hollywood stardom, McQueen lived life on his own terms. This rebellious yet charismatic nature resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him the title “King of Cool.”
[Image of Steve McQueen leaning on a Mustang, alt text: Steve McQueen, the King of Cool, leaning against a Dark Highland Green Ford Mustang Bullitt, embodying timeless style and automotive passion.]
The movie “Bullitt” further solidified his image and ignited a passion for a specific car: the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. The film’s groundbreaking car chase scene, featuring McQueen performing many of his own stunts, became an instant classic. The Dark Highland Green Mustang, stripped of unnecessary ornamentation and focused on raw performance, became an automotive icon, representing McQueen’s understated yet powerful style. This chase wasn’t just action; it was visceral, realistic, and utterly captivating, forever linking Steve McQueen and the Bullitt Mustang in the minds of car enthusiasts.
Introducing the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang: A Modern Masterpiece
Now, this legendary combination is reborn in the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang. Developed through a unique collaboration between McQueen Racing, Steeda Performance Vehicles, and Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen’s son, this limited-edition Mustang elevates the already impressive Ford Bullitt Mustang to new heights of performance and exclusivity. With production strictly limited to 300 vehicles per year, this edition is designed to be the ultimate tribute to McQueen’s legacy and his iconic car.
This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a comprehensive re-engineering of the Bullitt Mustang, meticulously crafted to enhance power, refine handling, and capture the essence of McQueen’s personal style. The goal was to create a Mustang that McQueen himself would be proud to drive – a car that is both brutally capable and undeniably cool.
Performance Redefined: Steeda’s Engineering Prowess
Steeda Performance Vehicles, renowned for their expertise in Ford Mustang performance and tuning for over three decades, spearheaded the engineering enhancements. Dario Orlando, President of Steeda, emphasized that the “Steve McQueen™ Edition Program Team had no limits” in their pursuit of “maximum performance.” The result is a Mustang that not only looks the part but delivers a driving experience that is truly exceptional.
[Image of the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang wheel, alt text: Close-up of the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang wheel and Nitto tire, showcasing the staggered fitment and performance design.]
The upgrades are extensive, involving over 27 individual components focused on chassis, suspension, and drivetrain enhancements. Key improvements include McQueen Racing performance-tuned struts and shocks, dual-rate ultimate handling springs, and meticulously engineered sway bars with billet aluminum mounts. An IRS subframe bushing support system and alignment kit further refine handling precision. The Steve McQueen Edition also features a performance wheel alignment and camber plates, ensuring optimal tire contact and grip. For increased chassis rigidity, an Extreme G-Trac K-Member Support Brace and Ultra-Lite Chassis Jacking Rails are incorporated. Billet aluminum vertical links further enhance suspension performance.
To complement these handling upgrades, the powertrain receives significant attention. A McQueen Racing performance tune boosts horsepower to 550, delivering a noticeable increase in power across the RPM range. A Tri-Ax short-throw shifter provides crisp, precise gear changes, while a clutch spring assist with perch kit upgrade improves pedal feel and responsiveness. A black aluminum coolant tank adds a touch of under-hood style and performance.
The stance and grip of the Steve McQueen Edition are further enhanced by unique Steve McQueen Edition wheels, designed in collaboration with Chad McQueen and McQueen Racing. These wheels are a modern interpretation of the classic wheels seen on the original “Bullitt” Mustang, featuring a staggered configuration (20″x10″ front and 20″x11″ rear) and Steve McQueen Edition center caps. They are wrapped in high-performance Nitto NT555 G2 tires (275/35-20 front and 315/35-20 rear), providing exceptional traction and handling.
Chad McQueen perfectly encapsulates the essence of this edition: “Ford’s Mustang has always been a big part of my dad’s legend. I wanted to kick the already strong performance up several notches without losing that essential style that makes this car so desirable. Less is more. This Special Edition reflects the lessons my dad ingrained in me about what made his personal cars so desirable.”
Steve McQueen Edition Package Highlights: Standard and Optional
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang offers a comprehensive standard package with an MSRP starting from $26,000 (plus the base Ford Mustang Bullitt). Key standard features include:
McQueen Racing Performance Suspension Upgrades by Steeda:
- Front and Rear Sway Bars with “Welded-In-Place” Solid Billet Ends
- Billet Aluminum Front and Rear Sway Bar Mounts
- IRS Subframe Bushing Support System
- IRS Subframe Alignment Kit
- IRS Subframe Support Brace
- Dual Rate Ultimate Handling Springs
- Bump Steer Kit
- Performance Tuned Struts & Shocks
- Performance Wheel Alignment
- Camber Plates
- Ultra-Lite Chassis Jacking Rails
- Extreme G-Trac K-Member Support Brace
- Billet Aluminum Vertical Links
McQueen Racing Powertrain Upgrades:
- McQueen Racing Performance Tune (550hp)
- Tri-Ax Short Throw Shifter
- Clutch Spring Assist with Perch Kit Upgrade
- Black Aluminum Coolant Tank
- Steve McQueen Edition Wheels (20″x10″ front and 20″x11″ rear) with Steve McQueen Edition Center Caps
- Nitto NT555 G2 High Performance Tires (275/35-20 front and 315/35-20 rear)
McQueen Racing Interior Upgrades:
- Steve McQueen Edition Door Sill Plates
- Steve McQueen Edition Dashboard Serialization Plate
- Steve McQueen Edition Floor Mats
McQueen Racing Exterior Upgrades:
- Aerodynamic Front Fascia Enhancement Package
- Hood Strut Kit
- Engine Compartment Serialization Plate
- Rear Decklid Emblem
Steve McQueen™ Edition Special Buyers Package:
- Signed Letter of Vehicle Authenticity
- Steve McQueen Edition Commemorative Key Fobs
- Exclusive Steve McQueen Edition Embroidered Baseball Cap
For those seeking even more, a range of optional equipment is available, including a Steve McQueen Edition™ Four-Point Roll Cage (recommended for enhanced safety and track performance), Steve McQueen Edition™ 6-Point Seat Belts by Safecraft Safety Systems (also recommended), and a Steve McQueen Edition™ Rear Seat Delete Kit. For ultimate power, a Steve McQueen Edition™ Whipple Stage 2 Supercharger Power Upgrade boosts output to a staggering 825HP. This supercharger upgrade can be further enhanced with a Whipple Supercharger 10-Rib Pulley/Belt Upgrade and necessitates the McQueen Racing / Ford Performance Severe Duty IRS Half-Shaft Upgrade. A McQueen Racing Carbon Fiber Performance Driveshaft Assembly is also available for reduced rotational mass and improved responsiveness.
Acquire Your Piece of Automotive History
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history. With only 300 serialized versions produced annually, exclusivity is guaranteed. Whether you already own a Bullitt Mustang and wish to have it converted, have one on order, or are looking to order a complete Steve McQueen Edition, Steeda Performance Vehicles can assist. They offer conversion services for existing Bullitt Mustangs and can coordinate with Ford dealers for new orders to be delivered directly to their modification facilities.
For inquiries about ordering or converting your Bullitt Mustang into a Steve McQueen Edition, contact Steeda Performance Vehicles via email at [email protected] or by phone at 754-228-2767. Ford dealers interested in offering the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang to their customers are encouraged to reach out at [email protected].
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to a legend, a celebration of an iconic film, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Ford Mustang. It’s a chance to own a vehicle that embodies the spirit of the King of Cool himself – powerful, stylish, and undeniably cool.
