Bullit Imitator? 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback
The seller of this 1968 Mustang states, “1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Manual C Code Highland Green with Upgrades“. The whole “Bullit” reference is my doing, though he does sneak in the single-word reference, once, deeper in the listing. But, what do you expect when you’re talking about a ’68 Mustang fastback, considered Highland Green in color, wearing American Racing Torque-Thrust wheels at all four corners and sporting a four-speed manual gearbox? It’s a logical assumption but of course, as is often the case, things aren’t exactly as they initially seem. So, hold that thought as we investigate a bit more closely. This San Francisco potential hill-jumper is actually located in West Hollywood, California and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $43,000, or as the seller states, “Priced to sell quick at $44,000“. There is a make-an-offer option too.
OK, I’ll run with the assumption that most readers are familiar with the 1968 police thriller Bullit, starring Steve McQueen. On the off chance that you aren’t, find a copy and watch it, it’s actually a movie about a car chase with some other stuff thrown in. The star is the Highland Green ’68 Ford Mustang fastback. Now Highland Green is a pleasing shade of dark green, but a Highland Green car is usually Highland Green – all of it, and not just the hood which is the case here. Yeah, it may have originally been finished in that shade but that doesn’t count if the hood is all that’s left. The majority of the exterior looks more like it’s finished in a sorta satin black finish and it doesn’t appear to be very evenly applied. The body looks OK, it’s not dented like the movie car and there’s no sign of rust. It’s even wearing a rear valance trim panel that I recall seeing years ago as a Mustang custom add-on. Headlight, headlights, who’s got the headlights, I don’t see any though the seller states, “Comes with a ton of original parts Including the original radio and lights” so I guess they need to be installed.
Power is provided by a 289 CI V8 (I believe Bullit was harboring a 390) but there is no reference as to what’s been done to it (it has an air cleaner lid that looks like it doesn’t fit) and the seller laconically states, “runs and drives“. There is a video of it idling and it doesn’t sound particularly stock. The seller mentions a new clutch, fuel tank, new disc brakes and suspension. And speaking of that suspension, I think I would have tried to get the desired rake without resorting to old-school extended spring shackles. If you’re going for the look, so be it, but they’re usually not your leaf springs best friend.
The black vinyl interior shows quite well! It is very original appearing and a new carpet is mentioned in the listing. The upholstery and rear fold-down area look like new, or certainly an environment that has seen little use. The mileage is recorded as 48K miles but there’s no claim to that reading so there’s probably no linkage between actual use and interior condition. The only non-original component appears to be the Hurst shifter. One other observation and that’s the radio – it’s not where it belongs but it may be in the trunk.
So, “Priced to sell quick at $44,000“. Hmmm, I say GLWTS, what says you?
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Comments
Whatever. West Hollywood, all you need to know.
$43K and it needs a paint job? Also, it’s not a big block though the 289 is a good engine. Some non-original parts with some repro parts, but some good upgrades. A nice car and ready to roll but a fresh paint job with be pricey. It will be interesting to see if somebody thinks this Mustang is “Priced to sell quick at $44,000“.
The original Bullitt Mustang went for 3.7 million at auction. If you watch the movie you might notice that five hubcaps flew off the Charger – I guess one popped out the trunk.
Wouldn’t it be cool to watch the movie, see where all the hubcaps flew off to, come back years later and pull one out of the bushes? If it could ever be documented, I wonder how much an authentic Bullitt hubcap would be worth?
I’m guessing here, I think that hood isn’t original to this car. Could it have been attached just because of the color ? Just saying. Priced to sell at $44K. I must have missed the link to Bank Finds !!
By the lack of side markers I would say it has new sheet metal on all 4 corners. Always a worry about the quality of installation.
If you look closely you can see the holes in the front fenders for the front side marker lights.
Side markers did not come until 68 1/2!
Wrong. The very first 1968 Mustang built, and every one after it, left the factory with front side marker lights and rear side marker reflectors. The rear reflectors were changed from one style to another part way through the production year.
This is simply a pretty little pretender. I love the car, but to try to pull it off as a near Bullitt car is stretching it too much. My filthy rich nephew, who is a pediatric dentist, bought a similar mustang about four years ago. He paid $28,000, and has had offers of almost double that over the last year or so.
His car has a perfect paint job, Perfect. It is a 390 and he is trying to wear it out with something like 500 miles a year.
The rear leaf spring shackles have got to go.
Perhaps the car needs new leaf springs as well.
Cha-Ching! I’m gonna ask $60 grand for my 10 footer!
We did a custom Bullitt Mustang for a customer a couple of years ago this is not a Bullitt car the real car had blackout taillight section wheels etc
Always liked the early Mustang fastbacks. Looking at the rear view, with that large rear glass, thinking louvers here are a must. Certainly fits the style of the vehicle, hopefully keep things a little cooler in the car as well. Function and style wins days.
68? Where are the side reflectors?
This Bullitt imposter needs alot more than a paint job. Satin black covers a multitude of bodywork sins. Might be nice after another 20k in paint and other needs.