Steve McQueen, the name itself conjures images of effortless cool, rebellious spirit, and a deep-seated passion for speed. Decades after his passing, the aura of Hollywood’s original “King of Cool” remains as potent as ever. His influence transcends generations, and his impact on automotive culture, particularly on the Ford Mustang, is undeniable. McQueen’s on-screen persona and off-screen passions have cemented his status as a true icon, and now, his legacy is roaring back to life with the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang.
The Enduring Legacy of Steve McQueen and the Mustang Bullitt
McQueen wasn’t just an actor; he was a symbol of self-assured masculinity and a quiet defiance of the norm. This persona resonated deeply with audiences and shaped the image of cool for generations to come. His roles often mirrored his own life, filled with fast cars and a thirst for adventure. This image reached its zenith in the 1968 film “Bullitt.” In this iconic movie, McQueen played Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco cop who drove a Dark Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT.
The film’s legendary car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco redefined automotive action in cinema. The raw sound of the Mustang’s engine, the tire-screeching turns, and the sheer intensity of the pursuit captivated audiences worldwide. The “Bullitt” Mustang became an instant legend, synonymous with cool performance and understated style. It wasn’t just a car; it was an extension of McQueen’s on-screen persona – powerful, understated, and undeniably cool. This connection between Steve McQueen and the Ford Mustang has endured for decades, making the Bullitt Mustang a sought-after classic and a symbol of automotive cool.
Introducing the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang: A Modern Reincarnation of Cool
Now, the legend is reborn. In a collaboration between McQueen Racing, Steeda Performance Vehicles, and with the blessing of Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen’s son, the official Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang has been unleashed. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a meticulously engineered, limited-edition performance machine designed to embody the spirit of Steve McQueen and elevate the already impressive Ford Mustang Bullitt to new heights.
Limited to just 300 units per year, this special edition Mustang offers exclusivity and unparalleled performance. Starting with the already formidable Ford Bullitt Mustang, the Steve McQueen Edition undergoes a transformation focused on enhancing power, refining handling, and amplifying the car’s inherent cool factor. The goal was clear: to create the quintessential McQueen Mustang, a car that Chad McQueen describes as reflecting the lessons his father instilled in him – “Less is more. This Special Edition reflects the lessons my dad ingrained in me about what made his personal cars so desirable.”
Performance Redefined: Upgrades that Unleash the King of Cool Within
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang is more than just a tribute; it’s a performance powerhouse. Steeda, renowned for their expertise in Mustang performance modifications, has meticulously upgraded over 27 individual components in the chassis, suspension, and drivetrain. These upgrades, all designed and manufactured in the USA under strict ISO 9001:2008 standards, work in harmony to deliver a driving experience that is both exhilarating on the track and refined on the road.
Key performance enhancements include Steeda’s performance-tuned struts and shocks, front and rear sway bars with billet aluminum mounts, and dual-rate ultimate handling springs. The IRS subframe is reinforced with bushing supports, alignment kits, and a support brace, ensuring optimal handling and stability. Further upgrades like billet aluminum vertical links, camber plates, and bump steer kits contribute to razor-sharp handling and responsiveness. The Extreme G-Trac K-Member Support Brace and Ultra-Lite Chassis Jacking Rails add to the structural rigidity and track-ready nature of this special edition.
To complement the enhanced chassis and suspension, the powertrain receives significant attention. A McQueen Racing Performance Tune boosts the engine output to an impressive 550 horsepower*, delivering a noticeable increase in power across the RPM range. A Tri-Ax Short Throw Shifter and Clutch Spring Assist with Perch Kit Upgrade enhance the driving experience, providing crisp and precise gear changes. Even under the hood, details like the Black Aluminum Coolant Tank add a touch of performance aesthetic.
The stance and handling are further refined with bespoke Steve McQueen Edition wheels, designed in collaboration with Chad McQueen to echo the classic wheels of the original 1968 Bullitt Mustang. These modern reincarnations are wider, with a staggered configuration (20″x10″ front and 20″x11″ rear), accommodating high-performance Nitto NT555 G2 tires (275/35-20 front and 315/35-20 rear). This combination not only enhances the car’s aggressive stance but also optimizes grip and handling, ensuring that the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang delivers performance that lives up to its legendary namesake.
Standard and Optional Features: Curated for the Discerning Driver
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang comes packed with standard features designed to elevate both performance and style.
Standard Package Highlights:
- McQueen Racing Performance Suspension Upgrades by Steeda: A comprehensive suite of handling enhancements as detailed above, transforming the Mustang’s dynamics.
- McQueen Racing Powertrain Upgrades: Includes the 550hp performance tune, short throw shifter, and other powertrain refinements.
- Steve McQueen Edition Wheels and Nitto Tires: Distinctive wheels and high-performance tires for enhanced aesthetics and handling.
- McQueen Racing Interior Upgrades: Features Steve McQueen Edition door sill plates, a serialized dashboard plate, and floor mats, adding exclusive touches to the interior.
- McQueen Racing Exterior Upgrades: Aerodynamic front fascia enhancement, hood strut kit, engine compartment serialization plate, and rear decklid emblem for a unique exterior presence.
- Steve McQueen™ Edition Special Buyers Package: Includes a signed letter of authenticity, commemorative key fobs, and an exclusive embroidered baseball cap, adding to the collector’s appeal.
For those seeking even more, a range of optional equipment is available to further personalize and enhance the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang.
Optional Performance Enhancements:
- Steve McQueen Edition™ Four-Point Roll Cage (Recommended): Adds track-ready safety and stiffness (requires rear seat delete).
- Steve McQueen Edition™ 6-Point Seat Belts by Safecraft Safety Systems (Recommended): Further enhances safety for high-performance driving.
- Steve McQueen Edition™ Rear Seat Delete Kit (Recommended): For a more focused performance setup and roll cage integration.
- Steve McQueen Edition™ Leather and Alcantara Steering Wheel: Premium steering wheel with a green center stripe for a sporty touch.
- Steve McQueen Edition™ Whipple Stage 2 Supercharger Power Upgrade – 825HP: For those craving extreme power, this supercharger upgrade takes horsepower to an incredible 825HP.
- McQueen Racing / Ford Performance Severe Duty IRS Half-Shaft Upgrade (Required with supercharger): Essential for handling the increased power of the supercharger.
- McQueen Racing Carbon Fiber Performance Driveshaft Assembly: Reduces rotating mass for improved responsiveness (may increase NVH).
How to Make a Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang Yours
The Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang is a rare and exclusive machine, with only 300 serialized versions produced annually. Securing your piece of this automotive legend is a straightforward process.
Ordering Information:
- New Orders: Contact a Steeda Certified Ford Dealer or Steeda Performance Vehicles directly to order your Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang. A donor Bullitt Mustang is required as the base vehicle.
- Existing Bullitt Mustang Owners: If you already own a Bullitt Mustang, you can have it converted to a Steve McQueen Edition at one of the approved modification facilities in North America, Europe, or Australia.
- Ford Dealers: Ford dealers interested in offering the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt Mustang to their customers can contact Steeda Performance Vehicles for order coordination and allocation.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history and experience the ultimate expression of cool performance. Contact Steeda Performance Vehicles today via email at [email protected] or by phone at 754-228-2767 to learn more and begin your order. The King of Cool is back, and he’s ready to roar.
