The saga of the 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT, famously driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic film “Bullitt,” continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. After being shrouded in secrecy for four decades, hidden away in a family garage, this legendary muscle car emerged into the limelight, only to be sold to an anonymous bidder for a staggering $3.4 million – a final price of $3.74 million including commissions and fees.
“Only one person knows the buyer, and that’s the guy he was on the phone with,” revealed Sean Kiernan, son of the late owner Robert Kiernan, who made the difficult decision to auction off his father’s cherished Highland Green Mustang at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. The identity of the new owner remains a mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to The Bullitt Mustang’s already fascinating story. “Eventually, it’ll come out. But right now, no one knows. Only Frank. Frank is the only one trusted to know,” Kiernan stated, referring to Frank Mecum of Mecum Auctions.
The auction itself was a spectacle, described by Kiernan as an “11-minute rock concert.” He recounted the electric atmosphere, with an estimated 7,000 people in attendance, all eager to witness the sale of this automotive legend. To honor his father’s original purchase price in 1974, Kiernan set the starting bid at a mere $3,500. “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 reminisced, highlighting the accessibility and widespread desire to own a piece of movie history.
The journey of this particular Bullitt Mustang from Hollywood chase scenes to a family garage is remarkable. Robert Kiernan, a New Jersey detective at the time, responded to a classified ad in Road & Track magazine, seeking a buyer for a Mustang with a documented connection to the Steve McQueen film. He was the sole respondent, marking the beginning of the Kiernan family’s custodianship of this automotive icon. McQueen himself was deeply involved in the film’s legendary car chase sequences, contributing to the raw, authentic feel that set “Bullitt” apart.
High-angle shot of the Highland Green 1968 Bullitt Mustang parked outdoors, showcasing its classic fastback design and iconic color.
Upon the Bullitt Mustang’s public unveiling at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, automotive historians recognized its unparalleled significance. Mark Gessler, president of the Historic Vehicle Association, declared it “probably the Holy Grail if there is one,” emphasizing its status as “one of the most important artifacts of the 20th century in terms of automotive history. It is a national cultural treasure.”
This sale shattered previous Mustang auction records, surpassing the $2.2 million paid for a 1967 Shelby GT500 “Super Snake” in 2019. While not quite reaching the overall muscle car record held by a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, the Bullitt Mustang’s sale price firmly cemented its place in automotive auction history, demonstrating its unique appeal beyond just monetary value.
However, the story of the Bullitt Mustang transcends mere dollars and cents. It’s a deeply personal narrative about the Kiernan family and their unexpected connection to this movie car. For Sean Kiernan, the decision to sell was not driven by financial gain, but by a shift in priorities prompted by a family health scare and a desire to focus on what truly mattered.
A Father’s Legacy and a New Chapter
After years of hoping for a third child, Sean and his wife Samantha welcomed their daughter Summer through in vitro fertilization. This joyous occasion coincided with Samantha facing serious health challenges, leading Sean to re-evaluate his life’s direction. Selling the Bullitt Mustang, a car deeply intertwined with his family history, became a way to simplify their lives and dedicate more time to family and personal passions. “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 explained, highlighting the personal motivations behind the sale.
Before the auction, Sean brought the Bullitt Mustang back to the family garage, its longtime sanctuary, for a poignant farewell. He meticulously prepared the car, changing fluids and ensuring it was in top condition. This homecoming allowed his mother, sister, wife, and father-in-law to share meaningful moments with the car, a silent witness to decades of family history. “That car had been in the garage forever. It was her spot. I think everybody cried at some point or another,” Kiernan shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of this farewell.
The entire Kiernan family traveled to Florida for the auction, marking the Bullitt Mustang’s final journey with them. Prior to this, Sean had placed the car on a six-month loan to LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, as a trial separation. “We basically wanted to see if we could handle it not being there. I emotionally had to see if I could do it,” he explained, revealing the emotional preparation involved in letting go of this treasured possession.
Robert Kiernan, who passed away in 2014, had unknowingly entrusted his son with a piece of cinematic and automotive history. Sean’s decision to share the Bullitt Mustang with the world, culminating in its record-breaking sale, represents both an honoring of his father’s legacy and a step forward into a new chapter for his own family.
Further Reading:
- The Bullitt Mustang’s 40-Year Garage Hideaway and Tour
- Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt, Rediscovering Original 1968 Fastback
- Bullitt Screenwriter’s Desire to Drive the Mustang Model He “Invented”
“We kept it a secret in the family for so long, hiding in plain sight,” Sean Kiernan reflected in 2018. The initial plan was restoration, but life, with his father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and the arrival of his first daughter, intervened. “Thing is, everybody wants to be able to honor their father. Me and him were more best friends than father and son. I was lost when he passed away. This is a huge moment. For our family, it’s almost like a finale.”
Interestingly, two identical 1968 Mustang GT fastbacks were used during the filming of “Bullitt,” which premiered in 1968. One met its demise in a salvage yard, while the other became the Bullitt Mustang that found its way into the Kiernan family’s possession, remaining unseen by the public for decades.
A Global Phenomenon
Sean Kiernan’s journey with the Bullitt Mustang extended beyond personal ownership. Nick Zarcone, president of LKQ Corp., Kiernan’s employer, granted him a leave of absence to tour the world with the car. LKQ continued to support Kiernan, recognizing the unique opportunity to share this piece of automotive and cinematic history globally. “The Bullitt story is a remarkable piece of American film history and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer family. We are incredibly proud of Sean, thank him for sharing his story with the world, and are delighted that LKQ was able play a very small role in helping him realize his vision for this special car,” Zarcone stated, highlighting the widespread appreciation for the Bullitt Mustang’s cultural impact.
High-angle shot of the Highland Green 1968 Bullitt Mustang parked outdoors, showcasing its classic fastback design and iconic color.
The Bullitt Mustang’s allure transcends generations and borders. Diane Parker, vice president of the Historic Vehicle Association, aptly described its enduring appeal: “The Bullitt Mustang has made an indelible mark on international car culture through its role in film history. To this day, the visceral 10-minute car chase in the movie ‘Bullitt’ remains one of the most exciting ever captured on film.”
The car’s debut at Cobo Center drew international media attention, with news crews from France, Japan, China, Norway, Italy, and Mexico eager to capture the essence of this automotive icon. McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, an insurer specializing in classic cars, compared the Bullitt Mustang’s rediscovery to finding a “Mona Lisa lost in a garage somewhere,” underscoring its artistic and cultural significance.
Following the record-breaking auction, Hagerty further commented, “The Bullitt Mustang has it all — a great chase scene, the McQueen connection and a fantastic backstory. The fact that it had disappeared for decades, only to re-emerge as an unrestored, movie-car time capsule is something we’ll likely never see again in our lifetimes.” The Bullitt Mustang’s journey, from a movie set to a hidden garage and finally to a record-setting auction, solidifies its legendary status in automotive history, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
