The sale of the 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT for a staggering $3.74 million sent ripples through the automotive world, yet a veil of secrecy shrouds the identity of its new owner. This iconic vehicle, immortalized by Steve McQueen in the legendary film “Bullitt,” emerged from four decades of hidden slumber to become a record-breaking auction sensation.
Sean Kiernan, son of the late Robert Kiernan who owned The Bullitt Mustang for years, watched as the Highland Green muscle car crossed the auction block in Kissimmee, Florida. The bidding frenzy for this piece of automotive and cinematic history was intense, culminating in an anonymous buyer claiming the prize. “Only one person knows the buyer, and that’s the guy he was on the phone with,” Kiernan revealed, highlighting the intrigue surrounding this high-profile transaction. Frank Mecum of Mecum Auctions, the auction host, is the sole keeper of this valuable information, adding another layer to the Bullitt Mustang’s already captivating story.
Kiernan described the atmosphere during the auction as akin to an “11-minute rock concert,” a testament to the Bullitt Mustang’s legendary status. He reminisced about setting the starting bid at a humble $3,500, the price his father originally paid in 1974. This symbolic gesture allowed everyone in the room a moment to imagine owning this automotive icon, before the bidding quickly escalated into the millions.
The journey of this particular Bullitt Mustang from a classified ad in Road & Track magazine to international stardom is remarkable. Robert Kiernan, responding to an ad that explicitly mentioned the McQueen film connection and provided “documentation,” acquired the car from a New Jersey detective. This detective was the second owner after Warner Bros. Studios. The ’68 Mustang GT played a starring role in “Bullitt’s” groundbreaking car chase scenes through the streets of San Francisco, scenes renowned for their realism, speed, and McQueen’s own driving prowess.
When the Bullitt Mustang was unveiled to the public in 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show after decades in hiding, it was met with overwhelming acclaim. Mark Gessler, president of the Historic Vehicle Association, declared it “probably the Holy Grail” of automotive history, a “national cultural treasure.” This sentiment underscores the Bullitt Mustang’s significance beyond just being a classic car; it’s a piece of Americana, a symbol of cool, and a testament to a golden era of filmmaking and automotive design.
The recent auction price eclipsed the previous Mustang record held by a 1967 Shelby GT500 “Super Snake,” further solidifying the Bullitt Mustang’s place in auction history. While not quite reaching the overall muscle car record set by a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, the Bullitt Mustang’s sale price reflects its unique blend of Hollywood fame, rarity, and compelling backstory.
However, the Bullitt Mustang’s tale transcends mere monetary value. For the Kiernan family, it was a cherished part of their lives. Sean Kiernan’s decision to sell the car was deeply personal, driven by a desire to prioritize family and a change in life perspective following his wife’s health challenges and the arrival of their third child.
A Family’s Reflection and a Difficult Farewell
The decision to auction the Bullitt Mustang was not taken lightly. After years of raising a family and managing life’s unexpected turns, Sean Kiernan felt a shift in priorities. His wife Samantha’s health scare served as a catalyst for re-evaluating their lives. The Bullitt Mustang, while beloved, represented a chapter that was ready to close, making way for a focus on family, home, and a simpler life.
Prior to the auction, Kiernan brought the Bullitt Mustang back to the family garage, its home for forty years. This homecoming was an emotional moment, a chance for the family to say goodbye. Kiernan prepared the car, changing fluids and ensuring it was ready for its next chapter, while his mother, sister, and wife, along with his father-in-law, shared poignant moments with the iconic vehicle. Tears were shed as they reminisced and acknowledged the Bullitt Mustang’s profound impact on their family history. For Robbie Kiernan, Sean’s mother, the car evoked memories of daily life, driving to her teaching job at St. Vincent’s parish while her husband commuted to New York City. The presence of her 7-week-old grandchild at the auction symbolized the continuation of life and the passing of time, further emphasizing the emotional weight of letting go of the Bullitt Mustang.
The family’s journey with the Bullitt Mustang extended beyond their garage. A six-month loan to LeMay – America’s Car Museum served as a trial separation, helping Sean emotionally prepare for the eventual sale. The car, once a hidden family secret, had become a global icon. Robert Kiernan, who passed away in 2014, had unknowingly left his son not just a collector car, but a legacy.
From Silver Screen to Global Icon
The Bullitt Mustang’s journey from movie set to global phenomenon is a testament to its enduring appeal. Two identical 1968 Mustang GT fastbacks were used in the filming of “Bullitt.” One met a less glamorous end in a salvage yard, but the other, the hero car, found its way into the Kiernan family’s care. For decades, it remained out of the public eye, a “hidden in plain sight” treasure, until Sean Kiernan decided to share its story with the world.
Sean Kiernan’s dedication to sharing the Bullitt Mustang’s story was supported by his employer, LKQ Corp. Nick Zarcone, president of LKQ, granted Kiernan a leave of absence to travel the world with the car. This extraordinary support allowed Kiernan to become a global ambassador for the Bullitt Mustang, showcasing it at prestigious events and sharing its history with enthusiasts worldwide. Zarcone’s statement highlights the unique nature of the Bullitt story and the pride LKQ felt in playing a part in it.
The Bullitt Mustang’s impact extends beyond car collectors and movie buffs. Diane Parker, vice president of the Historic Vehicle Association, emphasizes its indelible mark on international car culture, attributing it to the visceral and groundbreaking car chase in “Bullitt.” The film’s influence on action cinema and car enthusiasts is undeniable, and the Bullitt Mustang is its tangible embodiment.
The global media frenzy surrounding the Bullitt Mustang’s unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show, with news crews from around the world clamoring to capture its image, further underscores its international appeal. McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, aptly compared the Bullitt Mustang to a “Mona Lisa lost in a garage,” highlighting its unparalleled rarity and cultural significance. Following the auction, Hagerty reiterated the car’s unique combination of elements – the chase scene, the McQueen connection, the captivating backstory, and its decades-long disappearance – making it a once-in-a-lifetime find.
The Bullitt Mustang’s journey is a remarkable blend of automotive history, Hollywood glamour, and a deeply personal family story. While the identity of the new owner remains a mystery, the legend of the Bullitt Mustang and its record-breaking sale will undoubtedly continue to captivate car enthusiasts and movie fans for years to come.
