Cars

After vanishing for 38 years Steve McQueen’s Mustang mysteriously reappeared in Detroit

  • Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback made a reappearance in Detroit
  • The legendary car known for its role in the movie Bullitt
  • Sean Kiernan got this car from his father Bob Kiernan

Published on Jul 20, 2024 at 4:27 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary

Last updated on Jul 22, 2024 at 4:32 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Nalin Rawat

After disappearing for 38 years, Steve McQueen’s iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback made a mysterious reappearance in Detroit.

The legendary car known for its role in the movie, Bullitt — appeared at a Ford press event during the Detroit auto show on January 14, 2018.

Interestingly, the car’s return perfectly collided with the 50th anniversary of the film.

READ MORE: LA man has driven Porsche 356 with 1 million miles for 50 years

Mustang that appeared in the movie Bullitt appeared mysteriously

The car’s owner, Sean Kiernan got this car from his father Bob Kiernan, who bought it in 1974.

However, the family was unaware of the car’s iconic status.

The family continued using the Mustang for daily use until the car had some clutch issues.

Mustang car that appeared in movie Bullitt
Mecum Auctions

As a result, in 1980, it was parked and remained untouched for decades.

Sean and his father attempted to restore it several times but never completed the project.

After decades of resting at a single spot, a chance conversation with Casey Wallace revealed the car’s true identity.

Restoring the car to its former glory

restoring Ford Mustang GT Fastback
Mecum Auctions

Wallace, who had a side business in film production, found it interesting, and together with his partner, Ken Horstmann, they decided to help Sean bring the Mustang back to life and share its story with the world.

“It was as if fate had a hand in it,” said Sean.

The Bullitt Mustang’s story reminds us of Richard Harris’ Rolls-Royce, which he forgot about for years.

Inside Ford Mustang that appeared in the movie Bullitt
Mecum Auctions

Steve McQueen’s Mustang was then authenticated by an expert named Kevin Marti, after which, the car was also included in the 2018 Detroit auto-show launch.

Even Jay Leno featured the Mustang on his show, Jay Leno’s Garage.

Car stories are sometimes really fascinating, just like this one or the man who drove his Rolls-Royce for 82 years.

Restored and back in business after decades, Bullitt Mustang now tours auto shows, and museums, and fascinate car and movie lovers worldwide.

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Meet Daksh: Not your typical pro, but definitely a pro at being fascinated by supercars, tech, and all things futuristic. When he's not nose-deep in work, catch him glued to anime screens or lost in the pages of a good book.