#Ford Mustang Bullitt Steve McQueen

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Movie Mustangs

[bigboppa01]

The king of cool

[coolthingsguyslike]

[supplyside]

Bullitt

[vintage-tigre]

[frenchcurious]

Steve McQueen sur le tournage de Bullitt. - source Cars & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden era.

[allthedesiredusernamesaretaken]

... when cars were art ...

Released on this day in 1968, the iconic movie Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen

[blackramhall]

Bullitt (Peter Yates, 1968)

Blackram Hall: whodunit, noir, murder mystery, pulp, hardboiled, italian giallo, crime, spy stories, serial killers, vintage, manor houses, life and death.

[vintagevoiture]

Mustang GT390 Fastback de 1968. motor 6.4L de 335c. de color Dark Highland Green. velocidad maxima de 182 km.

Steve McQueen in Bullitt, 1968.

[retromania4ever]

This highland green 1968 Ford Mustang GT 💚, the hero car driven by the "King of Cool", Steve McQueen🇺🇸, in the iconic 1968 Movie "Bullitt"

[wheelscomedyandmore]

The unforgettable car chase in "Bullitt," featuring Steve McQueen racing through the streets of San Francisco in a Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback, was not only a cinematic milestone but a direct result of McQueen’s insistence on authenticity and realism. His passion for driving and attention to detail shaped every frame of the film’s most iconic sequence, ensuring it would leave an indelible mark on Hollywood action filmmaking.

Steve McQueen’s involvement in "Bullitt" began when he was drawn to the gritty realism of Robert L. Fish’s novel "Mute Witness," which served as the basis for the film. He envisioned his character, Frank Bullitt, as a departure from the stereotypical police roles of the era, opting instead for a more grounded and understated portrayal. McQueen collaborated closely with director Peter Yates to bring this vision to life, insisting on an authentic depiction of police work and urban life in San Francisco.

The centerpiece of "Bullitt" was its groundbreaking car chase, a sequence that would redefine the action genre. McQueen, an avid racing enthusiast, was adamant about performing many of his own stunts. He personally selected the Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback for his character, preferring its rugged, no-nonsense look over flashier vehicles. His hands-on approach extended to the chase’s choreography, as he worked with stunt coordinator Carey Loftin and drivers like Bud Ekins and Bill Hickman to craft a sequence that felt raw and unscripted.

Filming the chase was an ambitious and painstaking process. The production shut down sections of San Francisco’s famously steep streets, capturing dynamic shots of the Mustang and Dodge Charger weaving through traffic, jumping over hills, and skidding around corners. McQueen drove in many of these scenes, though Ekins performed the riskiest maneuvers. The intensity of the chase was heightened by innovative camera work, with director Peter Yates placing cameras inside and outside the vehicles to immerse viewers in the action.

One of the most striking aspects of the chase was its sound design. Instead of a traditional score, McQueen and the filmmakers opted to emphasize the visceral sounds of roaring engines, screeching tires, and crashing metal. This decision added a layer of realism that drew audiences into the action, making them feel as though they were in the driver’s seat alongside McQueen.

Despite its seamless appearance on screen, the chase was fraught with challenges during production. Mechanical failures, logistical hurdles, and near-misses added to the tension on set. McQueen’s insistence on realism often pushed the crew to their limits, but his commitment paid off. The resulting sequence felt alive and unpredictable, a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

Beyond the chase, McQueen’s portrayal of Frank Bullitt was equally impactful. His understated performance, paired with his signature cool demeanor, made Bullitt a multidimensional character who resonated with audiences. From his carefully chosen wardrobe, featuring the now-iconic turtleneck and tweed jacket, to his quiet intensity, McQueen crafted a character that was as stylish as he was relatable.

When "Bullitt" premiered, the film was hailed as a masterpiece, with the car chase becoming its defining moment. Critics praised McQueen’s performance and the innovative approach to action sequences, which set a new benchmark for Hollywood thrillers. The chase has since become one of the most celebrated moments in cinema history, inspiring countless films and solidifying McQueen’s status as the "King of Cool."

Steve McQueen’s dedication to authenticity and innovation in "Bullitt" did more than elevate the film; it transformed action filmmaking. The legendary car chase, crafted with precision and passion, remains a high-octane thrill ride that continues to captivate audiences and set the gold standard for the genre.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT 390

One of the biggest Mustang legends is the Bullitt movie car. In 1968, the legendary actor Steve McQueen starred in the detective flick, Bullitt. He played a detective who drove a mean-looking 1968 GT390 Fastback. They used two cars were used during the shooting, destroying one and using the other for close-ups and promotional shoots. Steve McQueen drove and modified it, preserving it well.

They sold the second car and it had several owners. The car finally settled on the East Coast of the US in the hands of a private owner who wants to remain anonymous. They are fully aware of the importance of this particular car. The owner doesn’t want to sell it, but when this car eventually makes its way to the auction block, it will be the most expensive Mustang in the world with a price that will break any previous records. The original Bullitt car was eventually used by Ford in promotional purposes in promoting the 2018 Mustang at the Detroit Auto Show. This means Ford managed to track down the owner and persuade him to let the automaker display the original 1968 Bullitt next to the 2018 Bullitt special edition Mustang as the best way to mark the car’s 50th anniversary.

[strictlyfavorites]

Steve McQueen Raced This Rare 1965 Lola T70 at the Nürburgring. 2

This highland green 1968 Ford Mustang GT; the hero car driven by the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, in the iconic 1968 film Bullitt

Steve McQueen au volant d'une Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster 1963

Steve McQueen et sa Jaguar XKSS Roadster 1956 04

[coolthingsguyslike]

[entertainwithalowehah]

My Top Ten Car Movie Scenes

Popularity can vary based on personal preferences, so I'll provide a list of ten iconic car movie sequences that have been well-received by audiences and critics over the years. Please note that these rankings are my opinion.

Bullitt (1968) - The Chase Scene

Summary: The iconic car chase in "Bullitt" features Steve McQueen as Detective Frank Bullitt pursuing two hitmen through the streets of San Francisco in a Ford Mustang GT 390 and a Dodge Charger. It's often regarded as one of the most influential and realistic car chases in cinematic history.

Vanishing Point (1971) - The Entire Movie

Summary: "Vanishing Point" is a cult classic that centers around a Vietnam War veteran, Kowalski, who bets that he can deliver a 1970 Dodge Challenger from Colorado to San Francisco in record time. The entire film is essentially one long and intense car chase across the American Southwest.

The Italian Job (1969) - Mini Cooper Heist

Summary: In this classic heist film, a group of thieves led by Michael Caine uses a fleet of Mini Coopers to steal gold bars in a high-stakes robbery in Turin, Italy. The Mini Cooper car chase through the narrow streets and tunnels of the city is a standout moment.

Ronin (1998) - The Paris Chase

Summary: "Ronin" is known for its intense and realistic car chase scenes. The most famous one takes place on the streets of Paris, where a group of international mercenaries engages in a high-speed pursuit involving several luxury cars.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) - The Eleanor Chase

Summary: In this remake of the 1974 film, a skilled car thief played by Nicolas Cage attempts to steal 50 high-end cars in one night. The standout chase scene involves "Eleanor," a highly modified 1967 Ford Mustang GT500, as Cage's character attempts to evade the police.

The Fast and the Furious (2001) - The Race Wars

Summary: "The Fast and the Furious" franchise is known for its high-octane car sequences, but one of the most memorable scenes from the first film takes place at the Race Wars, an illegal street racing event. It's a showcase of flashy cars and intense racing.

Death Proof (2007) - The Final Car Chase

Summary: Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" features a thrilling car chase in the final act, where a group of women pursues a murderous stuntman in a "death-proof" stunt car. The chase is filled with suspense and well-executed stunts.

Baby Driver (2017) - Opening Heist

Summary: "Baby Driver" opens with a high-energy car chase where the protagonist, Baby, showcases his exceptional driving skills while evading the police after a bank robbery. The entire film is known for its synchronization of action to music.

Drive (2011) - The Elevator Escape

Summary: "Drive" features a suspenseful car chase where Ryan Gosling's character attempts to escape from pursuers in an elevator. The scene is characterized by its tense atmosphere and minimalist approach to action.

Fast Five (2011) - The Vault Heist

Summary: In "Fast Five," the crew pulls off a daring heist involving a massive vault attached to two Dodge Chargers. The scene is notable for its sheer audacity and destruction as the vault is dragged through the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

These car movie sequences have left a lasting impact on cinema and continue to be celebrated by car enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

[vintage-tigre]