“Take all my money.”
The special throwback edition of the Mustang Bullitt, which premiered earlier this year in Detroit, has just made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Accompanying the in-person appearance, Ford has also announced details on the car’s wider availability - including Australia.
Ford’s local arm released an announcement in unison, confirming that the movie-inspired Mustang will making its Down Under arrival some time this year, along with parts of Europe. It’s not clear exactly when the special edition will be hitting showrooms, but we can make a secure estimate that it will hit North American showrooms somewhere around the the second half of 2018.
This specific special edition Mustang’s release is time constrained in a way, as waiting too long will run wide of the Steve McQueen movie’s 50th anniversary. “Steve McQueen as BULLITT created a legend and Mustang BULLITT is the perfect way to salute an icon of the silver screen,” said Graeme Whickman, President and CEO, Ford Australia.
“We have to be quite honest about it – Mustang has far exceeded our expectations, and for that, we hope that the 2018 model – and the arrival of Mustang BULLITT – goes to show that we’re bringing in even more choices, options and flavours to help give customers the Ford Mustang they want,” he added.
Like the two previous generations of Mustang, this iteration on the Bullitt edition should be capped at under 10,000 units. However, there is a possibility that Ford plans to build many more examples this time around this, in its 6th generation, is the first time the Mustang has become a globally available model.
Still, either way, expect the local allocation to be a long way off from sating demand. We’re also guessing that manufacturers of aftermarket parts will start producing conversion kits specifically to transform the standard Mustang GT to being as visually close to the Bullitt edition as possible.
After all, apart from a few bespoke additions, there’s little that cannot be replicated. Naturally, the 5.0-litre V8 will need to be fitted with the Performance Pack enhancements, lifting power to 355kW and 570Nm. This should also add goodies such as uprated brakes, new intake manifold, open air induction, and an active performance exhaust system.
Over the stock Mustang GT’s exterior, the Bullitt’s body is finished in the unique Dark Highland Green metallic paint, which apparently will be the only colour to be available here. From then, there’s a comprehensive de-badging treatment, black 19-inch retro-inspired wheels, and unique fuel filler cap.
Inside, the Buliitt features the movie-accurate cue ball gear knob, Recaro Sports Seats, and a premium 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo, the majority of which should be carried over into the Australian-spec allocation.
For more on Ford vehicles, check out our Showroom.
