You’ve in all probability learn the information that Ford has discontinued the Shelby GT350 and 350R for 2021, however there may be one other passing mannequin within the Mustang steady that I’ll lament simply as a lot because the GT350s, if no more. The Bullitt got here again in its third era for the 2019 and 2020 mannequin yr, and it turned a sweetheart of the Mustang trustworthy, Steve McQueen followers, and even the surliest of automotive press members immediately.
Why is that this Darkish Highland Inexperienced machine so beloved and a lot greater than only a tarted-up Mustang GT? Let’s start with the Bullitt’s seems to be, which transcend that distinctive paint job. Begin with a blacked-out grille, void of a galloping pony badge, distinctive 5 spoke black wheels (emulating the Torq Belief variations seen within the 1968 movie), purple 6-piston Brembo’s, refined chrome trim accents, and a Bullitt emblem fake gas cap on a decklid that has the spoiler deleted. It’s by far probably the most ‘subtle-and-yet-sinister’ look of your entire Mustang line up, and he or she turns way more heads because of this. Sure, this automotive can be accessible in Shadow Black, however on a Bullitt version, why on earth would you tick that field? When you climb inside, there are distinctive green-stitched seats, aluminum Bullitt badging, and a white cue ball shifter that feels good in your hand… And also you’ll get very acquainted with that shift knob, because the Bullitt is barely accessible with a 6-speed guide transmission. The entire bundle simply exudes McQueen ‘cool’ in all the appropriate methods.
However the Bullitt gives a lot past its nice seems to be, as this mannequin additionally will get 20 extra horsepower than the usual GT’s V8 (480 vs. 460), Premium-level trim with the GT Efficiency Bundle and Efficiency Exhaust thrown in. The one stand-alone choices are Recaro seats ($1595), a Bullitt Electronics Bundle ($2100), and the MagneRide Dampers ($1695). I extremely suggest these final two choices, as they actually include important bits that make the Bullitt a real on a regular basis driver. The Electronics bundle contains Bang & Olufsen stereo and critically, a driver’s aspect 3-position reminiscence seat and mirror setting. The Magneride Suspension can be a must have because the magnetic fluid shocks permit a stiff, sporting journey of their extra aggressive mode, but might be set to mushy and compliant whenever you need to soak up metropolis avenue potholes. Mixed with the most recent era Mustang’s unbiased rear suspension, the entire bundle makes the Bullitt a surprisingly sensible day by day driver within the muscle automotive class.
The Bullitt is an extremely enjoyable automotive to drive, with gobs of torque and low-end grunt to slingshot you down the highway, making it troublesome to wipe the smug grin off your face for lengthy. As a bonus, the open exhaust be aware can be one of many sweetest American V8 sounds on the market, so your entire senses are engaged in driving this child round.
My largest criticisms of your entire automotive are the gas economic system (which might’t be helped with that incredible V8), and the big swaths of exhausting plastic inside items, indicative of all Mustangs, no matter trim stage. Fortunately, Ford did job of sprinkling leather-based in the appropriate locations on the Bullitt version that you simply forgive among the pebble-grained plastic in others. The underside line is, if you’re even remotely on the fence about getting a Mustang, I like to recommend getting the Bullitt earlier than it’s gone eternally.
Jay Ward is a Bay Space primarily based gearhead and the Inventive Director for the ‘Vehicles’ franchise at Pixar Animation Studios. He additionally serves at an honorary Choose at Pebble Seashore, Amelia Island, Audrain’s, and Hilton Head Island Concours, in addition to a daily contributor on the Jalopy Journal. You could find him and his children at ‘Dad’s Each day Driver’ on Instagram and Fb.
