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If you like Mustangs, Steve McQueen and movie chase scenes, Ford’s special-edition Mustang GT, named after “Bullitt” the movie, is just your ticket. This commemorative model celebrates the movie, Steve McQueen and the 1968 Mustang 390 he drove in one of the greatest car-chase scenes ever.

The Bullitt package adds $3,695, and roughly 6,500 will be built alongside other Mustangs at the Dearborn assembly plant. Each will have a numbered identification label for exclusivity and authenticity.

The Bullitt Mustang is way cool even if you’re too young to remember the movie. It squats low to the ground and has a lean, purposeful look. The 17-inch alloy wheels have dark gray, five-spoke centers like the ones on the movie car, and they’re the perfect retro touch. Visual cues include scoops on the rear fenders, an aluminum cover for the gas filler, a hood scoop, polished metal pedals, a brushed aluminum shift knob and new rocker panels. The lack of spoilers or a rear wing gives it a clean, understated look. Dark green is the only color choice for true aficionados, but blue and black are also available.

The first time I keyed the Bullitt Mustang to life, I could have sworn I was listening to the soundtrack of the movie. Round tailpipes rumble just so, and the 4.6-liter, SOHC V-8 seemed livelier, more frenetic, because it breathes easier. Changes to the engine Ð a larger throttle body, cast aluminum intake manifold, high-flow mufflers Ð yield 265 horsepower, five more than standard, but five high-energy horses looking to get loose.

The brushed aluminum shift knob feels great in your hand as you run through the gears, and because the engine feels, and sounds, so energetic, I found myself working the gearshift every chance I got. From the standpoint of driving satisfaction, the Bullitt is the best Mustang I have driven in ages.

Unlike the 1968 Mustang, the Bullitt package stops and turns with much greater precision. The car has been lowered three-quarters of an inch, and Tokico shocks and struts tighten up the ride for sharper handling. Front and rear stabilizer bars are unique to this model as well. The tighter suspension not only lets Bullitt cut through turns with better balance, but it gives the vehicle a greater sense of confidence in all driving conditions. The lowered suspension is slightly rougher over bumpy pavement, but still not bad. ItÕs too bad the independent rear suspension from the SVT Cobra wasn’t used, but then that would have raised the price and stolen Cobra customers.

Bullitt stops as well as it goes because impressive 13-inch Brembo front brakes have been fitted. These units erase speed with excellent efficiency, and their red calipers peek out from behind the wheel spokes.

The interior has been changed the least. The dark leather seats, like those in the Cobra, have great support, with more upright seat backs and thicker lateral padding. The metal pedal covers and shift knob are nice accents. The numerals on the speedometer and tachometer are unique to this model, but they are small and crowded together. Simplicity would be better.

The Bullitt Mustang does a great job of creating a tough-guy attitude in a contemporary context. Steve McQueen would have loved it.

Price
The base price of the Bullitt Mustang is $26,230. The test carÕs only option was a six-disc CD player. The sticker price was $27,380.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

Point: ItÕs surprising how a few discreet changes have invigorated the Mustang Bullitt. It revs eagerly, stops quickly and plunges into turns with enthusiasm and balance. Its subdued look is one of muscle with a retro touch.

Counterpoint: The gauge package is disappointingly busy because the speedometer numbers are crammed into a small space. The ride can be a bit rough on choppy pavement.

SPECIFICATION
Engine: 4.6-liter, 265-hp V-8
Transmission: Five-speed Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 101.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,114 lbs.
Mpg rating: 17 city, 25 hwy.
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