DREAM CRUISIN’ - Ford Mustang Bullitt
Ford is almost ready to unleash their iconic Bullitt on our roads
As we previously reported, Ford South Africa has confirmed that their Mustang Bullitt will be released in Msanzi. And the wait is finally over, because in the coming weeks, not only will the limited edition V8-engined muscle car hit our roads, but so will too the other models in the refreshed Mustang range.
And while the Mustang was facelifted some time ago in the United States, South Africa has soldiered on with the pre-facelift variant, which has dominated the sports car sales charts since its local launch in 2016, selling a whisker under 3,000 units. The refreshed Mustang brings with it some styling updates, more power and some nifty tech improvements too, most notably the option of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
But, we are of course talking about the awesome Mustang Bullitt, of which only 55 are destined for South African shores. If it hasn’t ring a bell yet, the Mustang Bullitt is a special edition model that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Steve McQueen movie that made the green machine so famous.
“This new Bullitt is my favorite Mustang. With zero stripes, spoilers or badges, it doesn’t need to shout. It’s just cool, like Steve McQueen.” Those are the words of Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer; and frankly we have to agree with him.
The pony car is likely to be available in a choice of two colours, Shadow Black or the classic Highland Green. While retro touches include 19-inch Torq Thrust-style (that hide massive Brembo brakes), and other Bullitt design touches feature throughout. In keeping with modern times, it will feature the latest 12-inch digital infotainment display as well as a premium 1000-watt B&O system, with Recaro sport seats and a heated leather steering wheel competing the interior.
According to reports, our South African-spec Bullitt will boast more power than the 340kw Euro-spec Bullitt. We are apparently getting the full-fat American variant with a rumbling V8 under the hood that produces 354kw, and 529nm of torque. It's still powered by the same 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, with key differences over the regular Mustang including an open-air induction system, an upgraded intake manifold, 87mm throttle bodies and a control module calibration straight from the Shelby Mustang GT350. Much like the American Bullitt, only one transmission will be offered - a 6-speed manual equipped with Ford’s new rev-matching technology which blips the throttle as the driver downshifts.
While the 2.3-litre Ecoboost variant has been axed from the local line-up, the range will now only consist of V8-engined models. Expect final specification and pricing for the updated Mustang range, and the Mustang Bullitt to be announced in the coming weeks.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Mustang Bullitt cost in South Africa?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt was priced at around R899,900 when it launched in South Africa, making it significantly more expensive than the standard Mustang GT which retailed for approximately R799,900 at the time.
Q: How many Ford Mustang Bullitt models were sold in South Africa?
Only 55 Ford Mustang Bullitt models were allocated to South Africa, making it an extremely rare and collectible muscle car that sold out quickly upon release.
Q: What engine does the Ford Mustang Bullitt have?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt features a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 338kW and 556Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission for that authentic driving experience.
Q: Is the Ford Mustang Bullitt worth buying as an investment?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt is definitely worth considering as an investment due to its limited production run of just 55 units in South Africa, Steve McQueen heritage, and the fact that it represents the last naturally aspirated V8 Mustang before Ford's shift to turbo engines.
Q: What colours does the Ford Mustang Bullitt come in?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt is available in two colours: the iconic Highland Green that pays homage to the original movie car, and Shadow Black for those wanting a more understated look.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt at R899,900 is absolutely worth buying if you can find one, but good luck with that because all 55 units allocated to South Africa sold faster than a V8 drinks petrol. This isn't just another muscle car, it's a piece of automotive cinema history with genuine Steve McQueen pedigree, 338kW of naturally aspirated V8 fury, and exclusivity that makes it rarer than a parking space at the Waterfront on Black Friday. While nearly R900k is serious money, the Bullitt's combination of heritage, performance, and collector appeal makes it the best investment-grade American muscle car under R1 million in South Africa. If you're lucky enough to find a pristine example on the used market, expect to pay well over the original asking price, and honestly, it's still worth every rand for what is essentially a rolling tribute to one of cinema's greatest car chases.
