Since the new Ford Mustang was launched locally, South Africans have consistently ensured it is the top selling sports car in Msanzi, easy outselling its rivals. It’s fair to say that Saffas are relishing finally having a Mustang available locally.
And while the Mustang was facelifted some time ago in the United States, Ford South Africa has been coy on when the revised model would launch locally, until now. Ford has now confirmed that they ‘new’ Mustang will reach our shores in early 2019, and with it, a very special model.
We are of course talking about the Mustang Bullitt, which will be available in very limited numbers. 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.
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.
The South African-spec Bullitt is expected to be minutelu different to the American-spec model, with our model detuned, which will see output drop from 354kw and 569nm to 340kw and 529nm. 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.
“This new Bullitt is my favorite Mustang,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “With zero stripes, spoilers or badges, it doesn’t need to shout. It’s just cool, like Steve McQueen.”
The specification and pricing for the South African Bullitt will be announced closer to its local launch.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Mustang Bullitt cost in South Africa?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt was priced at around R1,200,000 when it launched in South Africa in 2019, making it significantly more expensive than the standard Mustang GT which retailed for about R800,000 at the time.
Q: How much power does the South African Ford Mustang Bullitt have?
The South African Mustang Bullitt produces 340kW and 529Nm from its 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine, which is slightly less than the American version that makes 354kW and 569Nm due to local detuning requirements.
Q: Is the Ford Mustang Bullitt worth buying?
The Mustang Bullitt is worth buying if you're a collector or serious enthusiast who values exclusivity and cinematic history, but at R1.2 million, it's a hefty premium over the standard GT for relatively modest performance gains and special edition touches.
Q: How many Ford Mustang Bullitt models were sold in South Africa?
Ford South Africa only imported a very limited number of Bullitt models, with fewer than 50 units available locally, making it one of the rarest Mustangs ever sold in the country.
Q: What makes the Ford Mustang Bullitt different from a regular Mustang GT?
The Bullitt features unique styling cues like Highland Green paint, 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels, upgraded engine internals from the GT350, a manual-only transmission with rev-matching, and special Bullitt badging throughout the interior and exterior.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Mustang Bullitt is a definite maybe, but only if you've got serious cash and a passion for automotive cinema history. At R1.2 million, you're paying nearly 50% more than a standard Mustang GT for what amounts to 29kW extra power, some visual tweaks, and serious bragging rights. The best daily-driven American muscle car under R900,000 in South Africa is still the regular Mustang GT, which gives you 90% of the Bullitt experience for significantly less money. However, if you're a collector who appreciates the Steve McQueen connection and can afford the premium, the Bullitt's extreme rarity and cinematic pedigree make it a solid investment. Just remember, with fewer than 50 sold locally, finding one for sale will be harder than spotting a decent pothole-free road in Joburg.
