The classic chase scene in the 1968 movie "Bullitt" lasted nine minutes and 42 seconds and brought attention to the Mustang GT 390 and the Dodge Charger.
For the Warner Bros. film starring Steve McQueen and Robert Vaughn, the production company ordered two Mustangs and two Chargers to race through the streets of San Francisco.
The Fords, which had 325-horsepower engines, were stripped of all identifying logos.
Veteran racer Max Balchowsky modified the Mustangs' engines, brakes and suspensions so they could keep up with the Chargers, which had 375-horsepower motors, according to various Web sites.
The Chargers, which were purchased at Glendale Dodge, were left pretty much unchanged but got beefier suspensions because of the stunt work.
Director Peter Yates wanted speeds between 75 and 80 mph, but the cars topped out over 110 mph.
McQueen, also a racer, did some of the on-camera driving but professional stuntman Bud Eklins did most of the work.
How can you tell when
When interior shots show the mirror, McQueen is driving. When it's not visible, Elkins is behind the wheel.
The black Dodge Charger was driven by Bill Hickman, who also played one of the hit men in the movie and helped with the choreography of the chase.
And McQueen's reverse burnout was not scripted but was left in the movie because it looks so cool.
One Mustang was trashed during filming but the third survived. So where is it?
Good question. Apparently it had three owners - none of them McQueen - and the last one garaged it. And he wanted to remain anonymous.






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