Mustang Bullitt Green: Iconic Color, History & Modern Editions

Few colors in the automotive world carry as much cultural weight as Mustang Bullitt Green. Officially known as Highland Green, this deep, metallic shade became an icon after Steve McQueen’s 1968 film Bullitt. The car—a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback—wasn’t just a vehicle but a cinematic legend, immortalized in the greatest car chase ever filmed.

Decades later, Highland Green remains synonymous with the Bullitt Mustang, inspiring collectors, Ford enthusiasts, and movie buffs alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins, symbolism, and evolution of Mustang Bullitt Green, from its Hollywood debut to modern-day editions.

The Origins of Highland Green

Highland Green first appeared as a factory color option for Ford vehicles in the 1960s. Unlike brighter greens of the era, it offered a darker, more sophisticated look. The shade gained legendary status when Warner Bros. selected it for the 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt.

Why Highland Green? Its understated elegance allowed the Mustang to look stealthy yet powerful, a perfect match for McQueen’s character, Frank Bullitt.

The 1968 Mustang GT 390 in Bullitt

The 1968 Bullitt Mustang wasn’t just painted green—it was stripped of emblems, chrome trim, and flashy details. This minimalist style amplified its raw, aggressive presence.

Specs of the original movie car:
- 390-cubic inch V8 engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Modified suspension for stunt driving
- Highland Green paint with blacked-out grille

The chase scene through San Francisco streets turned the Mustang into a cinematic legend, with Highland Green forever linked to the car’s identity.

Cultural Impact of Bullitt Green

Bullitt Green transcended car culture to become a pop culture symbol. It wasn’t just the color of a car; it became shorthand for cool, understated rebellion.

Associated with Steve McQueen’s effortless style
Symbol of the American muscle car era
Revered among collectors for its rarity and heritage

Highland Green became one of the most recognizable automotive colors in history, a status shared by few other shades.

The Rarity of the Original Bullitt Mustangs

Two identical 1968 Mustang GTs were used for filming Bullitt. For decades, both were thought to be lost—until one resurfaced in 2017.

Hero Car: Used for close-up shots, carefully preserved, and later restored.
Stunt Car: Used for action sequences, rediscovered in rough condition but still iconic.

The original Highland Green Bullitt Mustang was auctioned in 2020 for $3.74 million, cementing it as one of the most valuable Mustangs ever sold.

Ford’s Tribute: The 2001 Bullitt Edition

In 2001, Ford paid homage to the film with a special-edition Mustang Bullitt. Available only in Highland Green (and a few other colors), it featured design cues from the 1968 original.

Key Features:
- De-badged grille
- Retro-inspired wheels
- Unique interior accents
- Tuned suspension and performance upgrades

This marked the beginning of Ford’s tradition of releasing limited-edition Bullitt Mustangs.

The 2008–2009 Bullitt Mustang

Ford reintroduced the Bullitt Mustang again in 2008–2009, this time based on the S197 platform.

Upgrades included:
- 4.6L V8 with increased horsepower
- Dark Highland Green as the hero color
- Brushed aluminum interior trim
- Unique exhaust tuned for a throaty growl

Collectors loved its mix of retro styling and modern engineering.

The 2019–2020 Bullitt Mustang

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bullitt, Ford released a 2019 Bullitt Mustang with Highland Green as its signature shade.

Performance Highlights:
- 5.0L V8 pushing 480 horsepower
- Top speed of 163 mph
- 6-speed manual with a cue-ball shift knob
- Minimalist styling inspired by McQueen’s car

The 2019–2020 editions blended nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, making them highly desirable among enthusiasts.

Modern Availability of Highland Green

Although primarily tied to Bullitt editions, Highland Green occasionally appears as a custom color option for modern Ford Mustangs. However, its availability is limited, enhancing its desirability.

Factory-exclusive: Only offered on Bullitt editions officially.
Custom shops: Some restorers and custom builders repaint modern Mustangs in Highland Green to replicate the look.

This exclusivity keeps the color iconic and prevents it from becoming just another shade on the palette.

Symbolism of Bullitt Green

Highland Green carries symbolic meanings that resonate with enthusiasts:

Heritage: A tribute to the golden age of muscle cars.
Rebellion: Reflects McQueen’s anti-hero character in Bullitt.
Elegance: Unlike flashy reds or yellows, it exudes sophistication and subtle strength.

Collectors view it not just as a paint color but as a badge of authenticity and style.

Collectability and Future Legacy

Highland Green Bullitt Mustangs—whether 2001, 2008, or 2019 editions—are highly collectible. Values continue to rise, especially for models in pristine condition.

2001 Edition: Affordable entry-level collectible.
2008–2009 Edition: Appreciating steadily.
2019–2020 Edition: Expected to become a modern classic.

The color itself ensures these models remain timeless, tying them back to the legendary 1968 original.

Conclusion

Mustang Bullitt Green, or Highland Green, is more than a color—it’s a legacy. From Steve McQueen’s daring chase through San Francisco to Ford’s modern tributes, this shade has become an enduring symbol of muscle car culture.

Every Bullitt Mustang, whether from 1968 or 2020, tells the same story: a tale of understated power, cinematic history, and timeless cool. For collectors and fans, Highland Green isn’t just paint—it’s heritage on wheels.