Ford Mustang Bullitt to star at Motorclassica

The Ford Mustang Bullitt will make its Australian premiere at the 2018 Motorclassica car show in Melbourne on October 12, ensuring it gets to revel in the 50th anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie after which it's been named.

Powered by a tweaked version of the 2018 Ford Mustang GT's 5.0-litre V8 that ups output to 345kW/556Nm, making it the most powerful factory Mustang ever sold in Australia, the Ford Mustang Bullitt will be priced at $73,688 plus on-road costs.

Only 700 Mustang Bullitt models will come to Australia and Paul Mathers from Motorclassica reckons the limited-edition car "…is destined to become a much desired collectable classic in the years to come."

"The Ford Mustang has become one of the most collectable models in the car enthusiast's
canon and its longevity is testament to its enduring 'cool factor'.

"Unsurprisingly, Mustang enthusiasts and Motorclassica have enjoyed a close relationship over the past nine years, which is why we are so incredibly proud to be chosen by Ford to host the Australian launch of the new Mustang Bullitt," said Mathers.

All Aussie-delivered Ford Mustang Bullitts will be finished exclusively with the Dark Highland Green paint colour (US customers can choose Shadow Black as well).

And bad luck if you wanted an automatic transmission – it's six-speed manuals all the way for this rear-drive muscle-coupe.

Although it's not Australia's most expensive Mustang (that honour goes to the $74,709 Ford Mustang GT Convertible), the near-$11,000 premium you'll pay for the Bullitt over the regular V8 GT coupe buys you plenty of extras.

These include 19-inch Torq Thrust alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers, a Bullitt fuel filler cap, chrome window trim, Bullitt badges, plus an individually-numbered plaque and contrasting white cue-ball style gear-knob.

There's also green stitching inside the car, around the doors and dashboard, and optional Recaro sports seats.

The extra herbs from the engine are liberated thanks to 87mm throttle bodies, a revised induction system and intake manifold, a Ford Racing air filter and a power control module from the Shelby Mustang GT350.

Although the Ford Mustang is the top-selling sports car in Australia and the second-best selling Blue Oval-badged vehicle after the almighty Ford Ranger, Aussies still don't have access to the go-fast models offered in the US.

The Shelby GT350, GT350R, GT500 and Cobra Jet models are not built in right-hand drive, so the Mustang Bullitt takes the cake as the most powerful factory-delivered Mustang sold in Australia.

This year’s Motorclassica spans four days (October 12-14) and takes place at the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, on the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The event is expected to showcase more than 550 vehicles from vintage and classic cars to modern-day supercars and high-tech concepts.