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What Happened To The 68 Charger From Bullitt?

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Last updated on 5 min read

The surviving 1968 Dodge Charger from Bullitt is privately owned as of 2026 and has not been publicly displayed since its last known auction appearance.

How much did the Bullitt Charger sell for?

The surviving Bullitt Charger sold for $275,000 at auction in January 2021, according to Bring a Trailer.

That "Camera Car" got used early in the chase before it left San Francisco. Its final price tag? Surprisingly modest compared to the $3.4 million the Bullitt Mustang fetched in 2020. Honestly, this is the best value among surviving screen cars. The Charger's value comes from being the only one that survived filming intact.

Does the Bullitt Charger still exist?

Yes, the Bullitt Charger still exists in 2026 as the only surviving Charger from the film.

This particular vehicle, nicknamed the "Camera Car," handled the first half of those legendary chase scenes before disappearing out of town. It got restored later and showed up at collector events. Unlike the Mustang, which changed hands at auction multiple times, the Charger stayed in private hands since filming wrapped.

Who owns the Dodge Charger from Bullitt?

As of 2026, the Bullitt Charger is owned by a private collector whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.

We know it sold for $275,000 at auction in 2021, but no other public sales have been reported. The owner keeps it locked up in a climate-controlled garage to protect every original detail and its historical importance.

How many Chargers were used in the movie Bullitt?

Two Dodge Chargers were used during the production of Bullitt.

One became the "Camera Car" for most chase scenes. The other met its end in that famous gas station crash. Both were 1968 Dodge Charger R/T models with 440 Magnum V8 engines. Max Balchowsky, a legendary race car builder, modified them for better high-speed handling—no surprise given the film's demands.

Did Steve McQueen do all his stunts in Bullitt?

No, Steve McQueen did not perform all of his own stunts in Bullitt.

McQueen was a skilled driver—he insisted on doing much of the stunt driving himself. But for the most dangerous moves, he called in professionals like Bud Ekins. Ekins, who doubled for McQueen in The Great Escape, handled stunts like the motorcycle jump. McQueen drove most of the car shots himself, including those close-ups where you can clearly see him behind the wheel.

Where is the Bullitt car now?

The original 1968 Ford Mustang from Bullitt was sold at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida, in 2020 for $3.4 million and is now in a private collection.

This Mustang hid in a private garage for over 40 years before finally hitting the auction block. Unlike the surviving Charger, it showed up at big events like the Detroit Auto Show. But its current owner prefers to keep it off the market.

Who drove the 68 Charger in Bullitt?

Bill Hickman, the film's stunt coordinator and a professional stunt driver, drove the 1968 Charger in Bullitt.

NameRoleNotable Work
Bill HickmanStunt driver, stunt coordinatorBullitt, The French Connection, The Seven-Ups

Hickman handled the high-speed chase sequences, including that unforgettable downhill run through San Francisco. His expertise made the Charger's performance look real and dramatic on screen. The car's aggressive driving style and realistic damage? Pure Hickman.

Did Steve McQueen do his own stunts?

Steve McQueen performed many of his own stunts in Bullitt, including much of the car driving.

McQueen had a hands-on approach to filmmaking and insisted on doing as much stunt work as possible. His early racing career and love for fast cars made him confident behind the wheel. But for the trickiest maneuvers, he trusted professionals like Bud Ekins to keep things safe and precise.

How many hubcaps did the Charger lose in Bullitt?

The Charger lost eight hubcaps during the chase scene in Bullitt.

That became one of the film's most recognizable quirks. Some hubcaps were removed on purpose for certain shots to give the car a grittier look. Others flew off during high-speed runs over rough pavement. These continuity errors? They're now part of the film's charm for car enthusiasts.

What year is the Dodge Charger in Bullitt?

The Dodge Charger in Bullitt is a 1968 model.

Specifically, it's a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440-cubic-inch Magnum V8 and a four-speed manual. Max Balchowsky tweaked these cars to handle the film's brutal chase sequences. The 1968 model year? Iconic for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options.

Did Steve McQueen give his car away?

No, Steve McQueen did not give away his Bullitt Mustang; he kept it until his death in 1980.

After filming wrapped, McQueen used it for personal drives. Later, his wife took it for spins. When the clutch failed in 1980, it sat unused in a garage for decades. McQueen's son, Chad, inherited it and eventually sold it at auction in 2018 for $3.4 million.

What motor was in the original Bullitt Mustang?

The original Bullitt Mustang was powered by a 390-cubic-inch V8 engine.

This engine made about 320 horsepower and paired with a four-speed manual. The 390 V8 was a popular performance option in 1968 Mustangs, offering strong torque and reliability for both street and track use. The engine got tuned for reliability during the film's demanding chase scenes.

How much is the original Bullitt Mustang worth?

The original 1968 Bullitt Mustang sold for $3.4 million at auction in January 2020.

That sale set a record for the most valuable Ford Mustang ever sold at auction. Its value has only climbed since, with experts estimating it's now worth over $5 million. The car's rarity, originality, and connection to Steve McQueen drive its extraordinary price tag.

Who drove the Mustang in Bullitt?

Steve McQueen drove the 1968 Mustang in Bullitt.

McQueen's driving skills made the chase scenes feel real. He insisted on handling much of the stunt work himself. His experience with high-performance cars brought authenticity to every wheelspin and gear shift. The Mustang's power and handling? Crucial to the film's intense realism.

Where was the chase scene in Bullitt filmed?

The iconic chase scene in Bullitt was filmed on the streets of San Francisco, California, primarily on Taylor Street and Vallejo Street in the Russian Hill neighborhood.

The downhill segment starts at Taylor and Vallejo and winds through the city's steep, twisting roads before ending at Taylor and Filbert. Using real city streets—no controlled environment—added to the scene's realism and tension. The filmmakers picked these routes for their dramatic elevation changes and tight corners, which pushed both drivers and stunt coordinators to their limits.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
David Evans

David is an automotive enthusiast and writer covering cars, motorcycles, and all types of vehicles with practical maintenance tips.