So what ever happened to the " other bullet mustang" \\ you know the one kevin marti blessed as being the real car ?
probably still being "restored" (built)
It's with Carrolls "rediscovered"cobra chassis.....
Quote from: gt350shelb on January 10, 2026, 12:10:43 PMSo what ever happened to the " other bullet mustang" \\ you know the one kevin marti blessed as being the real car ?
I heard the whole story right out of Kevin's mouth many years ago. With his stature in the car community I highly doubt this would be anything but legit.
Don't believe everything you have heard,
Quote from: gt350shelb on January 10, 2026, 12:10:43 PMSo what ever happened to the " other bullet mustang" \\ you know the one kevin marti blessed as being the real car ?
Hombre you talking about El Bullitt Numero Dos"
or "El Segundo # 558" is that correcto?
Or as I call "ese otro verde"
..almost finished, part of a display probably in Sept. 2026.
558_2025aweb.jpg
To add to this most magnificent story:
This is the latest I had heard of "El Bullitt Numero Dos" or "558"
On October 3rd, 2025 :
Finally #558, the second Bullitt movie car comes to light again after 8 years of "restoration".
The team says, they have sourced 80% NOS Ford pieces to rebuild the remainders of the car that was found in the mexican wrecking yard as a white painted schell and later verified by Kevin Marti along the saved rusted parts and hidden VINs and VIN impressions in the fenders.
Everybody knew this would be a tough project without a predictable result, but obviously the team took the challenge with the best possible way - using NOS parts.
If it has become a legend?
The issue is, #559 hero car is a clear comparison and thus the judgement will be always quite clear.
But still this #558 was and is the stunt car and was way more molested already in the movie itself and in the ditch.
Although most Bullitt fans want certainly a banged and damaged car back, it is how it is.
They called me several times looking for parts and its in the LA area from what i remember.
I would feel a lot better about the authentication if Kevin had viewed the car before it was restored. According to the videos online, that doesn't seem to be the case.
I haven't talked to Kevin about the car, so maybe its just other people saying he "authenticated" the car. There is a big difference between saying the numbers are correct and authenticating in my mind.
Quote from: Coralsnake on January 11, 2026, 08:00:47 AMI would feel a lot better about the authentication if Kevin had viewed the car before it was restored. According to the videos online, that doesn't seem to be the case.
I haven't talked to Kevin about the car, so maybe its just other people saying he "authenticated" the car. There is a big difference between saying the numbers are correct and authenticating in my mind.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Kevin authenticated the VIN number and didn't authenticated the car.
Has it been reported yet who bought the Hero car at the auction?
Bullitt # 558 certified and bonafided by Mr. Marti.
Some pictures of # 558 also known to others as "The Jumper"
With all of the so called NOS parts used and what we know of how many of those vary from assemblyline and disregarding and movie set modifications it will be interesting to see how assemblyline correct (which would be fitting) that they made the rest of the car.
I can tell you without hesitation there is not a lot of NOS metal (or original) on the car
Some rotten body pieces (which were present on pallets outside during Kevins inspection) are used for a REC #558 exklusive Series of watches. A way to finance the rest of work to build something around the VIN and pieces.
The thrill of 558 rather lies in what it was than what it is.
It would make more sense to use #558 as an experience car for interaction with visitors. Maybe a 3D hydraulic Stunt Drive simulation. I hope the anounced Sept 2026 Show will be like that. No need for another glasshouse display.
Quote from: TransamEd on January 11, 2026, 02:56:08 PMThe thrill of 558 rather lies in what it was than what it is.
That is a good sentiment. :)
Quote from: FL SAAC on January 11, 2026, 11:48:14 AMBullitt # 558 certified and bonafided by Mr. Marti.
Some pictures of # 558 also known to others as "The Jumper"
more on The Jumper Mustang # 558 that did all the hard stunt work in the Bullitt movie.
Showing here some important pieces of sheet metal on # 558
Quote from: FL SAAC on January 11, 2026, 10:35:44 PMmore on The Jumper Mustang # 558 that did all the hard stunt work in the Bullitt movie.
Showing here some important pieces of sheet metal on # 558
Haven't seen that picture shown in #2 before. Interesting. Appears someone notched the original fender a bunch more than the factory did to show a drivers side forward VIN since those are not visible, typically, on San Jose built cars. They took out all the metal to the bend in the fender and beyond is appears in the picture
Is the video of Kevin's visit still up somewhere? Thought I had a copy somewhere but ::)
It was clearly visible on the wreck :-)
Quote from: TransamEd on January 12, 2026, 02:43:20 AMIt was clearly visible on the wreck :-)
Yes the VIN is but was referring to the fender cutaway and there is no fender shown in that picture that I can see. do have that picture in my files.
Looks to be maybe the edge of the hood or a panel from some other place on the car or another car parked near by where it was sitting on the edge of the inner fender panel above, in the picture. Typical to pile on parts, or parts from near by cars in yards
..and all already cut-out or disassembled pieces on site to check for Kevin (floor, rooftop, hood, valances etc.)
Yep, the fenders were probably gone while it was on the wrecking yard.
QuoteInteresting. Appears someone notched the original fender a bunch more than the factory did to show a drivers side forward VIN since those are not visible, typically, on San Jose built cars. They took out all the metal to the bend in the fender and beyond is appears in the picture
Fixed that for you
Heres the video of Kevin inspecting the car.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-57TXmRXZNA&pp=ygUbTWV4YWNhbGkgYnVsbGl0dCBmb3VuZCBkcGMg
I recommend watching it without the sound 😀
I'm glad TransamEd mentioned the parts on a pallet. That was new information for me.
Here's a conservative list of what metal has been replaced:
Front valence
Front grille
Radiator support
Firewall
Both front fenders
Strut bracing
At least one apron
A pillars
Rear interior structure
Roof
Dash
Hood
Both Doors
Full Floor pan
Floor pan cross member
Both Quarter panels
Rear valence
Decklid
Wheelhouses
Trunk floors
Headlight Fender Extensions
Quarter panel end caps
I suspect more....
Hey, but they saved the VIN! (Good thing they had some left over filler from the Eleanor projects)
Here are some of the other pieces on site. At least at one time all the remaining pieces were in one spot to see and check by an independent.
Made little sense to turn the wheel back at that time and weld the rusty floor and items back in, or? Everbody may have his opinion on that or what he would have done. Simply, it was too late. Bad timing of asking for a report.
I guess you get the stuff with it and can return it to "as found" :-) once it goes for sale.
Appreciate your contributions very much.
It actually appears they used 1967 metal for some replacement parts
Gentlemen
Me thinks #558 is or as valuable than #559.
It "was the car" that endured all the action scenes.
As far as some parts being replaced, this is no different than many other refurbishments projects on many other old cars.
A little cosmetic works here and there, a little sanding, polishing and soon it's better than new !
So let's all agree that this Bullitt has suffered some maladies during it's life on this earth.
But it has been refurbished.
This reminds me of another forum topic that involved a Mopar, the hurricane super bird.
That we compared that to The Ship of Theseus.....
https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?topic=27927.msg202779#msg202779
Please do not feed the Troll.
I'm just reminded of those questions that come up from time to time when somebody asked how much of a car can you replace before it is no longer considered original.
You never get an answer. Depends on the owner's bankroll.
Any objective person that looks at that list realizes it's not the original car.
Some people like to live in fantasy land
I have a button here mum, can you please sew a shirt around it?
Quote from: Coralsnake on January 12, 2026, 07:09:36 AMHeres the video of Kevin inspecting the car.
All I'll say that it is easy and possible to fake the VIN on a car of that era. It would be more believable if it was inspected as found. https://restostamps.com/collections/all/mustang-stamps?srsltid=AfmBOoqK4IIqMBge1UCuKnmjivU0GxpJUUNCwPn7z2U-MLqjjXB3jmTS
Find a wreck. Change the VIN and add some known tells. Then let it sit for a couple years so the changes weather and presto a $200 wreck becomes a multi million dollar car.
And compare the VIN stamp on the restored car, to the pic of the "original " on the carcus. I don't think it was cut out and welded in.
Quote from: Mustang_Charlie on January 13, 2026, 03:15:16 PMAnd compare the VIN stamp on the restored car, to the pic of the "original " on the carcus. I don't think it was cut out and welded in.
Without seeing it in person, examining all sorts of details, welds and other details then finally stripping the areas down to bare metal then processing the metal at that point I would not be so sure. But we all have our opinions since few of us have seen the car up close. There some old tricks as well as some modern machines than could be very helpful in measuring unseen details being used in some countries for things like this as I understand it.
As an observation, in the "after" picture of the VIN we lack the landmarks shown in the "before" picture.
Quote from: J_Speegle on January 13, 2026, 06:20:43 PMWithout seeing it in person, examining all sorts of details, welds and other details then finally stripping the areas down to bare metal then processing the metal at that point I would not be so sure.
This guy is an artist at welding 2 pieces together and finishing so it's virtually undetectable. He's chopping a 32 Tudor. The metal work could be left unfinished and it looks factory.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZsH7BGvLJAE?feature=share
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 13, 2026, 07:37:43 PMThis guy is an artist at welding 2 pieces together and finishing so it's virtually undetectable. He's chopping a 32 Tudor. The metal work could be left unfinished and it looks factory.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZsH7BGvLJAE?feature=share
Yes some are great at doing things like that, working in the past with some law enforcement agencies and auto thief tasks forces I've witnessed some that were invisible to the naked eyes before other processes were used to see evidence of the work performed. Of course there is a lot of other details to check and use for evidence that should be collected and considered during the process. With this particular car we are discussing so much of that is evident. IMO its not just one but all the features and details that hopefully provide a picture and parts of the puzzle (read the whole) that make up a car. The total collection is very helpful when investigating a repaired, clipped, sectioned, rebuilt or rebodied vehicle.
There are dyes and acids that can bring up numbers that have been ground off and expose welds that are not visible to the eye
unless the numbers being transferred are in pristine condition the hardest thing is the inconsistency in 2 different materiaial the grain of the steel does not match /or the condition of the the 2 panels that aged at different rates in different places .
I had been in touch years ago with the OMNIA team, which did actually a professional paint inspection on 559. They do top-level car inspection for expensive cars.
https://omnia-online.jimdofree.com/bullitt-analyse/
They have been helpful to the McQueen trust in more cases meanwhile (like a claimed 69 "Blue Lady" some years ago), so I would expect that they are called in in time once it goes on sale with any relation to the known names.
Since this one is a little less than the real "Bullitt" we should just call it "Bull"
Quote from: Coralsnake on January 14, 2026, 08:57:29 AMSince this one is a little less than the real "Bullitt" we should just call it "Bull"
Thanks Pete... just spit morning coffee all over my keyboard...
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 13, 2026, 07:37:43 PMQuote from: J_Speegle on January 13, 2026, 06:20:43 PMWithout seeing it in person, examining all sorts of details, welds and other details then finally stripping the areas down to bare metal then processing the metal at that point I would not be so sure.
This guy is an artist at welding 2 pieces together and finishing so it's virtually undetectable. He's chopping a 32 Tudor. The metal work could be left unfinished and it looks factory.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZsH7BGvLJAE?feature=share
+ 1
The creativity of some master craftsmen or artisan to reconstruct and resurrect it dead carcasses is truly uncanny
Quote from: TransamEd on January 14, 2026, 06:07:13 AM....OMNIA team, which did actually a professional paint inspection on 559. They do top-level car inspection for expensive cars.
They may be able to do the science but fail on research.
It has always been controversial to say the least about what is the "original" car.
If this one was the "stunt car" that essentially got wrecked, should it have been left alone as much as it could be?
I'm thinking of all of the "other cars". The Boss', the Shelby's, the Cobras, etc, that have been"restored to original". As if that ever could be 100% accurate.
It is only original once. Everything after that is essentially a "caricature" of the original.
As pointed out, it likely will find a buyer for the way it is now and it will be appreciated as such.
I'd speculate that the new owner is not in this discussion group. I can confirm that it is absolutely not me.
Quote from: shelbydoug on January 14, 2026, 02:00:48 PMIt has always been controversial to say the least about what is the "original" car.
If this one was the "stunt car" that essentially got wrecked, should it have been left alone as much as it could be?
I'm thinking of all of the "other cars". The Boss', the Shelby's, the Cobras, etc, that have been"restored to original". As if that ever could be 100% accurate.
It is only original once. Everything after that is essentially a "caricature" of the original.
As pointed out, it likely will find a buyer for the way it is now and it will be appreciated as such.
I'd speculate that the new owner is not in this discussion group. I can confirm that it is absolutely not me.
We concur
Quote from: Coralsnake on January 14, 2026, 08:57:29 AMSince this one is a little less than the real "Bullitt" we should just call it "Bull"
Let's rethink on naming this particular Bullitt car that was the one that did all the hard work in the movie.
We think it should be called
1) "El Bullitt Numero Dos"
2) "El Señor 558"
3) "The Baja Bullitt"
4) "The 1.5 - 2+ Million dollar Bullitt"
Making it one very expensive Bullitt indeed...bang-bang !
Quote from: Bob Gaines on January 11, 2026, 11:36:23 AMHas it been reported yet who bought the Hero car at the auction?
"some" say it's somewhere in Floridaland
Quote from: FL SAAC on January 23, 2026, 07:05:09 PMQuote from: Bob Gaines on January 11, 2026, 11:36:23 AMHas it been reported yet who bought the Hero car at the auction?
"some" say it's somewhere in Floridaland
Nope . It is not my story to tell but not there.