Gateway Classic Mustang has announced the start of production for its limited-edition Steve McQueen Signature ’68 Mustang.
Gateway teamed up with the Steve McQueen estate to design and build the car in honor of the legendary Hollywood actor and racing enthusiast.
“This Mustang combines the classic body styles of the late ’60s Fords with contemporary performance technology to deliver a fantastic driving experience,” says Jason Childress, co-owner of Gateway Classic Mustang. “Each of these Steve McQueen cars are hand-built by our team at Gateway. The car’s design was based on the famous ride driven by McQueen in his 1968 film, Bullitt, where he starred as a no-nonsense San Francisco cop.”
Powered by a Roush 450-horsepower small-block, the Highland Green Mustang generates 27 percent more power than its famous predecessor. Standing on an adjustable strut coil-over front suspension with power rack-and-pinion steering coupled with a three-link adjustable coil-over rear suspension with watts link, the car is as comfortable on the race track as it is on the street.
Each McQueen Mustang begins as an original ’67 or ’68 Mustang body and comes with a Keisler five-speed manual transmission coupled to a hydraulic clutch. BFGoodrich tires surround the five-spoke American Racing wheels, while Baer 12-inch front disc brakes and 11-inch rear disc brakes bring the car to a halt.
“The car is symbolic of Hollywood’s greatest chase scene in which McQueen performed majority of the stunt driving,” added Childress. “A limited amount of Mustangs are being built with the Steve McQueen signature and specs. Each vehicle is numbered and signed and released on a first-come, first-served basis.”
The interior is dressed in its original ’68 features with updated black components, including a gauge package with tachometer by Classic Instruments. A carpeted fold-down rear seat and original-style lap seat belts add to the overall atmosphere, while custom-bolstered but original-style TMI front bucket seats are also available.
Air-conditioning by Classic Auto Air adds to the comfort of the car, while an AM/FM/MP3 stereo blares through a six-speaker amplifier. Extreme sound deadening is supplied by Dynamat to reduce road noise, vibrations, and rattles while improving the car audio’s sound and bass.
“Steve McQueen pushed life to the limit and we modeled this car after his bad boy persona,” notes Childress. “We’re honored to celebrate the life of McQueen through our Mustang.”
Gateway Classic Mustang is currently taking orders for the limited-edition car. Those interested should visit www.gatewayclassicmustang.com or call 573/732-3541.