The 1968 Ford Mustang GT "Bullitt" Hero Car is the most expensive Ford Mustang ever sold, hammering for an astonishing $3.4 million at auction. Driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt, this Dark Highland Green fastback cemented its place in cinematic history with the iconic chase scene through San Francisco. Over 50 years later, the "Bullitt" Mustang still retains its title as the most valuable pony car in the world.
The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic and coveted muscle cars ever made. Since it first rolled off the production line in 1964, countless Mustang models have captured the hearts of drivers and collectors with their sleek styling, throaty engines, and aura of freedom and rebellion.
Over the decades, certain rare, high-performance Mustangs have sold for astronomical prices at auction. These multi-million dollar ponies represent the pinnacle of Mustang engineering, style, and historical cachet. Let’s take a look at the 10 most expensive Ford Mustangs ever sold.
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Mustang
#10 – 2007 Shelby GT
Kicking off the list is a rare 2007 Shelby GT, one of only 500 units produced. This high-revving ‘stang packed a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 500 horsepower. The Shelby GT could rocket from 0-60 mph in just over 4 seconds, making it the quickest Mustang ever built when new.
With its extreme performance numbers, unique styling tweaks, and low production run, it’s no wonder this Shelby GT commanded $600,000 at auction. Only the most devoted Mustang fans get to add this collectible pony to their stable.
#9 – 1969 Mustang Boss 429
The 1969 Boss 429 is one of the rarest and most valued production Mustangs ever made. The ’69 Boss 429 was created specifically to meet NASCAR’s Homologation requirements and compete with the Dodge Charger Daytona on the track.
Under the hood lurks a beastly 429 cubic-inch V8 that churns out 375 HP. Out of the original run of 859 Boss 429 Mustangs, this particular example is one of only 498 four-speed manuals. With its boisterous big block power, racing lineage and manual gearbox, it’s easy to see why this Boss 429 fetched an eye-watering $605,000.
#8 – 2008 Shelby GT500KR
Jump to 2008 and this 40th anniversary edition King of the Road Shelby GT500KR. Paying tribute to the 1968 GT500KR “King of the Road,” this 2008 model gained a new cold air intake system pushing output to 540 rip-roaring horses.
With only 1,071 examples built, the 2008 GT500KR is one of the most valuable modern-era Shelbys. This showroom-fresh, low-mileage example sold for $550,000 in pristine, preserved condition. An icon of Mustang performance for a new generation.
#7 – 2007 Shelby GT500
This 2007 Shelby GT500 takes seventh place after hammering for $660,000. Upon its debut, the 2007 GT500 was the most powerful factory Mustang ever built packing a 500HP supercharged 5.4L V8 engine. Its aggressive facelift also previews styling cues that would appear on future Mustang models.
While later GT500s would gain more horsepower, the desirability of first-year production makes the 07’ especially collectable. This well-kept example sporting reasonable miles had all the right pedigree to command big money at auction.
#6 – 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible
As the only convertible offered in the GT500 model lineup in 1969, this Shelby drop-top possesses unique open-air appeal. Of the five fastback variants available that year, none offer the flair and excitement generated by this rare ragtop model, one of only 335 ever produced by Shelby American.
With sleek looks, thrilling performance from the range-topping 428 Cobra Jet V8, and extreme rarity, this 1960’s cherished Shelby brought in an astounding $742,500 at auction. Records like this reinforce why pristine muscle car convertibles are so coveted by collectors.
#5 – 1965 Shelby GT350R
Halfway into the million-dollar spectrum lies this legendary 1965 Shelby GT350R valued at $990,000. Campaigned by legend Ken Miles in SCCA racing, this Mustang was powered by a special high-revving Shelby 289 CI V8 that proved a winner on the track.
Of the 36 competition-spec GT350R models built, this is one of only 21 cars that came from Ford with legitimate 1965 serial numbers. Its unmatched racing pedigree and Shelby rarity landed a winning bid nearing the million-dollar mark at auction.
#4 – 1967 Shelby GT500 “Eleanor”
A ubiquitous part of Mustang culture, this 1967 Shelby GT500 “Eleanor” hammered for a cool $1 million at auction. Even non-enthusiasts will recognize Eleanor from its starring role in the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds featuring Nicolas Cage stealing 48 cars.
While Shelby never officially offered a Mustang named “Eleanor,” auction houses have bestowed legendary status (and premium value) on any GT500 rebuilt to mimic Eleanor’s image from the movie. Despite being customized after the fact rather than built by Shelby American, Eleanor replicas like this command seven-figure price tags due to their immense popularity.
#3 – 2020 Shelby GT500
Skipping decades ahead, this specially commissioned one-off 2020 Shelby GT500 raised an incredible $1.1 million dollars for charity in 2021. Dubbed the “Fade to Black” GT500, it was designed by famous artist Thom Taylor and rendered in stunning silver, black and red abstract paintwork.
With aesthetic augmentations including one-off wheels and deleted body emblems, the sinister Fade to Black GT500 also packs a carbon fiber kit and uprated Roush supercharger pushing power north of 800 horses. The winning $1.1 million bid shows that cutting-edge modern Shelby Mustangs can fetch quotes just as strong as their 60’s ancestors when unique enough.
#2 – 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
Only hardcore enthusiasts and Shelby historians had heard of the legendary one-off 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake until 2013, when this rare beast crossed the block at $1.3 million. Allegedly capable of hitting 170 mph in the 60’s (hence the evocative “Super Snake” moniker), the car features a race-built 427 V8 sending an astounding 800 horsepower to the rear wheels.
Originally meant for Goodyear tire testing and never intended for street use, the Super Snake was decades ahead of its time. Carroll Shelby himself called it “the Mustang that forced Ford to ban racing.” Its unmatched historical mystique and the Shelby name awards it elite status – and value – as one of the most coveted Mustangs ever created.
#1 – 1968 Ford Mustang GT “Bullitt” Hero Car
And snagging the title of most expensive Ford Mustang of all time is none other than the original 1968 Mustang GT from the classic film Bullitt selling for a record-shattering $3.4 million! It’s the car immortalized in the legendary chase scene with Steve McQueen at the wheel, maneuvering the Dark Highland Green fastback through the hilly San Francisco streets.