One of the world’s most iconic cars – considered “lost” for four decades – is in Traverse City today.

The Ford Mustang Bullitt – driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt – has made its way into the large display window at Hagerty Insurance in downtown TC after a saga so unbelievable it merits its own movie.

The film itself is celebrated for its realistic and edge-of-your-set car chase scenes, with McQueen darting through the streets of San Francisco. Once shooting of the 1968 film was complete, the two Bullitts used went their separate ways: One was reportedly crushed, while the other traded hands a few times until being purchased for $6,000 in 1974 by Bob Kiernan, who responded to a classified ad in Road & Track. Initially McQueen himself attempted – unsuccessfully – to buy the car back. 

Kiernan’s wife actually used the car as a daily driver for a while. And eventually the family – and the iconic car – moved to a farm in Nashville, where Bob Kiernan and his son Sean tucked it away in a garage on their property. For decades, the car sat in disrepair, while the father and son harbored hopes to one day restore it together. The family told virtually no one that under a tarp in their small garage was one of the most famous and valuable cars in the world. Then in 2014, Bob Kiernan passed away.

Enter Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty, who – recognizing the cultural significance of the car – eventually connected Sean Kiernan to the Historic Vehicle Association, which curates the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Bullitt became just the 21st car on the list, joining the likes of the original Willys Jeep and the 1932 Ford V-8 Roadster.

“This is the Mona Lisa of the car world,” Hagerty tells The Ticker. “Sean and his dad had always dreamed of reuniting this car with the world along with Ford Motor Company, and the 50th anniversary of the movie seemed like the right time. He called me for my thoughts on the best way to make this happen while honoring the integrity of the story. My first recommendation was this car belongs on the National Historic Vehicle Register so no one could ever challenge its authenticity.”

(The full backstory of the car and the Kiernan family can be read here, with coverage of the original vehicle and the new 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt appearing in worldwide media recently.)

Today the 1968 Bullitt is estimated to be worth upwards of $4 million, and (perhaps aside from Back To The Future’s DeLorean?) is among the most famous movie cars. It arrived in Traverse City Monday afternoon, unloaded and moved into the Hagerty headquarters and safeguarded with added 24-hour security measures.

There are several chances to see and learn more about the Bullitt during its brief stay in Traverse City. On Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-9am, Hagerty will host a public “Cars and Caffeine” session. On Sunday at 10am, a Secret Surprise Showing: McQueen’s Chase – A 50th Anniversary Celebration will be shown free at the State Theatre. A sneak preview of a documentary film about the car’s fantastic history will also be shown.

Then on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Bullitt owner Sean Kiernan will be in Traverse City, joined by Historic Vehicle Association President Mark Gessler, to present “Collector and the Car” sessions at noon, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, and 2:15pm.  

Though the car’s long-term future is not yet set, it could eventually end up on display at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, home to many of the world’s most famous vehicles.