'Bullitt' and Its Iconic Car Chase Scene Hit the Big Screen on This Day in 1968

For those who love car films or even just action films in general, a great car chase in a movie will always be a thrill. And no list of iconic movie car chases will ever be complete without the 1968 film "Bullitt."

As the Peter Yates film turns 54 years old today, we look back at the car chase that is considered to be one of the most influential in film.

1968 Film 'Bullitt'

Before we get to the car chase itself, let us first talk about the movie. As already mentioned, "Bullitt" was released on October 17, 1968, and is an action thriller film directed by Peter Yates. "Bullitt" stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, and Jacqueline Bisset. McQueen plays the titular role of Lt. Frank Bullitt

A success both among the critics and in the box office, the movie follows the story of Bullitt as he pursues the killer of a witness under his protection.

The Iconic 'Bullitt' Car Chase

Now, we get to the fun part! One of the things that "Bullitt" is best known for is its famous car chase scene, which you can watch below:

Here are some facts and trivia that you might not know about this car chase:

There Were Two 68 Mustang GT Fastbacks Used for the Movie

Yes, you read that right.

An article by CarsGuide notes that changes were made to both Mustangs so that they were fit for filming an intense car chase scene. At the end of it all, the Mustangs had a blacked out grille, shock absorbers that you normally see in race cars, and no reverse lights

Changes Were Also Made to the Dodge Charger

Aside from a Mustang, a Dodge Charger also features in the iconic car chase. An article by Tunnel Ram narrates how Max Balchowsky, considered as "one of the best wrenchmen in the movie business," made changes to the Dodger because he was worried about how the front end of the car will hold up.

These changes include the addition of heavy duty shocks, better control arms, and revised torsion bars.

Only One Part of the Car Chase was Sped Up; Everything Else Was at Genuine Speed

According to the article by CarsGuide, only one part of the whole scene was sped up as everything else was at genuine speed. Can you guess what part of the scene this is?

"The only piece of sped up footage is when McQueen overshoots a corner in the Mustang and is forced to reverse quickly; which wasn't planned, but McQueen wanted to keep his mistake in the movie for more realism," CarsGuide says. So if you guessed this one, you got that totally right.

There Were Actually Three Cars in That Car Chase

This might make you scratch your head because you can only see two in the actual scene. This is because the third car that took part in the car chase is a camera car.

Cinematographer Bill Fraker was in the car to man the camera, according to Tunnel Ram.