FORTY YEARS LATER

THE MUSTANG’S GREAT CHASE IS BACK ON!

For those of you who weren’t even a thought when the chase scene from the 1968

Steve McQueen flick, "Bullitt," hit the big screen, it was BIG. To update you, it

arguably remains the most iconic chase ever filmed. There've been some noble

challengers – "Ronin"; "The Italian Job"; some in the recent “Bourne” movies. But

in the final critiques, "Bullitt" usually achieves the summit.

In 2000, Ford designers surprised us with a Mustang Bullitt concept vehicle which

was so well received, it was greenlighted for production as a 2001 only model. 5582

Mustang Bullitt’s were sold.

Now, with the fortieth anniversary of the epic film upon us, Ford will tempt us with

another Bullitt. But this one is older than the last – older, in that the “new” design

for 2008, unlike 2001, is an absolutely authentic modern-day version of the

original. There's not a stitch of chrome to be found. As with the movie car, all the

emblems, including the horse in the grille, were stripped off. Only a subtle, circular

badge between the taillights proclaims it's a Ford Bullitt. A concession to the 1968's

chrome bumper is a satin-finished bezel that helps define the grille opening.

Another liberty is the real aluminum instrument panel inserts. While not an original

movie car cue, the machined-turned IP exhibits a wonderful period look and

brightens up the otherwise dark gray cabin. The shifter ball is machined aluminum,

and satin-finished scuff plates, shifter surround, and pedal bezels remind you what

brand of Mustang you're sitting in. The seats are similar to those in the GT500.

If you can identify the one new-for-2008, non-authentic touch to the car’s interior

at the Ford display in the Convention Center, you could be eligible to win a special

prize. Stop by the Ford exhibit during the “CARibbean CARnival”, February 6-10 and

test your skills.

The 2008 Buffalo Auto Show hours are 11 A. M. to 9 P.M. Wednesday through

Thursday, Friday, 10 A. M. to 10 P.M. Saturday, and Sunday 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

The General admission tickets to the Auto Show will cost $8 at the gate and have a

stub redemption offer for a free medium pizza at all area Pizza Hut restaurants.

Children 5 years and younger are admitted free to the 2008 Buffalo Auto Show.

A savings is available with advance single tickets to the 2008 Buffalo Auto Show

exclusively at Tops markets. A special “Value Pack for 4” ticket for $20 – a $12

savings over four individual general admission gate tickets at the Show admits four

people to the show on the same day.