The missing Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the hit 1968 "Bullit" movie has been found. It is now restored and is ready for auction.

Almost half a century after it was last seen, the 1968 Ford Mustang suddenly reappeared in a Mexican junkyard. A Ford expert confirmed that it is one of the two vehicles used in filming the Steve McQueen movie entitled "Bullit." "I am 100 percent sure it is authentic," Kevin Marti said.

1968 Ford Mustang restored: Steve McQueen collector's item

Marti told Fox News that this is not the first time an old movie car showed up in a junkyard. Nonetheless, these instances are rare, making the Steve McQueen vehicle very precious. For the record, the "Bullit" Ford Mustang was discovered by Hugo Sanchez in Baja California Sur sometime last year.

The 1968 Steve McQueen Ford Mustang was then a white rotting metal body with no drivetrain. Sanchez even brought it to a Mexicali custom car shop owned by a man named Ralph Garcia, Jr. Garcia and Sanchez originally planned to turn it into a clone of the "Eleanor" Mustang in the film "Gone in 60 Seconds." Fortunately, both of them learned about the car's true and amazing history so their tactics changed.

Steve McQueen and his "Bullit" Ford Mustang have done a lot of primary stunts for the film. Rumors claim that it has been sent to a junkyard after taping was complete. Nevertheless, others suggest that the car went on with different owners before finally ending up in a dump.

Steve McQueen cars: Price of the 'Bullit' Ford Mustang

According to Los Angeles Times, car historian Ken Gross predicts that the Steve McQueen "Bullit" Ford Mustang may retail for about $1 million or more if proven authentic. As early as now, Marti already assures that the VIN plate is original. His company, Marti Auto Works, apparently produces replacement data tags and parts for classic Ford vehicles.

Marti also cross-checked the dates stamped on the body of the "reincarnated" Ford Mustang. Moreover, some of the modifications made on the car to withstand the famous Steve McQueen stunts have been preserved. These include the strut tower reinforcements and holes in the trunk meant for auxiliary power cables.

The 1968 Steve McQueen Ford Mustang is now covered in green paint with a replica license plate from the movie. Garcia and Sanchez currently co-own it and both are still thinking about selling it for a price yet to be determined. If ever an auction happens, it might happen next year to complement the movie's 50th anniversary.

Tags Ford