One of the most daring things about the much-discussed Bullitt car chase is that while the Mustang-stalks-Charger prelude features composer Lalo Schifrin’s slow-build “Shifting Gears,” the score cuts out the moment the Dodge’s 440 breaks loose and subsequently vaporizes the big coupe’s rear tires.
There’s no cascade of heavy beats as Steve McQueen’s Mustang flies down Taylor Street, no dramatic trombones as the pair careen past the Marina Safeway. It’s just the glorious roar of large-displacement Ford FE and Chrysler RB engines. Apparently, Detroit-as-soundtrack was Schifrin’s suggestion; a true maestro knows when he’s outgunned, after all.
These British gents, making a Bullitt homage at Silverstone to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, apparently weren’t able to license “Shifting Gears,” so they cobbled the clip together with some semi-soundalike stuff that plays under the whole chase. The Charger’s demise happens with the aid of some low-budget CGI. Still, the cars sound good and it’s a treat to see some good ol’ Yankee body-lean on a circuit most of us associate with flat-cornering F1 missiles. Plus, they went to the trouble of planting a green VW Beetle in a few scenes.
The clip was commissioned to promote the upcoming Silverstone Classic, where the Mustang will take a place of honor. Also celebrated this year? The Maserati Centenary. Seems like a De Tomaso Mangusta would be the right vehicle to show up in, given old man Alejandro’s post-Citroën stewardship of the Trident and the car’s Ford Windsor engine. The event runs July 25–27.
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