A 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt that had been sitting for roughly 10 years has been pulled from neglect and given a dramatic second chance. WD Detailing discovered the Highland Green coupe tucked away in a barn, covered in dirt, debris, animal waste, and years of grime.
The car was not simply dirty from ordinary storage. According to the detailing team, the Mustang had bat droppings on the exterior, mold inside the cabin, evidence of mice, and an odor strong enough to change how they approached the cleanup.
The owner, Sean, had parked the car around 2015 after life and mechanical issues got in the way. He had always intended to bring it back, but like many enthusiast cars, the Mustang sat far longer than planned.
That changed when Brad, who was working around the property, contacted WD Detailing about the car. The team collected it, restored its appearance, got it running, and returned it to Sean as a surprise.
A Rare Mustang With A Familiar Movie Connection
The 2001 Mustang Bullitt was built as a tribute to the 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Finished in Highland Green, this example carried the look that made the special edition so recognizable.
WD Detailing noted that the car appeared to be numbered 2166 out of the production run. They also pointed out a few unusual details, including Cobra badging, SVT wheels, a Cobra steering wheel, and SVT markings that raised questions about the car’s past.
Those details made the Mustang even more interesting, though the team did not confirm whether the parts were factory-installed or added later. What was clear is that the car meant a great deal to its owner, who said he had owned it since he was 18.
The Cleanup Was More Than A Simple Wash
Before bringing the Mustang fully into the shop, WD Detailing handled the exterior carefully because of the bat droppings on the car. The team first blew off as much contamination as possible outside, then washed the vehicle before moving deeper into the restoration.
The exterior process included pressure washing, wheel cleaning, a full wash, iron decontamination, clay treatment, and paint correction. Despite years of storage, the Highland Green paint was described as being in surprisingly good condition underneath the grime.
The team used compound and polish to remove scratches, oxidation, and staining from the paint. By the end of the process, the Bullitt’s deep green finish looked dramatically sharper than it had when it left the barn.
The Interior Hid The Worst Surprises
The cabin proved to be the hardest part of the job. WD Detailing found mold and mildew on the seats, mouse droppings throughout the interior, and nests hidden beneath the rear seats and inside the trunk area.
One of the worst discoveries came near the spare tire well, where the team found a large mouse nest and the remains of a mouse. They removed seats, cleaned carpets, treated surfaces, and used ozone and chlorine dioxide to fight the lingering smell.
The Mustang also had evidence of a nitrous setup, including lines and hardware. That detail suggested the car had not always lived a quiet life before it was parked.
The Bullitt Fired Back To Life
After checking the oil and coolant, WD Detailing installed a fresh battery and added fuel to the empty tank. The team expected the car might struggle at first, but the Mustang’s 4.6-liter V8 started quickly and ran smoothly.
That moment shifted the project from cosmetic rescue to genuine revival. Once the car was cleaned, running, and presentable, the team returned it to Sean at the same property where it had been found.
His reaction made the effort worthwhile. After seeing the restored Bullitt, Sean climbed back in, drove it, and even lit up the tires, describing the experience as being reunited with an old friend.
A Forgotten Mustang Gets Its Moment Back
This Bullitt Mustang’s rescue is exactly why abandoned enthusiast cars continue to fascinate people. Under the dirt, mold, and years of neglect was a special Mustang with personal history and plenty of life left in it.
WD Detailing did not rebuild the car mechanically or turn it into a concours restoration. Instead, the team gave it the push it needed to become a car again, not just a forgotten project under a roof.
For Sean, the result was clearly emotional. After nearly a decade away, his Bullitt Mustang was back where it belonged: running, driving, and making noise.