Forty years after actor and all-around-cool-guy Steve McQueen, as character Frank Bullitt, raced a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 up to 110 mph around the streets of San Francisco, we mere mortals can get in the act, too, thanks to the good guys and gals at Ford Motor Co.

I was lucky to get behind the wheel of one of these memorable Mustangs, which had a limited run of 7,700 for 2008; due to customer demand, 3,000 more are coming out as ’09s. There are many special features specific to the Bullitt package ($3,310), which can only be had when added to the GT Premium coupe (MSRP of $27,020).

Worth mentioning: compared with the ’68, very similar Dark Highland Green paint; a lack of exterior badges, scoops and spoilers; a live rear axle that launches the Bullitt, thanks to the 315-hp 4.6-literV-8’s 325 lbs.-ft. of torque and the axle’s 3.73:1 gear ratio; specific-to-Bullitt shocks, struts and brakes, and a sweet dual exhaust. Ford engineers went to all the trouble of having the movie digitally remastered, then listened to its Oscar-winning soundtrack to tune the custom-designed dual exhaust featuring a new H pipe. How many cars can you say that about?

The interior sets this ’Stang apart, too. Satin aluminum glows on the ball shifter, sill plate (embossed with "Bullitt") and pedal covers, not to mention the hand-machined, swirl instrument panel plate. Charcoal black sport seats are filled with 5% soy-based foam. The word "Bullitt" dominates the center of the steering wheel, too, just in case you need reminding.

How fast is it? Motor Trend clocked the 2008 Bullitt at 5 seconds flat for 0-60 — that shaves 2.8 seconds off the 1968 version. And it stays planted, showing how well-balanced it is. Driving this baby was one of the biggest thrills I’ve ever had.

That it can come with today’s options like a navigation system ($1,995), cool ambient lighting system ($295) and Sirius satellite radio ($195) is almost too good to be true. I can only hope I get to drive one of the ’09s.