Ford has given us a new reason to stare at pictures of its new Mustang Bullitt. It was a surprise reveal at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, built to celebrate 50 years since Bullitt was released in cinemas.

And that new reason is a book. Specifically, the order book, which has now been officially opened. In the US, that is. For the sum of $46,595 – plus a $900 delivery charge – you can own a 163mph lump of nostalgia. A regular V8 GT weighs in at under 40k, just FYI.

So for that additional outlay, the Bullitt gets all the goodies offered on the Mustang GT Premium and Performance packs, as well as a little more lump of power too. The 5.0-litre V8 gets treated to a Shelby GT350 intake manifold and larger 87mm throttle body, coupled to a remapped ECU to deliver a very healthy 480bhp and 420lb ft of torque. Plus we’re promised a naughtier exhaust note.

It’s a manual-only affair, replete with a white cue ball gearknob to appease your 60s affectations, while there are chrome accents for the grille and windows, 19in aluminium wheels over red Brembo brakes, “minimal” badging, and green stitching across the leather inside.

You can choose from black, or the Highland Green colour of McQueen’s movie car. So really your only choice is Highland Green.

And you better get a move on – though no numbers have been confirmed, it’s limited. And the phone’s already ringing off the hook. “Since its introduction earlier this year,” explains Ford’s Corey Holter, “Ford dealers have been fielding calls from customers wanting to know when they can order this unique piece of automotive history.”

Begin practicing your oversteer face. While you do that, hit the links below for more Mustang-related goodness.

Top Gear’s first drive of the 2018 Ford Mustang

This is the story behind Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang

Molly McQueen on the Mustang Bullitt