Kevin Costner nearly left one of cinema’s most famous baseball cars behind. The 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 cabriolet he drove in the 1988 film “Bull Durham” was so expensive to purchase from the production that Costner initially gave up on owning it. The story behind how the car became a prized possession in his personal garage was recounted by Costner himself and reported by Virgilio.
The actor’s attachment to the car began on the set of “Bull Durham,” a comedy-drama set in the minor leagues. Costner portrayed Crash Davis, a seasoned catcher whose character drives the distinctive green Shelby. The vehicle, with its signature hood scoops and restyled front end, was more than just a prop for Costner. He developed a fondness for the car during filming, a feeling that extended long after the cameras stopped rolling.
The challenge was acquiring it. After filming wrapped, Costner attempted to buy the Mustang directly from the production company. The price they demanded, however, was a significant obstacle. “Terminato il film, aveva cercato di acquistare la Mustang dalla produzione, ma il prezzo richiesto lo aveva convinto a rinunciare,” Virgilio reported. The cost was too high, and Costner reluctantly accepted he might not bring the car home.
The Wife’s Surprise Solution
The situation was resolved by an act of generosity from his wife at the time. Cindy Silva saw her husband’s disappointment and decided to intervene. She secretly paid the production company the asking price and orchestrated a surprise. A restored Shelby Mustang, the same one from the film Bull Durham, was waiting for Costner at their home.
The couple ensured the car was returned to its original glory. They had the vehicle professionally restored, restoring the vibrant green paint and mechanical components to their former condition. It was a gift that transformed a cherished movie memory into a tangible piece of his life outside of Hollywood.
A Garage Treasure Decades Later
Decades have passed, and Costner’s passion for the car has not faded. In an interview published by InsideHook, photographer Matt Hranek, author of “A Man & His Car,” described visiting Costner’s garage. There, under a protective cover, rested the very Shelby from “Bull Durham.” Costner, trusting Hranek with the car’s significance, handed him the keys to move the vehicle for a photoshoot, later asking him to carefully cover it back up.
The car’s fame is matched by a minor point of confusion regarding its exact model. Architectural Digest, in a photo showing Costner leaning against the green Mustang, identified it as a 1966 GT350H. Other sources, including MotorTrend and Hranek’s own testimony, specify it as a 1968 Shelby GT350 cabriolet. This discrepancy highlights the car’s unique status as a blend of screen icon and automotive artifact.
The Muscle Behind the Movie Magic
On screen, the car was a character in its own right. The “Bull Durham” Shelby was far from a standard Mustang. Carroll Shelby’s modifications gave it a muscular stance and enhanced performance. The distinctive hood scoops and redesigned front end were visual cues of the high-performance work done by Shelby American.
The car was powered by a 302 cubic-inch (4.9-liter) V8 engine, which produced 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to the rear wheels, paired with either a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. The convertible model also featured a protective roll bar behind the front seats, a detail that would have been visible as Costner drove scenes on and off the field.
Today, original 1960s Shelbys are highly sought-after collector’s items. The connection to “Bull Durham,” a film that has become a beloved classic among baseball fans, elevates Costner’s car from a valuable classic to a piece of sports and cinema history. Its story shows the personal impact a film prop can have on its star.
Kevin Costner’s Enduring Love for the Open Road
The “Bull Durham” Mustang is not the only automotive passion project for Costner. He has cultivated a broader interest in cars and travel. He is a cofounder of HearHere, an application that uses GPS to tell users stories and interesting facts about the places they pass through on their journeys. This venture reflects a deep-seated love for exploration and the unique experiences that come with driving.
While the “Bull Durham” Shelby remains a centerpiece of his collection, Costner’s work continues to bring him to new places.
What’s Next for Kevin Costner
Costner’s focus is currently on his acting career. He stars in the upcoming film “Horizon: An American Saga,” an epic western that he also directed. The film is slated for release, though specific dates may vary by territory. This project follows a period of significant professional activity, including his role in the Paramount Network series “Yellowstone,” where he played John Dutton, the patriarch of a ranching family.
As Costner continues to balance his creative pursuits with his personal passions, the story of his Shelby Mustang shows the enduring connection between an actor and a role. It’s a narrative not just of a car, but of a wife’s thoughtful gesture and the lasting magic of a film that has touched generations of fans.
