Table of Contents

The Enduring Legend of Eleanor: Is the Eleanor Mustang in Gone in 60 Seconds?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, “Eleanor” isn’t just a Mustang; it’s the Mustang of Gone in 60 Seconds fame, appearing in both the original 1974 film and the 2000 remake. However, the “Eleanor” moniker applies to two distinct vehicles across these films, each leaving an indelible mark on automotive cinema. The original Eleanor was a 1971 Ford Mustang (disguised as a 1973), while the remake featured a stunning 1967 Shelby GT500. It’s the latter that most people picture when they hear the name “Eleanor,” thanks to the remake’s blockbuster success and the car’s iconic design. But both vehicles represent a unique chapter in the Eleanor saga.

The Original Eleanor: A 1973 (Almost) Mustang

H.B. “Toby” Halicki’s 1974 Gone in 60 Seconds is a cult classic for a reason. It’s raw, gritty, and features some of the most spectacular car chases ever filmed. The Eleanor of this film was a yellow 1971 Ford Mustang Sportsroof, cleverly modified to resemble the 1973 model. This movie was low-budget, the stunt driving legendary, and the sheer number of cars wrecked (over 90 in one chase scene!) almost unbelievable. This Eleanor wasn’t about sleek lines and Hollywood glamor; it was about pure, unadulterated automotive mayhem. The movie made so much money that even to this day there are new things that can be learned from the car and the movie. To learn about the influence of the movie in other fields like education, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

A Budget-Friendly Star

What’s fascinating about the original Eleanor is that it wasn’t a high-performance Shelby or a custom build. It was a relatively stock Mustang, chosen more for its availability and suitability for stunts than its inherent collectibility. This highlights the resourcefulness of Halicki’s filmmaking and how a relatively ordinary car could become a movie icon through its on-screen performance.

The Remake’s Eleanor: A 1967 Shelby GT500 Dream Machine

Fast forward to 2000, and Gone in 60 Seconds gets a Hollywood makeover, courtesy of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Dominic Sena. This time, Eleanor is a 1967 Shelby GT500, finished in Pepper Gray Metallic with black stripes. This car isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s a character in its own right. Its design, masterminded by Steve Stanford and brought to life by Chip Foose, is instantly recognizable and widely replicated.

A Custom Creation

The 2000 Eleanor wasn’t just a stock Shelby; it was heavily customized with a unique body kit, side-exit exhaust, and other visual cues that set it apart. This car represented the pinnacle of muscle car design, blending classic lines with modern performance and a touch of Hollywood flair. This combination made it an instant icon and a dream car for enthusiasts around the globe.

“Eleanor” as Intellectual Property

The story of Eleanor doesn’t end with the movie. Denice Halicki, widow of H.B. Halicki, has aggressively defended the copyright to the “Eleanor” name and likeness, leading to numerous legal battles over the rights to build and sell Eleanor replicas. This has made the Eleanor name synonymous with both automotive passion and legal complexity.

The Enduring Appeal

Whether it’s the gritty authenticity of the original or the sleek sophistication of the remake’s version, Eleanor continues to captivate car enthusiasts and movie fans alike. The name evokes images of high-speed chases, iconic design, and the enduring allure of the American muscle car.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many Eleanor replicas were made for the 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds movie? Seven Eleanor replicas were made for the 2000 movie. Five were reportedly destroyed during filming, while Nicolas Cage and Jerry Bruckheimer each received one of the survivors.
What is the top speed of the 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor from the 2000 movie? The 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor is estimated to have a top speed of around 170 mph (274 km/h), thanks to its powerful engine and performance modifications.
Who designed the Eleanor Mustang for the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds? The design of the Eleanor Mustang in the 2000 remake was a collaboration between Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford and custom car designer Chip Foose.
How many 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500s were used in the filming of Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)? Five examples of the modified 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500 were built specifically for shooting the 2000 film.
How much is an original Eleanor Mustang from the 2000 movie worth? Original Eleanor Mustangs from the 2000 movie have sold for substantial sums at auction, often exceeding $800,000, with some examples reaching over $1 million.
What engine was in the Eleanor Mustang from the 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds movie? Many of the Eleanor replicas featured a 351 Ford Motorsport Crate engine, although some were upgraded to larger and more powerful engines.
Is the Mustang in John Wick the same as the Eleanor Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds? No, the Mustang in John Wick is a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, while Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds is a 1967 Shelby GT500 (in the 2000 remake) or a 1971 Ford Mustang (modified to look like a 1973 in the original 1974 film).
Does Ford own Shelby? No, Ford has never owned Shelby American. They licensed the name and branding for performance models.
Why can’t you name your car Eleanor? Due to the intellectual property copyright held by Denice Halicki on the “Eleanor” character from the 2000 movie, building and selling replicas using that name without permission can lead to legal issues.
What was the 0-60 time for the Eleanor Mustang from the 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds movie? Some versions of the Eleanor Mustang could reach 0-60 mph in around 4.1 seconds thanks to powerful upgrades.
How many 1967 Shelby GT500s were originally made? In 1967, only 2,048 GT500s were manufactured originally.
How many cars were wrecked in the original 1974 Gone in 60 Seconds movie? The original 1974 film is famous for its extensive car chase, during which 93 cars were wrecked or destroyed. The total damaged or destroyed across the entire film was 127.
How much did an Eleanor Mustang sell for recently? In recent auctions, Eleanor Mustangs have fetched high prices. For example, at a Mecum auction in Kissimmee, one of the original 1967 Mustang fastbacks built for Gone in 60 Seconds sold for $852,500.
Who builds Officially Licensed Eleanor Mustangs today? Fusion Motor Company is now setting the bar for the perfect “Eleanor build”, due to their careful attention to the legal IP rights.
Was Eleanor a GT350 or GT500? The Eleanor from the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, was made out to be a GT500.