Saturday, October 25, 2014

1967 Ford Mustang GT500 "Eleanor"

Starred in the 2000 remake of the original 1974 cult classic movie Gone in 60 Seconds. Based on a 1967 Ford Mustang GT500, the Nicholas Cage-driven Eleanor was designed by well-known hot rod designer Steve Stanford and built by Cinema Vehicle Services (CVS). 11 original Eleanor cars were built by CVS. After filming completed, three cars out of the surviving vehicles have been offered to the public with claims of originality and screen-use in the film.

The front grille was opened up and filled with simple horizontal bars; this treatment was repeated below in the front valence, which is also fitted with trim tabs and twin driving lights, the latter reminiscent of the 1967 Shelby. There is more Shelby influence in the prominent hood bulge, dual racing stripes, upper and lower side scoops, quick-fill fuel tank filler cap, integrated rear spoiler and Thunderbird-style tail lights. The Eleanor styling package is brought home with bold fender flares and side exhaust (the latter added by CVS after filming was complete), Halibrand-style Schmidt 17-inch wheels and distinctive two-tone Silver and Charcoal paint. 

A Ford Racing 351 CI crate engine with Holley 700 CFM 4-barrel carburetor and high-volume fuel pump, 4-speed manual transmission and Positraction rear end combine for Eleanor-grade performance. A Fluidyne Racing Products aluminum radiator and Total Control front reinforcement braces were critical performance additions. The car is further equipped with air conditioning, 4-wheel disc brakes, a Lecarra steering wheel and Auto Meter Sport Comp tachometer.

Inside, the musclecar was altered only by a Go-Baby-Go shift knob button for Line Lock and a switch for activating a nitrous injection system... but it was enough to make the vehicle famous and start a genuine Eleanor resto-modding craze. (autoevolution.com, mecum.com & wikipedia)


VIN #7R02C179710

Sold at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in 2013 for $1,000,000 USD.









(Photos from autoevolution.com)


VIN #7R02C173895

Sold at COYS Autosport International January 2012 auction (Birmingham, UK) for £95,000.























(Photos from boldride.com)


VIN #7R02S211287

Sold at Barrett-Jackson's 2009 Scottsdale, AZ auction for $216,000.

















(Photos from barrett-jackson.com & carscoops.com)


"Eleanor" in the 2000 remake of Gone In 60 Seconds.









The original Eleanor, a yellow 1973 Mustang SportsRoof in the
H.B. "Toby" Halicki's independently-made movie
with the same name, filmed in 1973 and released in 1974.

(Photo from taringa.net)



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