Eleanor – Legendary Ford Mustang Stunt Car in Gone in 60 Seconds
"Eleanor" is a customized Ford Mustang that achieved cult status in the world of car enthusiasts and film lovers. First appearing as a 1971 Sportsroof (styled as 1973) in H.B. "Toby" Halicki's 1974 cult film Gone in 60 Seconds, Eleanor became the only Mustang Mach 1 to receive star title credit in a movie. The name was later reused for a Shelby Mustang GT500 in the 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage.
1971 Sportsroof Eleanor – Original 1974 Film
Two 1971 Mustang Sportsroofs were used in the 1974 film. Halicki updated them with 1973 grilles, keeping the 1971 bumpers and valance panels. The paint scheme included a unique blackout treatment on the lower bodyside and hood, reminiscent of Mach 1 styling, but custom-made. Notably, "Mustang" badging was removed while the pony emblem and Ford hubcaps remained visible.
Stunt Car Modifications and Mechanical Upgrades
- Roll cage installation throughout the stock unibody
- Chained-in transmission for stunt safety
- Adjustable camera rig mounted in the back seat for driver POV shots
- Seat swaps between stunt and beauty cars to protect interiors
- Additional safety enhancements: heavy-duty Simpson shoulder harness, deadbolt door locks, aftermarket hood pins, 24-volt electrical system, onboard first-aid kit, electrical kill switches, individual rear brake locks, fish plating of undercarriage (3" x 3/8" steel)
The stunt car survived a collision with a light pole and a 128-foot jump, maintaining structural integrity for filming. The "beauty" car remained mostly stock, only receiving matching paint, grille updates, and seat swaps, before being crushed post-filming.
2000 Eleanor – Ford Mustang Fastback
The 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds remake, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, reintroduced Eleanor as a Dupont Pepper Grey 1967 Mustang Fastback, depicted as a Shelby GT500. The car featured a custom body kit by Steve Stanford. The film followed a similar storyline, where a crew of auto thieves steals a fleet of high-performance vehicles for delivery to Long Beach docks.
Key Eleanor Features for Collectors and Enthusiasts
- Custom paint and blackout treatments unique to Eleanor
- Stunt-ready safety and mechanical modifications
- Convertible between "beauty" and "stunt" cars
- Iconic appearance in two major cinematic releases (1974 & 2000)
- Highly collectible among Mustang and film memorabilia collectors
Images of Eleanor
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