Ford Mustang Eleanor to go under the hammer

As far as famous movie cars go the Ford Mustang is one of the greatest. And the Ford Mustang ‘Eleanor’ used in the movie ‘Gone in 60 seconds’ is arguably the most revered one. 

The original movie was produced in 1974 featuring a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 named Eleanor. The producers of the 2000 remake decided that they needed the lead car to be something that stands out from the rest of the range of cars. Keeping with the first film it had to be a Ford Mustang, so they needed a special one. As a result they decided to make one, actually twelve in total.

Famed Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford was enlisted to create a 1967 Mustang GT500 and former Boyd Coddington designer Chip Foose was hired by the production company to turn Stanford's work into a reality. Working with the drawings new wings with wider wheel arches, a bonnet with a prominent bulge, a deep front valance and side skirts and a spoiler incorporated into the boot lid were designed for the car. PIAA lights were installed in both the nose and tail and a distinctive billet grille was specified. The Schmidt 17x8-inch wheels that finish off the cars external appearance were sourced while the interior was kept as a standard Shelby interior with a monster tachometer and a subtle roll hoop.

Out of the twelve cars built, five were destroyed in filming. The car being sold is one of the very few that remain. Specifically this is designated car number 7 designed as a functional car for scenes involving the actors for driving shots with a camera mounted for dialogue or interior action shots featuring the actors. 

According to the supplied copy of the build sheet, in addition to the bodywork modifications, the preparation of this particular 1967 Mustang fastback involved replacing the 289 cubic inch V8 with a 351 cubic inch Ford Racing crate motor fitted with a ‘big’ camshaft and 700cfm Holley 4-barrel carburettor. Total Control Products lowered the suspension with coil over front suspension and Willwood disk brakes all round with 6 piston callipers at the front. Though not functional in the movie, the side exhausts were made functional by Cinema Vehicle Services when filming was completed. The Fuel Safe tank is filled through a Mach 1 cap on the C-Pillar.

Eleanor is essentially unchanged from when it finished starring in the role for the movie. The car is reported to be in very good condition with the black stripes on metallic grey paintwork, the interior is equally fine with carpets and seats clean and free from significant wear or damage, the engine is said to be in top notch condition as well. 

But the best part about the car is the ‘go baby go’ switch correctly located on the gear lever of the car, it is used to arm the Nitrous Oxide System. The price for all this awesomeness is a staggering Rs. 8.13 crore. The car is being sold by COYS the international car auctioneers at the Autosport International show in Birmingham on January 14th.