Back in 2000 everyone wanted to be Memphis Raines, or at least everyone wanted to drive Eleanor like they stole it after watching the reboot of the cult classic Gone in 60 Seconds. Did it matter that the plot was campy? That the car could magically could fly? Or that no one before or since has ever been so excited about revving up a 1983 Cadillac? Not at all...the movie was made for us car guys and we loved every minute of it. It also did not hurt that Angelina Jolie was the female lead either. This version of Eleanor elevated the concept of a Resto-Mod to the level of high art and soon everyone and their cousin was banging out fiberglass body kits to turn just about any generation of Ford Mustang in the Silver Screen hero Eleanor.
For the film 11 cars were built, having worked on some movie cars myself there are all kinds of speciality cars that have to be built for filming. You build one to jump, one to flip, one to drift, one to sit on a trailer and be towed around, one that is cut in half so you can film inside it, etc... this car is what was known as the "Hero Car" its the car that is built out for the pretty shots, its the real deal. It incorporates the now-famous design features originally penned by famed hot rod designer Steve Stanford is packing a 351ci Ford Racing crate-engine, 4 speed manual transmission, complete with the "GO BABY GO" shifter, and the prestige of being a "real" Eleanor.
This bit of movie history can be yours as it's coming up for auction this December in Austin Texas at Mecum Auctions. You can check out more info HERE
Auction Description:
This 1967 Ford Mustang is number 7 of 11 “Eleanor” versions built by Cinema Vehicle Services of North Hollywood, California, for the 2000 remake of the original 1974 cult classic “Gone in 60 Seconds.” The car is one of only three used in scenes involving the cast of Gone, which included Nicholas Cage, Giovanni Ribisi and Angelina Jolie, and it incorporates the now-famous design features originally penned by famed hot rod designer Steve Stanford.
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 Cinema Vehicle Services 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. Designated by CVS as car number 7 in the series, this trend-setting movie star car comes with a letter of authenticity from Cinema Vehicle Services founder and president Ray Claridge.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hero Car from the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds
- 1 of 11 original Eleanor cars built by Cinema Vehicle Services
- 1 of 3 Hero cars used in the film (used for scenes involving the actors)
- Letter of authenticity from Ray Claridge of CVS included
- Designated by CVS as car #7
- VIN 7R02C173895
- An iconic and timeless design by Steve Stanford
- Custom body kit with fender flares, side exit exhaust, trunk lid and hood
- Ford Racing 351 CI crate motor
- 4-speed transmission
- Go Baby Go shifter knob
- Schmidt 17" wheels
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- Holley 700 CFM 4-barrel carburetor
- Positraction rear end
- Air conditioning
- High volume fuel pump
- Lecarra steering wheel, sport comp tach
- Side exit exhaust added by CVS after the movie's completion
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