One of the most famous cars in movie history is making its official return, following 20 years of legal battles.
The 1967 Shelby GT500, better known as Eleanor, was the star of the Gone in 60 Seconds film, released in 2000.
A remake of the 1974 H. B. Halicki movie of the same name, Jerry Bruckheimer’s version of the epic car heist starred A-List actors such as Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie, and Robert Duvall.
However, Eleanor undoubtedly made the biggest impact with moviegoers, spawning endless imitators and tribute cars.
A four-wheeled movie icon
Such interest prompted numerous lawsuits, including a copyright battle between Denise Halicki (widow of the writer, director, producer and star of the original 1974 movie) and Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc.
A recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that ‘Eleanor’ should not be classed as a movie character, but as a prop. As a result, the legendary Mustang could not be copyrighted.
The news has brought the team responsible for building the 11 Mustangs used in the 2000 version of Gone in 60 Seconds back together, led by Ray Claridge.
The founder and owner of Cinema Vehicle Services until 2016, Claridge is the authority when it comes to recreating Eleanor for the Mustang’s 25th anniversary.
Go, Baby, Go!
Musting buyers have an array of choices for which engine goes under the hood, with a 480 hp Ford Coyote the default V-8 on offer.
For an extra $18,000, a 550 hp Roush 427-cubic inch V-8 can be specified, while $19,500 nets a supercharged Aluminator V-8 producing a mighty 875 hp.
A five-speed Tremec manual transmission is standard, but six-speed stick shift or 10-speed Ford automatic can be found on the options list.
Wilwood brakes are fitted, with upgraded six-piston items available, plus a host of suspension and alloy wheel combinations.
Time to find your unicorn
Putting a price on silver screen nostalgia starts from $500,000. Ticking all of the option boxes on the online configurator adds a further $51,000 to the car’s cost.
However, unlike Eleanor from the Gone in 60 Seconds film, there is no mention of a working nitrous oxide system attached to the gear shifter-mounted button.
Each 25th Anniversary car will come complete with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the project team responsible. Reservations are being taken now for those who want to own a movie legend.
ALSO READ:
Ford reveals new e-bikes inspired by Mustang and Bronco
Meet the James Bond-inspired electric Range Rover Safari
Hyundai ERlantra N TCR Edition brings racing style to the street
