Few movie cars have reached the iconic status of the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 "Eleanor" from Gone in 60 Seconds. With its aggressive stance, thunderous exhaust note, and unforgettable silver-and-black paint scheme, Eleanor became more than just a car—it became a legend. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the film or a classic Mustang enthusiast, there's no denying the lasting impact of Eleanor on pop culture and car culture.

The Origin of Eleanor: A Star Is Born

The original Gone in 60 Seconds was released in 1974 and featured a yellow 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 named Eleanor. But the 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage introduced the world to the silver 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500 that would steal the hearts of gearheads everywhere. Designed by legendary car builder Chip Foose and built by Cinema Vehicle Services, the 2000 film version of Eleanor was a heavily modified Mustang fastback made to look like a Shelby GT500, outfitted with custom bodywork, side exhausts, unique lighting, and modern performance upgrades.

The Eleanor car in the 2000 film wasn't just about looks—it was built to perform. With functional suspension modifications, performance-tuned engines, and movie-ready stunt gear, the car was both a showpiece and a performer. Of the several cars built for filming, some were stunt cars, and others were close-up show cars with different levels of detail and function. Today, original screen-used Eleanors are highly sought-after collector items, often commanding six-figure prices at auction.

What Makes the 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor Special?

The actual 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang created by Carroll Shelby and Ford's Special Vehicle team. Equipped with a 428-cubic-inch V8 engine, aluminum intake manifold, and dual Holley four-barrel carburetors, the GT500 pushed out serious power in its day. Add in the aggressive styling—scooped hood, inboard headlights, and sequential tail lights—and it quickly became one of the most beloved muscle cars of the 1960s.

The Eleanor tribute car takes this legacy even further by blending the aesthetic of the original GT500 with the cinematic flair of the film version. The result is a car that looks straight out of Hollywood but performs like a modern street machine.

A Stunning Tribute: Our 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute

At Fast Lane Classic Cars, we recently had the opportunity to showcase and sell one of the finest Eleanor tribute cars ever seen. This 1967 Ford Mustang "Eleanor" Tribute wasn't just built to look the part—it delivered the performance and refinement to match.

Under the hood was a potent 390 V8 equipped with Holley Sniper fuel injection, combining classic displacement and modern reliability. Mated to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, the car was ready for spirited drives and show-stopping appearances. A 3.42 Trac-Lok differential and Ford 9" rear end made sure all that power got to the pavement.

Handling was tight and responsive thanks to a Ridetech 4-link rear suspension, front tubular control arms, and adjustable coilovers. Four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors ensured stopping power to match its go. This wasn't just a tribute—it was a fully sorted performance machine.

Finished in the unmistakable gray and black color scheme made famous in the film, the car featured 17" American Racing Shelby 427 wheels, side exhausts, and Eleanor-specific bodywork that instantly set it apart from standard Mustangs.

The custom leather interior added an extra layer of refinement. Shelby gauges, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and power windows made this a comfortable cruiser with all the modern touches you'd want in a high-end classic. It was the best of both worlds—vintage appeal and modern functionality.

The Cultural Impact of the Eleanor Mustang

The 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor became a phenomenon after the 2000 film's release. It wasn't just another movie car—it was the car. The Eleanor Mustang carved out a special place in automotive pop culture, from posters and model kits to video games and replica builds.

Its popularity even led to legal controversies. The car was trademarked by the creators of the 2000 film version, resulting in legal disputes over who could build and sell Eleanor replicas. These disputes highlighted just how recognizable—and valuable—the design had become.

Despite the legal drama, fans continued to build tribute cars, and many professional builders created "Eleanor-style" Mustangs with varying degrees of authenticity. The demand has only grown, especially among collectors who want a slice of movie magic in their garage.

Why Eleanor Still Captivates Collectors and Fans

More than two decades after the release of Gone in 60 Seconds, Eleanor remains a fixture in the automotive world thanks to a combination of factors that no other car quite replicates. Her cinematic legacy inspires new fans, especially those who grew up watching the film and now have the means to pursue their dream car. The custom styling of Eleanor stands apart from factory-issued Mustangs, offering a unique blend of vintage muscle and modern flair. Tribute cars like the one we recently sold allow enthusiasts to experience that iconic look and feel without tracking down one of the few screen-used originals. Combine that with the car's thrilling driving dynamics and undeniable visual appeal, and it's easy to see why Eleanor isn't just a trend—she's a lasting symbol of American car culture.

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Founded in 1994, Fast Lane Classic Cars is a family-owned dealership in St. Charles, Missouri, offering over 180 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Our state-of-the-art service and restoration facilities and our curated collection of automobile art and memorabilia make us a destination for enthusiasts. We're dedicated to providing top-quality vehicles and a transparent, customer-focused experience.