If you're eyeing a 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor, especially one of those screen-used "hero" cars from the 2000 film, you could be looking at around $1 million or even more. For licensed, high-quality replicas, prices typically range from $200,000 to over $500,000, all depending on how well they're built, their engine specs, and how authentic they feel.
Why is the 67 Mustang called Eleanor?
The 1967 Mustang is called Eleanor because that's the name given to the custom-designed star car in the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds".
This particular car was a cool, fresh spin on the 1967 Shelby GT500. Steve Stanford and the legendary Chip Foose brought it to life, and honestly, it quickly became an iconic movie car. It had some really unique styling, like those prominent central driving lights, those beefy fender flares, and a distinctive body kit that just made it stand out. Here's a fun fact: the name "Eleanor" actually first showed up for a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in the original 1974 "Gone in 60 Seconds" film. So, the 2000 version is kind of a spiritual successor, and a design legend in its own right.
Where is the original Eleanor now?
The "original Eleanor" from the 1974 film "Gone in 60 Seconds" (that's a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1, by the way) is believed to be held by H.B. Halicki's widow, Denice Halicki.
H.B. Halicki, the genius behind the original movie, sadly passed away while filming a sequel back in 1989. His wife, Denice, kept the car and has been a fierce protector of the Eleanor brand ever since. It was last publicly displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in 2014, according to Motor Authority. This really underscores its huge historical value, especially since it's the only car ever to get a star title credit in a feature film!
How much did the original Eleanor sell for?
An "original" hero car from the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds" (a 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor, to be clear) sold for $1 million at a Mecum Auctions event in Indianapolis in 2013.
This particular vehicle was actually one of only three "hero" cars made for the movie. It was used in all those crucial close-up shots with actors Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie, which, as you can imagine, really drives up its value. Other screen-used examples, and even some really high-quality licensed replicas, have sold for all sorts of prices, with some even hitting over $500,000. The final sale price for these unique cars can swing wildly, though. It all depends on how authentic they are, their overall condition, and their verifiable provenance (that's just a fancy way of saying their documented history of who owned it and how it was used).
What did Eleanor sell for at Barrett Jackson?
At Barrett-Jackson's 2013 Scottsdale auction, a screen-used "hero" Eleanor from the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds" (Lot #5008) actually sold for $1 million.
This specific car was one of the main vehicles used during filming, making it a super sought-after item for collectors and really pushing up its auction price. Now, while other "Eleanor tribute" editions and high-quality replicas have popped up at Barrett-Jackson auctions over the years, their sale prices can differ quite a bit. Take, for example, a replica based on the film car that was offered at their 2017 Scottsdale auction; it didn't even meet its reserve. That just goes to show you the huge premium bidders put on actual screen-used vehicles with a verified film history.
Who built the first Eleanor?
Cinema Vehicle Services (CVS) built the "Eleanor" Mustangs for the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds". They had some great design input from legendary coachbuilder Chip Foose and designer Steve Stanford, too.
They actually whipped up about 11 or 12 cars for the production, all starting with 1967 Ford Mustang fastbacks. Each car had its own job: some were "hero" cars for close-ups, others were stunt cars for those wild action sequences, and some were "buck" cars for special effects and molding. The CVS team really put in the work, carefully crafting that distinctive widebody kit, custom hood, trunk, side exhausts, and all the interior bits that made the Eleanor design so iconic. Honestly, creating such a memorable and instantly recognizable fleet of movie cars was a huge job!
Who owns the copyright to Eleanor?
Denice Halicki, who is the widow of H.B. Halicki (the original "Gone in 60 Seconds" creator), owns the copyright and trademark to the "Eleanor" name and design.
She's been pretty aggressive about defending these intellectual property rights, too. This has led to a bunch of legal actions against various replica builders and even some bigger companies for using the Eleanor design without permission. What this means is that any company wanting to build or sell an "official" Eleanor replica absolutely needs to get a license from her company, Halicki Films. This legal protection really helps ensure her husband's creation stays controlled and gets the proper credit it deserves.
How fast is Eleanor Mustang?
The top speed of an "Eleanor" Mustang replica really depends on the builder, the specific engine under the hood, and any modifications it has, but high-performance models can generally blast past 170 mph.
Licensed replica manufacturers often pack their models with seriously powerful modern engines, like supercharged Ford Coyote V8s. They'll also throw in heavily modified suspensions and braking systems to handle all that extra oomph. For instance, some builders offer a 535-horsepower fuel-injected model that's estimated to hit 172 mph and can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Even crazier, 770-horsepower supercharged models, which get upgraded rear suspensions and bigger brakes, can reach even higher speeds. Just remember to always put safety first and stick to the local speed limits when you're behind the wheel of one of these beasts!
Who makes Eleanor Mustang replicas?
While Ford Motor Company makes the Mustang, you'll find various licensed and unlicensed aftermarket companies building "Eleanor" Mustang replicas, often starting with original 1967-1968 Mustang fastbacks as their base.
Denice Halicki is pretty serious about enforcing her copyright and trademark, so only a select few companies actually have official licenses to produce "Eleanor" branded vehicles. Classic Recreations is one example. These authorized builders usually start with real classic Mustang chassis, then they painstakingly recreate the film car's look and performance modifications. This ensures everything's legal and super authentic. If you're thinking about buying a replica, always double-check the builder's licensing. It's really important to make sure you're getting a legally produced and authentic car, which can also save you from potential legal headaches down the road.
What motor was in the 67 Shelby GT500?
The original 1967 Shelby GT500 actually came with a 428 cubic inch Police Interceptor V8 engine.
This powerful engine, officially called the "Cobra Le Mans" for the GT500, was conservatively rated at 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It was a tough, big-block engine, built for both performance and durability, which really set the GT500 apart as a serious muscle car. Now, while a few early production models might have briefly used the 427 cubic inch V8, most 1967 GT500s featured that iconic 428ci Police Interceptor. It's definitely the engine that defines this legendary Shelby, according to Shelby.com.
What is the top speed of a 1967 Mustang?
The top speed of a 1967 Mustang really changed a lot based on its engine and transmission setup, but a nicely equipped V8 model could hit anywhere from 115 mph to 130 mph.
For example, a basic model with a 200 cubic inch inline-six engine probably wouldn't go much faster than 90-100 mph. But if you had a 1967 Mustang with the optional 390 cubic inch "S-Code" V8, which was rated at 320 horsepower, you could definitely see speeds in the 120-130 mph range, especially with a manual transmission and the right gearing. It's tough to get exact performance numbers for classic cars, but these estimates give you a good idea of what was possible with the technology and engineering back then. Just make sure your car's in great shape and always drive safely, especially when you're cruising in a classic!
