‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ 1967 Ford Mustang ‘Eleanor’ Heads to Auction
The hero car from the 2000 film, built by Cinema Vehicle Services and Chip Foose, will cross the block at Mecum’s Indianapolis sale on 18 May.
The 1967 Ford Mustang fastback known as ‘Eleanor’, driven by Nicolas Cage in the 2000 remake of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’, is set to be auctioned at Mecum’s Spring Classic sale in Indianapolis on 18 May. The car, built for the film by Cinema Vehicle Services in collaboration with Chip Foose, is the most recognisable of the eleven Mustangs created for production, and was used for all close-up shots, promotional material and posters.
Ray Claridge, owner of Cinema Vehicle Services, confirmed the decision to sell the car, which has become one of the most recognised film Mustangs. While several replicas and stunt cars were built for the film, this particular car is identified as the ‘hero’ example, reserved for scenes where detail mattered and for all official photography.
What makes ‘Eleanor’ unique?
‘Eleanor’ is far from a standard 1967 Mustang. The car received extensive body modifications, including bespoke fender flares, side skirts, functional side scoops, a new fibreglass front end with PIAA driving lights, and a redesigned bonnet and boot lid. These changes gave the Mustang its distinctive, aggressive appearance, which has since become a template for countless replicas.
- Custom fibreglass front end with driving lights
- Wide fender flares and side skirts
- Functional side scoops
- Unique bonnet and boot lid
- ‘Go-Baby-Go’ shift knob for Line Lock
- Nitrous system switch and fire extinguisher
Inside, the modifications were more restrained but functional. A nitrous injection system switch, the ‘Go-Baby-Go’ shift knob button for the Line Lock, a fire extinguisher and an Autometer Sport Comp Monster tachometer were fitted for the film’s driving sequences. The rest of the interior retained the Mustang’s classic look, in keeping with the car’s dual role as both a character and a prop.
Auction context and provenance
Although many ‘Eleanor’ replicas exist, only a handful of original film cars survive, and just one was used for all the hero shots. This provenance is expected to draw strong interest at the auction, particularly from collectors of movie cars and American muscle. The sale follows a trend of high-profile film vehicles achieving strong results, such as the 1968 Ford GT40 that sold for $11 million at Monterey.
The car’s value is driven as much by its film history as by its modifications. For Ford and Mustang enthusiasts, it stands as a rare intersection of Hollywood and muscle car culture. The auction will reveal just how much that combination is worth to collectors.
For more on recent Mustang news, see Ford Mustang Extends Sales Lead Over Chevrolet Camaro in June.
