The 1973 Ford Mustang nicknamed “Eleanor” from the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds has become one of the most iconic movie cars of all time. This customized Mustang stole scenes and remains instantly recognizable to car enthusiasts worldwide.
But what exactly is Eleanor beneath the custom glossy exterior? Let’s explore What Kind of Car is Eleanor, its origins and key modifications that turned this classic Mustang into an automotive legend.
Brief History of Eleanor in Gone in 60 Seconds
In Gone in 60 Seconds, Nicolas Cage’s character must steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother’s life. Eleanor, a silver and black 1973 Mustang SportsRoof, is the prized final car he must secure.
Eleven identically modified 1973 SportsRoof Mustangs portrayed Eleanor in the film for action sequences. Custom car builder Steve Stanford oversaw Eleanor’s modifications for both beauty and performance. Unique tweaks gave each car distinctive handling traits to enhance stunt driving scenes.
Though Eleanor initially seems unattainable, the hero secures his prize in the movie’s climactic chase scene. The car became so popular that a fifth-generation Mustang was later marketed as the Eleanor Mustang.
Original 1973 Ford Mustang Specs
Before modification, Eleanor started life as a 1973 Ford Mustang SportsRoof – the sleek, sporty fastback variant of this classic pony car:
- Mid-year 1973 production
- Bright red factory paint color
- 351 cubic-inch V8 engine
- 4-barrel carburetor
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Rear wheel drive
- Stock Mustang interior
These rear-drive Mustangs were the last of the more powerful, head-turning versions before emissions regulations forced design changes in 1974.
Eleanor’s Exterior and Styling Upgrades
To create Eleanor’s distinctive look, Steve Stanford’s team performed these exterior modifications:
- Custom metallic silver paint with black accents
- Low front air dam with inset lights
- Extended wheel arches to fit wide tires
- Side scoop just ahead of rear wheels
- Removal of chrome and ornamentation
- Blacked-out hood with hold-down pins
- Classic Mustang fog lamps retained
- Dual rooftop black racing stripes
Eleanor’s menacing, all-business appearance accentuates the Mustang’s coke bottle curves. A clean, race-inspired look for this muscular legend.
Engine and Performance Enhancements
While the original 351 V8 already packed decent power, Eleanor received select performance upgrades:
- Reduced restriction air intake system
- High-flow exhaust system
- Tuned Shelby-style suspension for grip
- Lowered ride height for stability
- Wide 19” rear wheels and tires (18” front)
- Four-wheel disc brakes for stopping power
- Quick-ratio steering box for responsiveness
These enhancements allowed Eleanor to become a competent street racer while retaining a stock Mustang’s rumbling V8 essence. Beauty and brawn combined.
Interior Modifications
To keep Eleanor focused on driving, the interior received minimal changes:
- Black leather bucket seats
- Additional retro gauges on center console
- Upgraded modern stereo system
- Custom steering wheel
- Brushed aluminum accents
- Eleanor logo floor mats
While not as flashy as the exterior, the subdued interior works appropriately for Eleanor’s brooding personality. The classic Mustang silhouette shines brightest.
Why Eleanor Became an Iconic Movie Car
Several factors explain why Eleanor left a lasting impact on car culture:
- Timelessly aggressive design adapting Mustang’s iconic looks
- Representing the Holy Grail car to steal amid a flashy ensemble cast
- Sinister all-black presence contrasting innocent Hero Mustang
- Symbolic value of Eleanor’s horse logo coming to life
- Entertaining cat-and-mouse chase scene punctuating the film
- Nic Cage’s unhinged but sympathetic portrayal of the Hero
For many gearheads, Eleanor epitomizes the peak of Mustang style and Cage’s endearing obsession helps justify the over-the-top auto heists.
Legacy and Influence After Gone in 60 Seconds
The public’s tremendous response to Eleanor pushed Ford to offer an official sixth-generation “Eleanor Mustang” through Carroll Shelby’s performance division in 2001. This model featured Eleanor’s paint scheme and upgrades on the contemporary Mustang GT.
Additionally, numerous aftermarket companies offer body kits to customize late-model Mustangs into Eleanor clones. The movie car’s iconic style endures across each generation.
Eleanor also ushered in the 2000s trend of modified hero cars like The Fast and the Furious’ Toyota Supra and Dodge Charger R/T from The Dukes of Hazzard remake. But none quite surpass Eleanor’s impact and reverence among audiences.
Where to See Eleanor Today
Only a handful of actual Eleanors survive from the Gone in 60 Seconds production. Some venues where fans can glimpse Eleanor include:
- Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles)
- Miami Auto Museum
- Volo Auto Museum (Illinois)
- Comic Con car showcases (touring)
- Auctions occasionally offer screen-used versions
These rare original Eleanors can fetch over $200,000 at auction due to immense popularity. While replicas abound, the genuine cars remain valuable gems.
Why Eleanor Stands the Test of Time
Much as Steve McQueen’s classic Mustang left an indelible mark in 1968’s Bullitt, Eleanor carried Mustang style and performance to a new generation in 2000. As an ultimate expression of Ford’s most recognizable model, Eleanor’s staying power relates directly to the Mustang’s enduring appeal across 50+ years.
The sinister Eleanor gave the famed pony car an intimidating yet irresistible identity extension just as the historic Mustang lineup entered its fifth decade. Through Eleanor, the Mustang legend continues galloping into the future.
Conclusion
From humble 1973 Ford Mustang origins, Gone in 60 Seconds immortalized “Eleanor” as one of cinema’s great cars. This menacing black and silver restomod Mustang injected new mystique into a classic car while showcasing Ford’s greatest icon in its most primal form.
Nearly 20 years later, Eleanor still burns rubber in fans’ imaginations as the ultimate Mustang fantasy. All modern Mustangs chase Eleanor’s mythos in some way as this timeless custom anchors Ford’s pony car legacy.