Eleanor is out of reach for most people, but here's a chance to own a replica for a relatively low $165,000.
When discussing famous movie cars, it's only a matter of time before 'Eleanor,' the iconic Shelby Mustang GT500 from Gone in 60 Seconds, is brought up. While the remake leaves a lot to be desired, one of the film's highlights is the glorious muscle car that continues to capture the imagination of gearheads to this day.
If you fancy an Eleanor-style Mustang but don't want the constraints of a hardtop, you'll be delighted to know that a '68 Mustang Convertible with a replica kit is being offered for sale by DuPont Registry. It's quite a piece of kit, recently undergoing a four-year-long restoration that saw the fitment of a brand-new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine with 428 horsepower.
The motor is fresh and still has plenty of life left, with a recorded 255 miles on the clock. A new suspension kit from TCI should make it handle better than the average Mustang from this period.
Behind the stylish, black-painted wheels, you'll find the upgraded four-piston Wilwood aftermarket brakes that should come in handy given the healthy power output. An Aero Motive fuel system and stainless braided fuel lines have been fitted and should provide a smooth and reliable experience.
Elsewhere, the Mustang sports a new wiring harness and a steering column from Ididit. According to DuPont, this has tightened the steering response and gives a greater feel through the corners. To top things off, power is sent to the wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
The highlight of the package is, of course, the stunning exterior refinements. The 'Stang wears an Eleanor body kit from Mustang to Fear, and it has been created to mirror the original movie star car. Up front, you'll find low-mounted auxiliary lights, a prominent hood scoop, and signature hood pins.
Staggered alloy wheels (18 inches at the front, 19s at the rear) are wrapped in Michelin tires. Overall, it's a beautifully done conversion and looks resplendent in metallic gray with black racing stripes. It doesn't end there, though, as the interior has also been reworked.
Modern touches don't interfere with the classic design; a screen is sited on the dashboard and presumably offers various media options. Splashes of chrome trim and swathes of leather do their bit to make the cockpit feel special.
And so we come to the price. At $165,000, it's undoubtedly a pricey automobile - double that of a brand-new, fully-loaded 2024 Mustang Dark Horse.
Then again, it's clear that no expense was spared in transforming this regular convertible into something special. For the right buyer, it will be worth every penny. In 2014, the original car from the 2000 film went up for auction and sold for an incredible $1.1 million. Next to that, this topless replica looks like a bargain.
After a lengthy legal battle involving the widow of Toby Halicki, the man behind the original 1974 movie, the Shelby Trust won the right to sell Eleanor Mustangs after a court said the various vehicles named Eleanor in Halicki's films did not qualify for character copyright protection.