The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' The American Muscle Car That Never Dies

 The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 'Eleanor' is a name that resonates deeply within both the automotive and cinematic worlds, particularly due to its starring role in the 2000 remake of the classic film Gone in Sixty Seconds. The Mustang's transformation from a simple performance car into a pop culture icon highlights its undeniable appeal and enduring legacy, solidifying its place in the history of muscle cars. The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' tribute car, offered at the European Winter Sale, is a direct homage to this legendary machine, and the story behind it is just as fascinating as the car itself.

The Birth of the Shelby GT500 and the Mustang's Legacy

Before diving into the specifics of the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' tribute car, it's important to understand the roots of the Shelby Mustang itself. In the 1960s, Ford’s Mustang quickly became a symbol of American muscle, with its combination of sleek styling and raw power resonating with enthusiasts across the nation. However, despite its initial success, the Mustang’s performance capabilities were limited by the engineering constraints of the time. This is where Carroll Shelby entered the picture.

Shelby, a former race car driver and renowned car designer, was brought in by Ford to create a high-performance variant of the Mustang. The result was the Shelby GT350, which debuted in 1965. Building on the success of the GT350, Shelby and Ford introduced the Shelby GT500 in 1967. This new variant was equipped with a massive 428ci Cobra Jet V8 engine, marking a significant leap in performance and solidifying the Mustang’s reputation as a true American muscle car.

The GT500 was known for its aggressive styling, including a powerful engine, wider tires, and distinctive body modifications that set it apart from the regular Mustang. The combination of raw power and a visually striking presence made the Shelby GT500 an instant icon, and it has remained one of the most sought-after muscle cars in history.

The Shelby Mustang's Influence on Pop Culture

While the Shelby GT500 was already legendary in the automotive world, its fame reached new heights when it was featured in the 1974 B-movie Gone in Sixty Seconds. In this film, a modified 1971 Mustang Mach 1 was given the name “Eleanor,” and it became an essential part of the plot. The car was a high-performance, heavily customized vehicle that was both fast and stylish, reflecting the core characteristics of the Shelby GT500.

However, it was the 2000 remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds, starring Nicholas Cage, that truly cemented the Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’ as a cultural phenomenon. For this film, a modified 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was used, and it became instantly recognizable. The car was fitted with a wide body kit, custom paint, and a host of performance upgrades to make it stand out. The car's signature look, combined with its central role in the film’s high-speed chases, helped it become a symbol of both power and coolness.

In the years following the movie’s release, the ‘Eleanor’ Mustang became an automotive legend. The sheer popularity of the car led to the creation of numerous tribute cars, many of which used original Mustang bodies as their base. This is where the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 ‘Eleanor’ tribute car enters the picture.

The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' Tribute

The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 ‘Eleanor’ tribute car offered in the European Winter Sale is a meticulously built homage to the legendary movie car. Although it started its life as a 6-cylinder coupe, this car has been fully converted into an ‘Eleanor’ replica, incorporating all the components from the actual movie car.

One of the most notable aspects of this tribute car is its engine. Under the hood is a 328ci (5.4-litre) V8 engine, a modern upgrade that brings the performance of this tribute Mustang in line with the legendary GT500’s reputation for power. Paired with a manual transmission, this combination ensures that the car delivers an exhilarating driving experience, reminiscent of the original Shelby GT500’s raw, untamed performance.

The exterior of the car is where the tribute nature of this build truly shines. The body is based on the correct fastback styling, which is crucial to achieving the iconic look of ‘Eleanor.’ The car also incorporates a custom body kit, similar to the one used in the film, featuring a fiberglass bonnet and boot lid, which contribute to the car’s aggressive stance and reduce weight. The attention to detail is incredible, as the car features the correct headlights, fog lights, and tail lights, along with side-exit exhausts that make the car sound as menacing as it looks.

In addition to the external modifications, the car also includes a range of performance upgrades to make it handle as well as it accelerates. Koni shock absorbers and Wilwood disc brakes ensure that the car can handle high-speed driving and tight turns with stability and confidence. The ‘Go Baby Go’ gear lever knob, a direct reference to the film, adds a touch of authenticity to the interior, while the pedals, steering wheel, gauges, seats, carpet, and headlining reflect the vintage styling that defined the Shelby Mustang.

The tribute car also features a number of other elements that make it a faithful recreation of the Gone in Sixty Seconds car. These include a side fuel filler, a nitrous oxide tank with a switch, and the inclusion of wheel rims, radiator, and the iconic ‘Go Baby Go’ button on the dashboard. Every part of the car has been carefully chosen to replicate the legendary movie car, from the unique exhaust note to the custom interior that echoes the original’s high-performance character.

Performance and Driving Experience

One of the key reasons why the Shelby Mustang GT500, and by extension the ‘Eleanor’ tribute, has such a lasting appeal is its raw power and driving experience. The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 ‘Eleanor’ tribute car, with its 328ci (5.4-litre) V8 engine, is a blast to drive. The engine produces a sound that instantly draws attention, while the manual transmission provides a sense of direct connection to the car’s performance. This is a machine that demands to be driven, and it doesn’t disappoint when pushed hard.

The Koni shock absorbers and Wilwood disc brakes give the car impressive stability, even when taking corners at high speeds. This makes the ‘Eleanor’ tribute not only a muscle car in the classic sense but also a car that is capable of handling modern roads with ease. The driving experience is further enhanced by the custom exhaust system, which produces a deep, throaty growl that is unmistakable. When behind the wheel of this tribute car, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the midst of a high-speed chase, just as Nicholas Cage’s character did in Gone in Sixty Seconds.

Beyond the performance aspects, the ‘Eleanor’ tribute car is also a visual spectacle. With its custom body kit, aggressive stance, and timeless styling, it is a car that turns heads wherever it goes. The combination of classic American muscle with modern modifications creates a unique aesthetic that appeals to both automotive purists and fans of the film.

The Legacy of 'Eleanor' and the Continuing Popularity of the Mustang

The enduring popularity of the Shelby Mustang, particularly the ‘Eleanor’ version, speaks to the timeless appeal of the muscle car. The Mustang has become more than just a car; it is a symbol of American automotive history and culture. From its early days in the 1960s to its reemergence in the Gone in Sixty Seconds remake, the Mustang has maintained its status as one of the most iconic cars ever built.

The tribute to the Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’ offered at the European Winter Sale continues this legacy. It is not just a car; it is a piece of cinematic and automotive history. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, owning a piece of this legacy is an opportunity to connect with a car that has captured the hearts of millions.

Whether you're drawn to the car’s history in motorsport, its starring role in Gone in Sixty Seconds, or simply its undeniable cool factor, the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' tribute is a car that commands respect. It is a modern tribute to a classic, an embodiment of speed, style, and performance that will continue to turn heads and inspire awe for years to come.

Conclusion

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 'Eleanor' tribute car represents the intersection of automotive engineering and cinematic magic. Drawing inspiration from the 1968 Shelby GT500, and specifically the iconic 'Eleanor' car from Gone in Sixty Seconds, this tribute car pays homage to a machine that has become an icon in both the automotive and entertainment industries. With its 328ci (5.4-litre) V8 engine, manual transmission, and meticulously recreated body kit, this tribute car is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Mustang. Whether you're a fan of muscle cars, the film itself, or simply a lover of all things fast and powerful, the ‘Eleanor’ tribute car is a masterpiece that will continue to capture hearts for generations to come.