Ford Mustang Eleanor

The Ford Mustang Eleanor is an iconic muscle car, best known for its starring role in the 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds", a remake of the 1974 classic. Eleanor is a custom-built version of the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, designed to be the ultimate expression of American muscle car performance and style. This car has become a symbol of automotive passion, blending classic Mustang heritage with modern design and engineering upgrades.

Key Features of the Ford Mustang Eleanor

1. Design

• Exterior Styling:
• Eleanor features an aggressive and timeless design, distinguished by its wide-body kit and custom detailing.
• Key visual elements include:
• Dual racing stripes running from the hood to the rear.
• A custom front grille with a centered set of auxiliary lights.
• An integrated front chin spoiler for an aggressive stance.
• Side-exit exhaust pipes, adding to its racing aesthetic.
• The signature GT500-style hood scoop and functional air vents.
• A Ducktail rear spoiler and custom taillight treatments.
• Color: Eleanor is most famously finished in Pepper Grey Metallic with black racing stripes, giving it a striking and sophisticated look.

2. Performance

• Eleanor is typically powered by a 7.0-liter (427ci) V8 engine, delivering robust performance:
• Power Output: Around 400–500 horsepower, depending on the build and tuning.
• Transmission: Paired with a 4-speed manual or upgraded 5-speed Tremec transmission for modern drivability.
• Modern replicas of Eleanor may feature upgraded crate engines, including Ford Racing 5.0-liter Coyote V8s or even supercharged options, pushing power figures far higher.

3. Chassis and Suspension

• Chassis: Reinforced to handle the additional power and provide greater rigidity for performance driving.
• Suspension:
• Eleanor features upgraded suspension components for improved handling over the original 1967 Mustang.
• Modern builds often include coilover shocks and rack-and-pinion steering for better precision.
• Brakes:
• Equipped with modern disc brakes for improved stopping power compared to the original drum brakes of the 1960s.

4. Interior

• The interior of Eleanor blends vintage Mustang design with modern enhancements:
• Custom gauges in a vintage-style cluster for monitoring performance.
• Sport bucket seats with racing harnesses.
• A three-spoke steering wheel, often branded with the Shelby logo.
• Premium materials, including leather and aluminum accents, elevate the cabin's feel.
• Modern builds may include features like air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment systems, and updated sound systems for comfort and convenience.

5. Legacy and Popularity

• Cultural Impact:
• Eleanor became a pop-culture icon due to the "Gone in 60 Seconds" movie, where it was portrayed as a high-performance "unicorn" car, the most desirable and elusive vehicle on the protagonist's heist list.
• Replicas:
• Due to its fame, many companies and custom shops now offer Eleanor replicas, often built on original 1967–1968 Mustang Fastback chassis with a wide range of modern upgrades.