Build Your Eleanor

Mustang Magic

For those enchanted by the ’67 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, this iconic model, often called Eleanor, holds a special place in the heart of car enthusiasts. The blend of classic muscle and cinematic fame makes it a beacon for gearheads. These cars weren’t just steel and chrome, they told stories on the asphalt. But for some time, recreating this legend came with legal strings attached due to its role in the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Fortunately, recent developments have shifted the gears in favor of Mustang fans.

Legal Update

The Mustang community received a significant boost when a prolonged copyright battle concluded in favor of individuals wanting to create Eleanor tribute cars. This conflict stemmed from Denise Halicki, the widow of the film’s director, who argued that Eleanor was a protected character. Her legal pursuits seemed to resonate in courts for a long time—until now.

In 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Eleanor, unlike the Batmobile, doesn’t possess unique character traits that warrant copyright protection. The decision portrayed Eleanor as a prop rather than a character, noting its varied appearances across different films like the Batmobile, yet lacking any distinctive, consistent traits.

Driving Eleanor

Behind the wheel, the ’67 Mustang Shelby GT500 is everything every gearhead imagines. A monumental 355 horsepower V8 engine roars to life beneath the hood, embodying the pure essence of American muscle. The car’s power is palpable, pushing it from zero to 60 in about 5.5 seconds. As tires grip the pavements, its weighty steering will challenge any driver looking to tame this beast.

While a modern sports car can offer refined handling, effortless torque, and an array of technological aids, this Mustang offers raw, unfiltered driving experiences rooted in a golden era of automotive design. Compared to a new Ford Mustang GT, Eleanor feels more untethered and visceral, akin to taking the rein of a wild stallion versus a factory-tuned racehorse.

Building Your Dream

With the legal barriers now removed, Mustang aficionados can confidently venture into building their own Eleanor restorations. From its aggressive fastback profile to its muscular stance, each inch of the car can be tailored to echo the original movie magic. Builders can now enjoy the freedom of expressing their creativity without the looming fear of litigation, making each tribute just as unique as its creator intends.

This turn of events not only honors Shelby’s legacy but also promises an exciting revival of this classic ride. Mustang Eleanor stands as a testament to the enduring love affair between America and its muscle cars, a passion that won’t be parked anytime soon.