1967 Eleanor Mustang from 'Gone in 60 Seconds'
Look out Steve McQueen, Nick Cage's vehicles are set to be the new hot “thing” in automotive auctions. Well, maybe not, but the 1967 Eleanor Mustang (“Don't start with me … no, wait, start, start!”) from “Gone in 60 Seconds” sold at last weekend's Original Spring Classic Mecum Auction in Indianapolis for $1 million.
Only three of the movie's film's 11 Mustangs were working versions, and two were destroyed during shooting. This one was Randal "Memphis" Raines' hero car, used for close-ups near the end of the flick.
The car was built by Cinema Vehicle Services out of Hollywood, Calif., with help from well-known designer Steve Stanford. The builders mocked up the body pieces using clay and wood, and, after that, molds were made that included the PIAA driving lights, fender flares, side skirts and scoops.
Eleanor carries a 351 V8 under the hood making 400 hp. That power is channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. It has both power steering and power brakes. The nitrous button, unfortunately, is for looks only.
The suspension was lowered and coilovers were added, along with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires on Schmidt 8x17-inch wheels.
Could this be the new trend in auto auctions? All Cage, all the time? We doubt it, but if Cage's bike from “Ghost Rider” hits more than six figures, we may have to rethink our position.
