Mecum Auctions sold the “Eleanor” hero car from the Nicolas Cage film, “Gone in 60 Seconds” for an impressive one million dollars recently. The “Eleanor” sold was the hero car used in close-ups, promotional materials, and posters, was part of Mecums May Indianapolis Auction.

Here is the original auction description from Mecum Auctions:

Fans of the Touchstone Pictures 2000 remake of the 1974 cult movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” will recognize this as the original Eleanor, the modified 1967 Ford Mustang piloted by retired master car thief Memphis Raines, played by Nicholas Cage.

Several cars were built to handle various duties during the filming of Gone, but this is serial number 7R02C179710, the “Hero” car driven by Cage during filming and used in movie close-ups, posters and promotional materials, in the process launching a whole new trend in Resto Modding.

Built by Cinema Vehicle Services (CVS), the design of the car is a work of art, literally. Well-known hot rod designer Steve Stanford sketched out the original concept drawing for the car before the vehicle was brought to life by CVS. The builders were able to mock up Eleanor’s body pieces on a Mustang using clay and wood. Molds were then made to produce a new fiberglass front end filled with high-powered PIAA driving lights, new fender flares, side skirts and scoops, hood and trunk lid. The front suspension was replaced with a lowered and reinforced coilover spring arrangement with power rack and pinion steering; 4-wheel disc brakes were installed and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires mounted on Schmidt 8×17-inch Cobra-style wheels. To give the car big-screen performance, it was treated to a 351/400 HP Ford crate engine, which shares room under the modified hood with a front subframe body brace by Total Control Products, LLC.

This progenitor of the Eleanor revolution is relatively untouched inside with the exception of an Autometer Sport Comp Monster tach, fire extinguisher, Go-Baby-Go shift knob button for Line Lock and a switch for activating a nitrous injection system. Being offered directly from the original builder Cinema Vehicle Services, this is the car that jumpstarted the Eleanor resto modding craze.

Below are highlights of the car also listed in the auction description:

– Hero Car used in Touchstone Pictures “Gone in 60 Seconds”

– Nicholas Cage’s primary beauty car used for close ups – Featured in all movie poster and promotional efforts

– VIN: 7R02C179710, built by Cinema Vehicle Services

– This car started the “GT500 Eleanor” epidemic – The most recreated car since the Shelby Cobra

– Presented in movie-used condition with minor touch ups – 351/400 HP Ford crate motor, 4-speed manual

– Power steering and brakes, Go-Baby-Go shifter button

– Lowered suspension, coilovers, PIAA driving lights

– Schmidt 8×17″ wheels, Goodyear F1 tires

– Equipped with nitrous but not functional

– Custom body kit with new fender flares, side skirts with exhaust outlets, trunk lid and hood

– Part of a private collection since filming

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