Eleanor Of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ Will Cross The Block At Mecum’s Indy Auction
A true movie star will make its way down Mecum’s signature red carpet this May in Indianapolis. Known by most simply as “Eleanor,” the modified 1967 Ford Mustang from Touchstone Pictures’ “Gone in 60 Seconds” will cross the block as Lot S135 at Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction this May 14-19.
This collector car icon piloted in the movie by retired master car thief Memphis Raines, played by Nicholas Cage, is the real McCoy. Several cars were built to handle various duties in the filming of “Gone,” but this is serial number 7R02C179710, the “Hero” car driven by Cage during filming and the model used in movie close-ups, posters and promotional materials.
Built by Cinema Vehicle Services, the original concept drawing for the car was the work of well-known hot rod designer Steve Stanford. The builders were able to mock up the body pieces of the GT500 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. To give the car big-screen performance, it was treated to a 351/400 HP Ford crate engine, which shares room 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.
"Eleanor has become one of the most widely recognized movie star muscle cars in the world, so when the decision was made to offer the ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ Hero car for sale, Mecum's Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis seemed like the perfect venue," commented Ray Claridge, owner of Cinema Vehicle Services. Set to be offered directly from the builder on Saturday, May 18 at the original, best and largest muscle car auction, this is truly the car that started it all.
Thirty-two hours of the Indianapolis auction will be broadcast live on Discovery’s Velocity Network with the entire auction streaming live on Mecum’s website at www.mecum.com. Mecum’s Indy auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day and general admission can be purchased at the door for $20 per person; children 12 and younger will be admitted at no cost. For more information on the auction or to register as a bidder, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 26 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Admission: $20 per person per day, children 12 and younger admitted free
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.
Auction: Vehicles start at 10 a.m. each day with Road Art 30 minutes prior
Live TV Schedule: Wednesday-Saturday 1-9 p.m.
(All Times Central)
