Elusive Eleanor 'Going, going. . . 'at Shannons Sydney auction
Shannons expect a picture- perfect replica of one of the world's most famous Mustangs to be gone within 60 minutes of first hammer fall at their upcoming Sydney auction on May 15.
The superb US-built custom fastback recreation of the famed 'Eleanor' Mustang driven by actor Nicholas Cage in the closing scenes of the film 'Gone in 60 Seconds', is going under the hammer with an expected selling price of $190,000-$210,000.
If it's 'stolen' for this money, it will set a new Australian record for a road-going Mustang, eclipsing the $168,000 paid for a low mileage left-hand drive 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback at Shannons March Sydney auction.
The original Gone in 60 Seconds came out in 1974, starred H.B. Halicki and featured a yellow 1973 Mach 1 named Eleanor. The movie ran for 91 minutes and the famous car chase scene lasted 40 minutes.
For the 2000 remake, Cage (aka serial car thief Randall 'Memphis' Raines) has to steal twice as many (100) exotic cars in 24 hours to save his kid brother's life. This time the final car they steal is a spectacular silver and black customised fastback 7-litre Mustang, again named Eleanor.
The car being auctioned was imported to Australia 18 months ago and is regarded by Shannons as one of the finest Eleanor recreations available, having covered just 355 miles since it was built.
Based on a 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback, the car is a faithful reproduction of the film car, from its customer bumpers and side sill exhaust outlets to its special rear mudguard and window vents and unique driving lights.
Under the bonnet is a full house Cobra 428ci (7-litre) V8 modified to run on nitrous oxide and mated to a five speed manual gearbox, while its full Shelby Cobra interior, including special Shelby Cobra woodrim steering wheel, competition pedals and additional gauges, is unmarked.
With the growing cult status of the Gone in 60 Seconds film, Eleanor Mustangs have an appreciating world value and a now regarded as amongst the most collectable of the Mustang models.
For those who can't 'steal' the Eleanor at the Shannons auction, an interesting alternative is the totally restored right hand drive black with gold stripe 1966 Ford Mustang GT350H Replica Fastback.
Given that a genuine Shelby GT350H (Hertz) in similar condition would have a value close to $200,000, Shannons believe that this car which is virtually undetectable from the real thing represents excellent value at its anticipated selling price in the $50,000-$60,000 price range.
For further auction information, contact:
Christophe Boribon, National Auctions Manager 13 46 46 or 0413 567 308 or Ian Clayton (02) 9438 9337
Media information & publication quality photos: Michael Browning (03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324
