Gone in Sixty Seconds was probably the single most
important movie to mustang enthusiasts everywhere since the movie Bullit.
The reasons have both positive and negative effects, depending on who
you ask. there is no doubt that the 1967 Mustang and '68 Fastbacks
popularity increased many many times since the release of the movie.
The movie became popular for a number of reasons. Honestly the 1967
Shelby "Eleanor" only played a part in what made the movie
iconic for it's time. The direction by Domenic Sena was superb. The cast
of characters and the actors and actresses who played the parts were
equally well chosen. The lead role played by Nicolas Cage anchored the
movie solidly. The ultra hot Angela Jolie played Sway, Memphis's partner
in crime. The evil Calitri was played by Christopher Eccleston, who in
the movie was believably eccentric and violent. Delro Lindo played the
Detective hot on Memphis's trail and who's character was weaving the
thread which helped connect all of the parts together in this version of
the movie. Thanks to a well directed and produced movie, Gone in 60
Seconds is likely to attain a 'cult' status as the years go by and
remain popular as it seems to have enough of the pieces to keep it on
the shelves of action movie lovers everywhere.
The negatives: The relatively affordable vintage Mustangs suddenly
shot up in value. Cars which at one time were affordable became out of
reach for some enthusiasts. Good complete quality Mustangs were
sometimes converted into Eleanors forever altering their originality.
Modifying classic Mustangs became the rage, annoying purists to no end.
The positive; Values of mustangs especially the 1967 fastback shells.
Rusty old cars suddenly were a hot commodity. C code cars were
Eleanorized in record numbers. Everyone wanted an Eleanor. High
performance parts and upgrades to the Mustangs were produced in record
numbers, and available to enthusiasts to bring their car up to the level
of a modern car in the department of suspension, drive train, braking
and more. Some of these parts were available before the movie, but the
demand for '67 and '68 pasts was really ramped up after the Gone in 60
Seconds movie.
Manufacturers started popping up everywhere producing Eleanor
Mustangs for the general public. Barrett Jackson obtained fantastic
prices for the Eleanors which went across the auction block,
reflecting the high public demand and desirability of the Modified
Mustangs.
Cinema
Vehicles at one time offered an "Offical" Eleanor Kit and
Certificate of Authenticity
The
Custom Fastback Website offers a guide for Eleanor enthusiasts and a
great forum
for trading build tips and following other "E" builds as
plain-jane fastbacks evolve into the popular Eleanor cars.
Unfortunately recent times have proved that all good things come to
an end.
Unique Performance had been producing Eleanors under license and in
association with Carroll Shelby and Chip Foose. It appeared that they
were fulfilling the dreams of prospective Eleanor owners.
Police
Sweep Unique Performance
Possible
Title Washing
Employees
Unpaid
So unfortunately it appears a lot of prospective purchasers, and
employees are out of money, jobs and cars. Hopefully someone picks up
the slack and is able to produce the cars again, or the Eleanor
excitement may slowly begin to fade from the public's eye.
One can not deny what has been the single most important movie in
recent times, for Vintage Mustang, and Shelby owners; Gone in 60
Seconds!
