American Muscle Monday- Eleanor

When you think about famous cars, does the beautiful 1971 Ford Mustang Sportsroof that was featured in the 1974 film, "Gone in 60 Seconds" ring a bell? Perhaps you're more familiar with the Jerry Bruckheimer remake of the film in 2000, starring Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie, which featured a customized 1967 Mustang fastback. Either way, our focus for this weeks American Muscle Monday is... Eleanor.

Original Eleanor. Image from JD Rucker at ford-life.com

There were two 1971 Mustang Sportroofs that were used in the 1974 version of the film. The first was saved as a beauty car, and was not modified for the film. However, the car was supposedly crushed after filming had finished. The reason for this is unknown. The second car was used as the stunt car. It took the crew 250 hours of labor to prepare it for filming. A laundry list of adjustments and modifications were made.

• All body panels were removed so that a roll cage could be installed throughout the cars stock uni-body.
• The transmission was chained in.
• An adjustable camera rig was mounted to the backseat to capture footage from the drivers' point of view.
• Heavy duty Simpson shoulder harness' was added
• Deadbolt door locks installed
• Aftermarket hood pins
• 24-volt electrical system
• On-board first-aid kit
• Electrical kill switches
• Individual locking rear brakes
• Fish planting of the undercarriage

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Both of these precious vehicles represent an and of an era. Before we started to become more conservative with our vehicle design towards the end of the 1970's, companies like Ford were not afraid to share their idea of pure American muscle with the world.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_(automobile)