Loading

What Ford was in Gone in 60 Seconds?

The Ford you see tearing through the streets in Gone in 60 Seconds is the Ford Mustang. Across the two incarnations of the film—the 1974 original and the 2000 remake—the Mustang anchors the plot, though the exact model differs between versions.


In the original Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)


In the original film, the central getaway car is a Ford Mustang. The exact year and variant are not consistently documented across sources, but the car is a late-1960s to early-1970s Mustang used for the film’s extensive chase scenes.



  • The stolen car at the heart of the heist is a Ford Mustang used for the film’s action-packed pursuit.

  • Model/year details: widely cited as a late-1960s to early-1970s Mustang, with sources varying on the precise year and variant.

  • Filming and stunts: the Mustang was heavily modified to accommodate practical stunts and the heavy action sequence.


In this version, the Mustang helps define the film’s tension and pace, establishing the franchise’s long-standing association with the model.


The 2000 remake: Eleanor, the 1967 Ford Mustang GT500


The 2000 remake centers on a highly customized 1967 Ford Mustang GT500, famously nicknamed "Eleanor." This version elevated the car to iconic status, featuring extensive cosmetic and performance modifications for the film’s signature chase scenes.



  • The central car is a 1967 Ford Mustang GT500, known in the film’s lore as Eleanor.

  • Customization: substantial bodywork and performance upgrades were added to create the film-ready everyday hero/antihero vehicle.

  • Impact: Eleanor became a lasting symbol in car culture and cinema, influencing audiences and later discussions of movie cars.


The remake leveraged the Mustang as both a plot engine and a visual icon, reinforcing the Mustang’s place in action cinema and popular culture.


Why the Mustang matters in Gone in 60 Seconds


The Ford Mustang, particularly the GT/GT500 variants, offers instant recognizability and a strong association with speed, power, and rebellious style. Both films use the Mustang to anchor their stories around high-stakes theft and chase sequences, making the model a central character in its own right.


Summary


Across both films, the Ford Mustang is the vehicle at the heart of Gone in 60 Seconds. The original centers on a late-1960s to early-1970s Mustang used in the heist, while the 2000 remake revolves around the iconic 1967 Mustang GT500 nicknamed Eleanor. Together, they solidify the Mustang’s enduring connection to fast-paced car cinema and cultural iconography.

Was "Eleanor


Designed by legendary car builder Chip Foose and built by Cinema Vehicle Services, the 2000 film version of Eleanor was a heavily modified Mustang fastback made to look like a Shelby GT500, outfitted with custom bodywork, side exhausts, unique lighting, and modern performance upgrades.



Is Eleanor a 67 or 68 Mustang?


The hero car from the 2000 movie is arguably more famous, a 1967 Mustang Fastback with customization by Chip Foose. It's a very recognizable car with side-exit exhausts, valance-mounted auxiliary lights, and some touches that are consistent with other cars styled by Foose.



What kind of car was used in Gone in 60 Seconds?


The name of the car in Gone in 60 Seconds is Eleanor, a customized 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Eleanor is the "star" car of the film, and while the car was also featured in the original 1974 film (as a 1973 fastback), it is most famously known as the Shelby GT500 from the 2000 remake.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of Eleanor the Mustang: 43sCarStarzYouTube · Dec 10, 2024

  • Original 1974 film: The first Eleanor was a customized 1973 Ford Mustang fastback. 
  • 2000 remake: The iconic Eleanor in the remake was a customized 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang, painted in metallic pepper grey. The car's design was created by Steve Stanford and brought to life by Chip Foose. 



Was Eleanor a GT500 or GT350?


"Eleanor" is depicted as a Dupont Pepper Grey 1967 Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang fastback, dressed with a customized body kit designed by Steve Stanford and created by Chip Foose.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.