It's been nearly 18 years since Nicolas Cage starred
in the remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds but the Ford Mustang known as Eleanor is
still instantly recognizable after all this time.
The model is highly sought after and the Fusion Motor
Company has announced it secured the rights to build "officially licensed
Eleanor Mustang Fastbacks." As the company explains, they inked a deal
with Gone in 60 Seconds co-producer Denise Halicki whose late husband, H.B.
“Toby” Halicki, created and starred in the original movie in 1974.
Fusion president Yoel Wazana meet Halicki through
mutual friends and the two discussed his Eleanor tribute car that was built by
another manufacturer. Wazana says the car had a number of issues including bad
Bondo transitions and a fiberglass body that sagged and vibrated. After Halicki
toured Fusion’s fabrication shop, she felt the company should build the latest
Eleanor Mustangs.
Each model is based on a 1967 or 1968 Ford Mustang
Fastback and the donor cars are stripped to their shells and given a complete
overhaul which includes the installation of new reinforcements and a Detroit
Speed Aluma-Frame front IFS kit. The cars are also equipped with a custom
multi-link rear suspension, Wilwood brakes, and a Currie Enterprises Ford
9-inch rear end. Other highlights include a limited-slip differential, carbon
fiber components, and LED lighting units which look period correct when they
are shut off.
Inside, drivers will find factory-style lowback
bucket seats, a tilt steering column, and an air-conditioning system. Other
niceties include power locks and an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. A
variety of options are available including Recaro racing seats, custom Auto
Meter gauges, and an infotainment system with GPS navigation.
Five different Roush V8 engines are available and
the entry-level unit is a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 430 hp. A
supercharged variant bumps the output to 600 hp, while there are also
three 427 cubic inch engines with outputs of 480 hp, 560 hp and 750 hp. These can be connected to either a five or six-speed
manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at US$ 189,000 and it takes about six
months to build the car.