Few cars are as recognizable or as sought-after quite like Eleanor, the star of “Gone in 60 Seconds,” the popular movie that marked the 25th anniversary of its debut in 2025. For Nicolas Cage’s Randall “Memphis” Raines, Eleanor wasn’t just any car, it was the car he had to have — and it’s easy to see why. For one lucky bidder at the 2026 Columbus Auction, this 25th Anniversary Limited Edition 1968 Ford Mustang Licensed Eleanor (Lot #738), built by Ikonic Concepts, will prove to be the car for them as well when it sells with No Reserve, June 25-27, at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds.
Unlike a “tribute edition,” this licensed Eleanor is an authentic continuation of the car that became one of the most unforgettable movie icons. In the film, Eleanor was referred to as Memphis’ unicorn, the one that always got away. That mystique lives on in this build. Finished in the instantly recognizable Pepper Gray Metallic two-stage paint with black Rally stripes, the car has been sculpted with every movie-correct modification: the side scoops, the aggressive front valance and, of course, the iconic “Go-Baby-Go” NOS switch and shifter knob. For fans, just opening the door is like stepping onto the set of the film.
Of course, this Eleanor isn’t just about looking the part. Under the domed hood sits Ford’s Coyote 5.0-liter V-8, an all-aluminum block paired with Holley’s self-learning Terminator X EFI system and eight retro-styled downdraft stacks. Backed by a Tremec TKO 5-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch turning a Ford 9-inch rear end, this Eleanor is ready to cruise along the pavement just as she did on screen.
Spent fumes exit through ceramic headers and a 2.5-inch exhaust fed through the side rockers, delivering the kind of growl Memphis Raines could only dream about. A heavy-duty aluminum radiator keeps things cool when the chase gets hot, and Wilwood disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors ensure Eleanor can stop quickly to evade obstacles if need be while navigating narrow streets.
Chase-ready handling comes courtesy of a four-link rear suspension, front and rear adjustable coilovers and hydro-electric rack-and-pinion steering. Subframe connectors help stiffen the chassis, while an electric e-brake adds both modern convenience and a nod to the slick stunt work that made Eleanor a star. This is a car engineered not just for show, but for the kind of pulse-pounding pursuit that defined the movie’s high-speed chases.
Every inch of this build reflects unparalleled craftsmanship. Having undergone a professional restoration, almost every nut and bolt on this Limited-Edition Eleanor is new. The attention to detail is reflected throughout the build. The body gaps and custom scoops are hand-fitted with 90-degree seams and the car glows with red LED ground effects — an unmistakable presence in any setting. Between the taillights, a laser-cut, backlit “Gone in 60 Seconds” emblem cements its identity. The builder even went a step further, finishing the underside of this fastback in body-color paint with heavy clearcoat allowing for easy wipe-downs.
The interior carries the same level of detail. The cabin was treated with Dynamat sound-deadening material, while a roll bar with harnesses not only enhance safety but adds to the movie accuracy, as does a faux NOS bottle in the rear. Custom seats are embroidered with the “Gone in 60 Seconds” logo, while billet trim on the dash and door panels, a custom console and modern Velocity gauges balance vintage style with modern function. The driver is connected to the car via a wood-styled vintage steering wheel and, in the words of Memphis Raines, “Control, vision, determination … Speed is a byproduct. Going fast. But remember: The car is you, you are the car.”
Comfort is king, too: power windows, locks, tilt steering, air conditioning and even USB charging are all discreetly integrated. And when it’s time to cruise instead of chase, the RetroSound stereo with Bluetooth connectivity provides the soundtrack.
As if being an officially licensed 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Eleanor wasn’t enough, what makes this car extra-special is that the dash carries the signature of Chuck Picerni, stunt coordinator for the 2000 film. The sale includes Eleanor certification paperwork, body VIN plate and official emblems issued by Gone in 60 Seconds LLC, along with a build book documenting every stage of the process. Even better, it comes with a framed 30×40 movie poster and signed photos of the movie’s main stars, Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.
In “Gone in 60 Seconds,” Eleanor was “the last car,” the one that tested Memphis’ skill, patience and luck. In the real world, certified Eleanor builds like this are just as special and coveted. With only shakedown miles since its completion, this example is waiting for its next starring role. For collectors and fans alike, the chase is over. Eleanor is ready to be caught.
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.
