The legal loophole that stopped anyone from replicating Hollywood's most beloved Mustang for 20 years
Published on Jul 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jul 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The legal loophole that stopped anyone from replicating Hollywood’s most beloved Mustang muscle car for over 20 years is finally over, freeing this special Ford Mustang, the legendary Eleanor.
Eleanor, the famous Ford Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds, has been the subject of a long-running legal dispute for years, which banned people from recreating the Mustang.
Some projects to recreate the car have even received cease and desist orders, telling the owners to stop what they are doing.
However, that legal loophole is no more, and finally, we can legally have recreations of this famous and iconic Mustang.
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What was the legal loophole for Hollywood’s most beloved Mustang?
The original Eleanor muscle car is a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback.
An original film showing the Mustang was released in cinemas in 1971.
However, a remake followed in 2000 starring Nick Cage, and this is where the car really rose to fame.
This is also when legal issues started to arise.
Denice Halicki, daughter of the original movie’s creator HB Halicki, sued for copyright against the car.
This followed a legal battle against Carroll Shelby himself, who had partnered with a Texas builder to make Eleanor replicas.
A four-year-long battle saw Halicki win, but she then tried to claim any vehicle named Eleanor belonged to her.
Halicki aggressively began defending the copyright, even causing YouTuber B is for Build to pull 14 videos on his replica Eleanor Mustang.
Halicki’s case finally ran out of steam
Finally, though, her case began to run out of steam as fans of the car rallied against her claim.
In 2024, the Ninth Circuit Court ruled that a car isn’t a character, it’s a prop.
In June 2025, a final verdict was issued by the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
This verdict, which we covered, has been long-awaited by Eleanor fans.
It declared that Eleanor ‘could not be copyright-protected,’ ending Halicki’s claim against the muscle car.
Fans of the car could now finally build their own replica, without worrying about cease and desist letters.
Our very own Alex Hirschi, aka Supercar Blondie, has driven an Eleanor replica.
It has also allowed Cinema Muscle Recreations to build official replicas marking 25 years since the remake.
Hollywood’s most beloved Mustang is free again.
This is a massive win for lovers of the car and film, one that many have felt has been a long time coming.
Finally, we can get our hands on Eleanor replicas again.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
