Hollywood's most beloved Mustang is finally returning after a 20-year legal battle

Published on Jul 09, 2025 at 2:22 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara

Last updated on Jul 09, 2025 at 2:37 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

The most beloved Mustang in Hollywood, affectionately known as Eleanor, is finally returning.

It has been the star of one of Hollywood’s most controversial sagas.

For 20 years, this Mustang has been the star of an ongoing legal battle.

But the dispute is finally over – and Eleanor is officially back.

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Most beloved Mustang can’t be copyrighted

Eleanor makes a very strong argument for being Hollywood’s most beloved Mustang.

Steve McQueen’s dark-green Mustang in Bullitt runs it close, but still.

As you know by now, Eleanor is the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback that starred in Gone in 60 Seconds.

For the past two decades, Eleanor has been at the epicentre of a long-running legal battle.

The original movie – written by HB Halicki – was released in 1971, with the movie being a one-man show for Halicki.

Halicki’s widow, Denice, is also a movie producer – and she sued for copyright of the Eleanor Mustang.

Last month, the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a deciding verdict.

 In Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. v. Halicki, the court determined that Eleanor can’t be copyright-protected.

According to the court, Halicki’s argument ‘stalls at the starting line.’

“We hold that Eleanor is not a character, much less a copyrightable one,” the verdict stated.

This means that fans of the iconic 2000 Nick Cage-starring remake can finally get their hands on a legitimate replica car.

Eleanor Mustang is being built for 25th anniversary

These replica cars will be built by the same people who built the original cars for the movie itself.

Cinema Muscle Recreations will officially be building replicas to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the remake.

Randy Wolff, the CEO, will personally supervise the project – alongside Ray Claridge, founder of Cinema Vehicle Services.

Almost every car fan across the globe will have seen the iconic 2000 remake of the film.

The remake stars Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie, but, in many ways, the biggest star of the movie isn’t Cage or Jolie.

In fact, many would argue that the biggest star isn’t even a human being.

Instead, the star of the show is Eleanor – the beloved silver-and-black Mustang.

These 25th anniversary models are going to be built with one goal in mind.

The aim is to preserve the iconic look, while adding modern upgrades and tech.

A Ford GEN IV Coyote V8 that produces 480hp is standard.

In case 480hp doesn’t do it for you, then there is a very fun optional extra.

A Roush, 427-cubic-inch V8 with 550hp will be available for $18,000.

Or, if that still doesn’t do it for you, a Whipple 3.0L Supercharger, good for 875hp, is available.

But that will sting you to the tune of over $19,000.

Orders are open now, so get one reserved before Eleanor truly is Gone in 60 Seconds… again.

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Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.