Fusion Motors Brings Eleanor Mustangs Back to Life
Fusion Motors’ new spin on the classic Fastback reminds us why we still love Gone in 60 Seconds.
When it comes to the idea of a classic, sometimes it’s best if the original idea is left untouched. But every now and then, you come across something that makes you feel it’s OK to break the rules.
Such is the case with Fusion Motor Company’s new Eleanor Mustang Fastback, an officially licensed re-creation of the famous ’67 Shelby GT500 from the 2000 hit movie Gone in 60 Seconds. What inspired Fusion to even build the car?
Well, apparently the same thing that left movie mobs mesmerized when we first saw Nicolas Cage’s character, Randall, introduce it on the silver screen.
“I fell in love with it.
The look, the sound, it just grabbed me immediately.”
“When I first saw the scene in the movie, where they walk up to the car, I got to the edge of my seat,” Fusion president, Yoel Wazana, told Robb Report. “I fell in love with it. The look, the sound, it just grabbed me immediately.”
Who knew that years later Wazana would wind up meeting the movie’s co-producer, Denise Halicki? She’s the widow of the late H.B. “Toby” Halicki, who had a starring role in the original movie. One thing led to another, and Denise wound up giving Wazana and his Fusion Motor Company the official licensing rights to recreate the car. And clearly, it’s an honor that the Los Angeles-based team hasn’t taken lightly.
Fusion has gone to painstaking lengths to stay true to the authenticity of the Eleanor Mustang in reconstructing the vehicles. The company only uses Mustang models from ‘67 and 1968, authenticated by the California Highway Patrol for the builds, to beef up the cars with a reinforced chassis and higher-performance suspension systems.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About the New Eleanor
Engine options include five different Roush V8s, with output ranging from 430 to 750 hp, paired with either a Ford 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission or a Tremac TKO manual 5-speed. There’s also an optional Tremac T-56 manual 6-speed available.
The most coveted of all features is the new Eleanor’s nitrous oxide tank in the trunk, which can be connected to the gearshift button that’s emblazoned with the same “Go Baby Go” as seen in the movie (below). Though, using the feature, nullifies Roush’s warranty with the engine.
Other features include carbon-fiber splitters and spoilers, Wilwood brakes, and Nitto NT555 tires. Oh, and, of course, there’s a fair share of “Eleanor” badging.
Impressed yet? Well, don’t get too excited. At a cost of $250,000 per car, it’s still very much a dream car for most of us.