Production
Though four instances of Eleanor are portrayed in the film as "Eleanor" targets, only two cars were used in filming, with license plates and tires alternated as necessary. Of these two, one car was modified for the stunt driving necessitated by the final chase and wrecked in the process, while the other was kept intact for all external "beauty shots". The latter car was also used for all but two interior shots.Preparation of the vehicles
Both 1971 Mustang Sportsroofs used in the film (neither car has been proven to be a Mach 1, as often assumed) were bought in 1971, but—as it was three years before the film's director H. B. Halicki could raise sufficient funds to start filming—each car was modified with grilles taken from a 1973 model for the film (though each retain the original front bumpers, lower valances, and fenders). As with the liberties taken with the body modifications, Halicki's paint scheme featured a unique blackout treatment to the lower bodyside, taillight panel, and standard hood; similar, but not identical to Ford factory offerings on the Mach 1 (and Exterior Decor Group on Sportsroofs) at the time. All identifiable badging spelling the "Mustang" name was removed, though the grille badge and "Ford Motor Company" hubcaps are visible in the film. Despite claims that both cars were painted in Ford's Medium Yellow Gold, Halicki, in a 1974 interview, stated that the cars were painted "genericStunt car
The modified car required 250 hours of labor before it was ready for the film. All body panels were removed in order to install a roll cage throughout the Mustang's stock unibody. The transmission was also chained in for safety. An adjustable camera rig was mounted in the back seat to capture footage from the internal "driver's point of view". The wrecked Eleanor was equipped with a base interior and no instrumentation package, but utilized seats from the Mustang's deluxe interior package; sourced from the beauty car. Conversely, the beauty car had deluxe interior, with the standard seats from the stunt car swapped into it. Other safety modifications included: * Heavy-duty Simpson shoulder harness * Deadbolt door locks * Aftermarket hood pins * 24-volt electrical system * On-board first-aid kit * Electrical kill switches * Individual locking rear brakes * Fish plating of the undercarriage—3" × 3/8" steel The interior of the stunt car is seen only once in the film, when Halicki—as Maindrian Pace—places his hands against the windshield when cornered by the Long Beach police. The rollcage is clearly visible against the A-pillar. All other interior shots were executed with the "beauty" car, generally on alternate filming dates. The stunt car survives to this day, despite two serious incidents during filming. The first occurred during a stunt wherein "Eleanor" cuts across multiple lanes of freeway traffic. The stunt driver leading the "traffic" overshot his mark during the take, clipping the Mustang and causing it to careen into a nearby light pole. Halicki was rendered unconscious from the impact, but filming resumed the following week—utilizing this accident as part of the final film. Halicki's first words—upon regaining consciousness—were "Did we get coverage?" Following the incident with the light pole, Halicki compressed multiple vertebrae after performing the impressive 128-foot jump in the closing minutes of the film. The modified Mustang survived, despite the rough nose landing.Beauty Eleanor
The second car was left with no modifications—as noted by cinematographer Jack Vacek in the film's DVD commentary—and was not modified extensively other than the obligatory matching paint job, grille change, and seat swap with the stunt car. Though this car was not damaged during filming, in 1974 Halicki claimed during the film's premiere that the car was crushed.Eleanor (2000 film)
Screen-used vehicles
Depending on the source, either eleven or twelve cars were built by Cinema Vehicle Services for the film (not including CVS's creation of one additional Eleanor clone—with a Ford 428—for producer Bruckheimer). Nine were shells, and three were built as fully functional vehicles. Seven were reported to have "survived the filming ndmade it back to Cinema Vehicle Services" according to research by Mustangandfords.com. Of the surviving vehicles, three cars have been offered to the public with claims of originality and screen-use in the film, as follows: All three claim to be functional builds for the film. Whether the two wrecked cars were rebuilt—or whether surviving shells were built up into functional cars—remains unknown and unpublicized. A fourth car, VIN #7F02C229830, last offered for sale in Dubai, also claims originality to the film. This car has not been authenticated.Reproductions
Between 2007 and 2009, Classic Recreations manufactured reproductions of the 2000 film's Eleanor Mustang under license by Halicki Films/Eleanor Licensing. After two years Classic Recreations terminated the licensing agreement. Classic Recreations produced two models of the Eleanor Mustang (535 model, 750 model). Fusion Motor Company of"Eleanor" copyright controversy
Over a number of years, Denice Halicki has claimed to own the copyrights to "Eleanor" as a "character", including its various body styles and likenesses. These lawsuits have sparked uncertainty among many in the car community, concerned that personal replicas or online media could be legally actionable.2004: Halicki vs. Unique Performance
In 2004, Halicki brought a court case against specialty car builder Unique Performance. The company had entered into a licensing agreement with2008: Halicki vs. Shelby
A further "Eleanor" copyright suit was brought against2020: Halicki vs. B is for Build
In May 2020, Halicki filed a case against2022: Carroll Shelby Licensing vs. Halicki
Following the 2008 ruling, Halicki brought further lawsuits against Classic Recreations, alleging that their licensed Shelby GT500 reproductions were violating the claimed "Eleanor" copyright. These actions also included legal letters addressed to "owners and an auction house" from Halicki, in an effort to prevent the resale of these cars. These actions eventually resulted in Carroll Shelby Licensing filing a case (collectively with Classic Recreations) against Halicki in 2022. As a result of this suit, the2023: Halicki Appeal to Ninth Circuit
In February 2023, Halicki appealed the previous ruling with the2025: Ninth Circuit Ruling
In June 2025, the Ninth Circuit ruled that Eleanor is not eligible for copyright protection, as the car is a prop and not a character. The ruling mentioned that the car failed the three prongs of the Towle test: lacking anthropomorphic qualities, consistent traits, and specifically distinctive qualities.References
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