Eleanor

1:18 Diecast Model by Greenlight

Front fog lights. Black racing stripes. And the unmistakable “Go Baby Go” gear shifter. If you know cars, you know exactly what this is. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the Greenlight 1:18 scale Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds. But is this model a dream score for collectors, or does a missing detail make it a deal-breaker? Let’s find out.

Packaging and First Look

Greenlight Collectibles’ Hollywood series is well known for recreating iconic screen cars, and Eleanor is no exception. The packaging is movie-branded with details about Eleanor’s role in the film, along with a spec sheet listing the custom modifications that make her so legendary. It’s even officially licensed by Ford, but there’s an interesting twist to that licensing, which we’ll get into later.

For movie car collectors like myself, Eleanor is the Holy Grail. It’s a must-have. Even though I bought this model secondhand, the box is in great condition, and I appreciate that Greenlight’s packaging uses a protective plastic molding. No annoying screws attaching it to a base—just pop it out, and you’re ready to go. And now, finally holding it in my hands, I have to say, this one has been on my wishlist for a long time.

The Real Eleanor – A Quick Backstory

For those unfamiliar with the film, Gone in 60 Seconds follows a retired car thief forced to steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother. Eleanor, a 1967 customized Shelby Mustang GT500, is the most elusive and iconic car in the heist. With its sleek lines, roaring engine, and starring role in the film’s high-octane chase scenes, Eleanor embodies speed, danger, and the ultimate pursuit. But today, she’s a 1:18 diecast model, and we’re here to see how well Greenlight captured her essence.

Functionality – What Moves and What Doesn’t?

Greenlight’s Hollywood series is known for including functional components, and this model delivers. The hood, trunk, and doors all open, allowing a peek inside. A small but welcome feature is that the front seats move forward, just like in the real car—something you don’t often see at this price point. The wheels do turn left and right, though I’d advise against using the steering wheel since it feels a bit stiff. One downside? No working suspension. So, if you were hoping to recreate Eleanor’s famous jumps, think again.

Build Quality – A Closer Look

The model measures just over ten inches long, three inches high, and about four inches wide. It weighs in at 1.68 pounds, giving it a solid, premium feel in hand. The paint job is Pepper Gray Metallic with black stripes, though up close, it leans a little too metallic for my taste. It’s almost too sparkly, which takes away from the aggressive look of the real car.

The body panels are metal, and all the right curves and lines from Steve Stanford’s custom design are there. The aggressive styling blends seamlessly with classic muscle car elegance. From the air scoops and hood hump to the signature front grille and bumper, Greenlight nailed the unique look of Eleanor. The rims are PS Engineering replicas, matching what we see in the film.

That said, not everything is perfect. The wheels don’t roll as smoothly as I’d like, with the front ones appearing to rub slightly. There are a few minor paint blemishes here and there, and the grille has a strange camouflage-like pattern that wasn’t present in the movie car. The chrome trim around the door is also a little flimsy. These could be factory defects, but I’d love to know if anyone else has had similar issues. Let me know in the comments.

Details That Stand Out

Taking a closer look, there are some interesting details—both good and bad. One thing that jumps out immediately is the missing GT500 lettering on the lower pinstriping. And here’s the big one: there’s no Shelby badging anywhere. Instead, we see Gone in 60 Seconds and Eleanor branding.

This goes back to a legal issue between the Gone in 60 Seconds franchise and Shelby American. Without diving too deep into the licensing battle, the short version is that the rights to the Eleanor name and design belong to the estate of Gone in 60 Seconds, not Shelby. As a result, Greenlight’s Eleanor isn’t an officially licensed Shelby product, meaning no Shelby GT500 badging. However, it is officially licensed by Ford, allowing them to use the 1967 Mustang Fastback design.

If you can overlook the missing Shelby logos, there’s plenty to appreciate. Under the hood, the engine bay is well-detailed, featuring chrome elements and clearly visible components like the oil cap, brake fluid reservoir, spark plug cables, radiator, coolant tank, and air filter. The real GT500 had a Ford big-block 428 V8, but the movie car—the one auctioned for $1 million—used a modified 351 V8 with 400 horsepower. Can you tell which engine Greenlight went with?

At the rear, the trunk opens to reveal a nitrous oxide tank, a cool touch even though we never actually see it in the film. Another accurate detail is the license plate, which matches the one used in the movie. Flipping the model over, the undercarriage is nicely detailed, showcasing the control arms, oil pan, gearbox, driveshaft, differential, exhaust system, and fuel tank. You can even see where the exhaust exits to the sides.

Interior – A Well-Executed Cockpit

Inside, there’s a lot to admire. The wooden steering wheel looks great, and the dashboard is cleanly finished, with clearly visible gauges. The center console features the famous “Go Baby Go” shifter, a defining element of Eleanor’s design. Since this is a manual transmission model, you’ll also find a clutch pedal. Even the door panels have nice detailing, adding to the realism.

One particularly nice touch is the folding seats, which allow for a better view of the rear interior. Overall, Greenlight did an impressive job capturing the look and feel of Eleanor’s cabin.

The Verdict – Is It Worth It?

So, is this the real deal or just another replica? Because of the Eleanor branding and lack of Shelby logos, this model leans more toward the licensed Gone in 60 Seconds replicas rather than being a true screen-accurate Shelby GT500. That said, it’s an excellent representation of the movie car and a solid addition to any collection.

Personally, I appreciate that this is an officially licensed Gone in 60 Seconds product. We all know it’s a Shelby, and once it’s displayed in a case, most people won’t question its authenticity. As a movie car enthusiast, this one’s a definite yes for me. At Greenlight’s price point, it’s a steal.

What do you think? Does the missing Shelby badging bother you, or is this model still a must-have? Let me know in the comments! As always, you can watch my full video review on our YouTube Channel below.

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