Eleanor Leads Charge for Two Iconic Cars

Movie and TV cars leave lasting impressions for many years, yet some of them seem to take on a mythical quality. Two of these cars, the 1967 Ford Mustang, and the 1961 Ferrari GT California, stick out as audience favorites. The mustang was featured in the movie Gone in 60 Seconds, and the Ferrari made its debut in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Both cars present the main characters in each of the movies with problems to solve, and they contribute to the climax of each movie as well. While the plots are pretty straight forward in both movies, these cars add an element of intrigue. Let’s take a look at why they both warrant consideration for icon status within the movie industry.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off chronicled the exploits of a highschool boy, is friend, and his girlfriend, as they skip school. During his day of adventure, Ferris convinces his best friend Cameron to let them drive his dad’s rare 1961 Ferrari GT California. His dad keeps it in a display area, and for good reason. Once they take the famous car for a ride, they have a blast showing off in it. One of the best parts of the car driving sequence occurs when they allow the valet workers to park it for them. After they hand over the keys, there is a classic scene that shows the valet parkers racing through the city and jumping over hills with reckless abandon.

Gone in 60 Seconds is a movie which is a car lover’s dream come true. The whole premise of the movie centers around the main character and his quest to steal as many cars as possible for a gang who is holding his brother hostage. The toughest car to steal turns out to be the 1967 Ford Mustang. Affectionately named “Eleanor,” this car is boosted and then used to evade the police and the crime syndicate. During the end of the movie, the main character’s friends give him the same Mustang to call his own.

These cars are stunningly beautiful, and they represent a type of car that most people will never have the pleasure to drive, much less to own one of them. It is for this reason that people tune in so that they can live vicariously through the characters. The cars drive the plot in both movies, and they caused sales to spike in both models worldwide.