Here we have a pairing of two Millennium celebrities with a Vegas connection. When you become the high bidder of this Eleanor replica at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming (June 22-24, 2023) auction in Las Vegas, it will become your car and you can drive it like you stole it. However, not all Eleanor replicas are created equal, with this one being more equal than others.
First off: do you remember Danny Gans? Impressionist, actor, singer, car aficionado, and all-around funny guy. He’s been called the greatest entertainer you’ve never heard of. The Los Angeles Times described his act as “impersonation not as satire but as a breathtaking achievement — entertainers of the last 50 years put in a blender and presented as a mass-culture smoothie.” Danny started his Las Vegas career in 1996 that led to him becoming a big deal on the Strip until he unexpectedly passed away in 2009.
At the same time Danny was making audiences clap and laugh, a remake of the classic B-movie, Gone in 60 Seconds, hit theaters. In some respects, the hero in the original was a modified 1971 Mustang SportsRoof, but the 2000 reboot featured a customized 1967 Shelby GT500 that has spawned adoration from universe to shining universe thanks to the Internet.
In 2002, Danny Gans commissioned Cinema Vehicle Services to transform a lowly 1967 Mustang 2+2 into a replica of the Sanford and Foose-designed Eleanor. An element of authenticity was given thanks to the Total Control Products body kit, which was based on the custom fiberglass molds cast for the actual movie car. Eleanor continued to take shape via a 400-horsepower 351 Windsor featuring a Clay Smith camshaft and roller rockers, forged pistons, Shorty headers, and other good bits. A five-speed manual with Centerforce performance clutch harnesses the inspiration of Randall “Memphis” Raines.
Underneath, the A-arms were relocated to make way for the installation of Shelby drop spindles. Other mods include 620 coil springs, shock tower saddles, KYB shocks, five-leaf mid-eye rear springs, and plenty more. Custom wheels from PS Engineering (17 x 9.5/rear and 17 x 8/front) are mounted on Z-rated tires, with the set controlled by power-boosted four-wheel discs.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by vintage Shelby seats with fold-down rear seat, but modernity also graces the interior thanks to the likes of a Vintage Air climate control system, four-speaker AM/FM cassette radio, custom-mounted AutoMeter Phantom gauges, wooden Lecarra steering wheel, and more.
Danny Gans’ Eleanor replica currently shows approximately 4,000 miles since the build was completed in 2002. The sale will include a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its pedigree. If this sounds like your dream car, then be sure to attend the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction on June 22-24. However, be forewarned that it’s also the dream car of many other folks, so for sure this vehicle won’t be a steal.
