Helleanor: Meet the Hellcat-Swapped Iconic Mustang GT500

With a six-speed manual transmission and a screaming 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi, Helleanor the Mustang isn’t here to play games.

There are certain things in the automotive world that will, without question, irritate some purists. However, this one is more likely to irritate Ford Mustang enthusiasts than Dodge enthusiasts. All of that nonsensical bickering aside, we’re here to appreciate this absolute mashing of a myriad of words cumulating into a monster named “Helleanor.”

Helleanor is currently listed for sale on Bring A Trailer and, at the time of writing, has two days left to bid. Whether you’re a diehard Mopar fan, a ‘till-death Mustang fan, or a general car enthusiast who is too intelligent to have blind brand dedications, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Eleanor. The legendary Ford Mustang GT500 featured in the Nicholas Cage hit Gone in 60 Seconds. It’s famous for other reasons, too, but we don’t really need to dig too far into those frustrating litigious issues. Instead, we’ll just take an appreciative look at this badass ride.

More Than Enough Power to Match the Looks

This 1968 Ford Mustang is, indeed, an actual 1968 Ford Mustang. However, it did not start life as a genuine GT500. Indeed, some Mustang enthusiasts will sigh relief at that fact. Instead, it was a standard C-code coupe with a 289 cubic-inch V8; not exactly the pinnacle of muscle car prowess. That lowly 271 horsepower carbureted small block has been sent to Valhalla, and in its place sits everyone’s favorite whining 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi engine.

To the joy of automotive enthusiasts around the world, that Hellcat V8 is mat mated to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. Standalone engine management comes courtesy of Holley via its Terminator X system. The listing doesn’t specify any power output, but it’s safe to assume that it’s over 700 horsepower for obvious reasons. Without a doubt, getting behind the wheel of this monstrous Mustang and manually rowing through all those gears while you hear the iconic whine and roar of the Hellcat coinciding with your right foot finding the floor would put a smile on the lifeless. The full coilover suspension conversion will help put that power down and keep you planted through corners, too.

Helleanor Is a “Real” Eleanor

If you’re unfamiliar with the legal issues surrounding producing an “Eleanor” replica until relatively recently, you can read about one being confiscated on our sister site, The Mustang Source. All that aside, “Helleanor” is an “officially recognized” Eleanor replica as indicated by the plaque inside the door from The Eleanor World Registry.

Inside, you’ll find gorgeous black upholstery, an era-appropriate and massively long B&M shifter, wood trim, a roll hoop, and none other than Carrol Shelby’s signature on the dash. The sneaky side-exit exhaust molded into the side skirts and iconic front bumper lights is all you need to see to know what you’re looking at. It truly is a beautiful and iconic form factor.

Overall, we think this is a phenomenal build. The Hellcat engine is a feat of modern automotive engineering that need not be bound to one brand. Everyone can appreciate it, and we think this collaboration of two icons is truly outstanding.

Photos: Bring A Trailer

Braden Carlson

Braden Carlson is an automotive enthusiast from Boise, Idaho. At 19 he quit his day job to pursue a career in automotive journalism, launching his Youtube channel in his own name. Today you can still find him producing DIY video content, reviews and writing for an amassment of automotive websites. His work is most frequently found on Rennlist, The Mustang Source and Corvette Forum. When not writing or driving, he's likely to be found covered in grease and oil undoubtedly from one of his gratuitous collection of questionable project cars.