Disney
From what I can gather, TNT might as well change its name to The Nicolas Cage Channel based on the frequency they air movies starring the actor who once dropped $125 million on castles and has spent the past few years channeling his National Treasure character and searching for the Holy Grail.
Asking me to pick my favorite Nic Cage movie is kind of like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, as they’re all special in their own unique way. Much like a child, they also require constant attention, which is while I’ll cancel any plans I may have whenever The Rock or Con Air are on television.
However, as someone who’s a sucker for anything starring Scott Caan or Giovanni Ribisi (which is why I love Boiler Room more than anyone ever should), I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Gone in 60 Seconds.
If you’re somehow unfamiliar with the film that inspired one of the most time-consuming missions in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Cage is a car thief tasked with stealing 50 luxury ride over the course of three days in order to prevent his brother (played by Ribisi) from getting whacked by a British gangster.
One of those cars in question is a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 dubbed “Eleanor,” which had eluded Cage’s character for years. When everything is said and done, he manages to steal it but the aforementioned gangster throws it in a trash compactor because he went over the 72-hour deadline. However, his crew eventually rewards him with a banged-up Shelby at the end of the movie and Cage presumably goes on to make sweet, sweet love to the tailpipe and the two live happily ever after.
The Gone in 60 Seconds production crew tracked down a number of Mustangs to use in the movie, and now, the one they harnassed to film one of the best chase scenes in the film is up for auction.
If you’re curious, here are the specs according to the auction house’s website:
Powered by a blueprinted HiPo 351 CI V-8 engine topped with aluminum heads and an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, a roller camshaft, headers with stainless side-exit exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers, and an MSD ignition system are just part of the powertrain make up.
A Tremec TKO 5-speed manual transmission and a hydraulic clutch with Quicktime bellhousing and a Wenco driveshaft delivers power to the 3.70 Positraction differential, while power steering and Wilwood disc brakes along with a Total Control Products suspension all conspire to make this car a truly riveting ride.
However, the car’s best feature is undoubtedly the button located on the shift knob that allows you to activate a nitrous boost that adds an additional 125 HP.
If you want to get in on the action, the bidding will kick off on January 2nd.