In a landmark decision with broad implications for car customizers, collectors, and Hollywood memorabilia, a U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that the iconic “Eleanor” Ford Mustang — immortalized in films like Gone in 60 Seconds — is not eligible for copyright protection. The ruling effectively ends a decades-long legal saga over one of the most recognizable movie cars ever built, delivering a major victory to enthusiasts and builders alike.
The case, Halicki Films, LLC v. Classic Recreations, LLC, hinged on whether the Eleanor Mustang could be considered a protectable character under U.S. copyright law. The plaintiff, Denice Halicki — widow of the original Gone in 60 Seconds filmmaker H.B. Halicki — has asserted ownership over the Eleanor likeness for years, aggressively pursuing claims against those who attempted to recreate or sell versions of the famous muscle car. Her legal strategy was built on the argument that Eleanor was a “character” entitled to copyright — much like Mickey Mouse or Batman.
But the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has now upended that argument.
In its ruling, the court concluded that Eleanor is “not sufficiently delineated” to qualify for copyright protection as a fictional character. Unlike animated or narrative characters whose personalities and traits evolve over multiple storylines, Eleanor is, in essence, a car — one that has appeared in different forms across different films, with no consistent characterization beyond being the object of a heist.
“A Car Is Not a Character”
The Court’s decision leaned heavily on the principle that for a work to be copyrighted as a character, it must demonstrate consistent, distinctive traits over time. The judges noted that Eleanor’s portrayal in the 1974 original film — a 1971 Mustang Sportsroof — differs significantly from the 2000 remake’s Shelby GT500-style version, played by a completely different vehicle and aesthetic. There’s no dialogue, no character arc, no personality. Just a high-performance car and a cinematic chase sequence.
“A car is not a character,” the Court stated in plain terms, sending a clear message that the threshold for character-based copyright requires more than a cool paint job and a starring role in an action movie.
This decision is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the automotive and entertainment communities. For years, builders and restoration shops have navigated the murky waters of intellectual property law with trepidation, fearing lawsuits over even the most faithful reproductions. Classic Recreations, the Oklahoma-based builder that found itself in Halicki’s crosshairs, was forced to destroy several Eleanor Mustangs as part of earlier legal actions. Now, with the ruling firmly in their favor, they — and many others — are free to resume work.
From Movie Star to Cultural Icon
The Eleanor Mustang holds a special place in American car culture. In the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie, Eleanor was more than just transportation — she was the object of obsession, the last score, the untamable beast that could make or break a career in car theft. Finished in DuPont Pepper Grey with black rally stripes, the customized GT500-style Eleanor helped redefine the look and desirability of vintage Mustangs for an entire generation.
But as much as Eleanor became a cult favorite, the legal restraints surrounding her legacy led to years of stifled creativity and frustration within the community. Car builders faced takedown orders, YouTube videos were demonetized, and replica enthusiasts were forced underground.
The End of Automotive Gatekeeping?
With the Court’s ruling, there’s a renewed sense of possibility in the air. Intellectual property attorney and auto enthusiast Mark Petrowski summarized the mood: “This isn’t just about one car. It’s about whether an object can be monopolized under the guise of character copyright. The court said no. And that’s good for creators.”
The decision also serves as a rebuke to a broader trend of overreach in copyright claims. In recent years, everything from sneaker designs to meme characters have been dragged into legal disputes, often stifling innovation and small creators. This case reinforces a more measured approach: creativity can and should be protected, but not at the expense of common sense.
It’s also a wake-up call for studios and rights-holders seeking to lock down merchandising or design exclusivity. Without consistent character traits or narrative development, even iconic designs may fall outside the protective reach of copyright law.
What Happens Next?
Classic Recreations and similar shops are now expected to resume Eleanor builds, likely with a surge in demand. Car shows, auctions, and film tributes may also see a resurgence in Eleanor-themed appearances — a celebration long overdue.
As for Denice Halicki, the ruling doesn’t strip her of all rights. She still retains control over the original Gone in 60 Seconds films and associated trademarks. But the grip she held on the Eleanor nameplate — at least from a copyright perspective — has been pried loose.
Eleanor, it seems, has finally escaped.
And this time, no one’s chasing her.
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