For the same money you could own a genuine 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang. It’s a rare and beautiful thing but couldn’t hold a candle to this Eleanor, even if that weren’t missing the point. The period black-vinyl-and-chrome-embellished interior disguises sprinklings of modern tech such as air-conditioning. And I’m not sitting in standstill traffic watching the temperature gauge like a hawk: it isn’t budging because Eleanor’s got a state-of-the-art aluminium radiator with electric cooling fan. There is a constant reminder that this is endorsed by Denice Halicki because her autograph is penned across the dash. The “Gone in 60 Seconds” emblem appears everywhere I look, trademark logos and all.

I’m fighting the temptation to set the chubby 9½in rear treads blazing, but Eleanor is tight. She’s done only 800 miles and, like all hand-built masterpieces, she needs everything to bed in before true punishment can take place. They always drive better with a few thousand miles under their belts. Plus, the car I’m in is currently the sole Eleanor in Europe so putting it backwards through the gates of Lord’s cricket ground won’t win me any friends.

To be honest, Eleanor reminds me of Madonna: middle-aged but with no visible signs of ageing and easily capable of 50 index-finger press-ups followed by a 25-mile run — HRT meets bhp. You may still be wondering who on earth this car is aimed at. Ask the Aston DB9 driver who has just passed me very slowly to rubberneck. His £120,000 car is 12 months old and, in the current climate, worth £60,000 or so. The classic market, though, is holding firm. People are realising their cash is safer in vintage steel than under the mattress. And a car such as Eleanor is an investment that will reward you the moment you open the garage door.

Jonny Smith co-presents Fifth Gear, on Five.

The Smithometer

1967 Ford Mustang ‘Eleanor’ recreation

Engine 6720cc V8,

Power 535bhp

Torque 525 lb ft @ 6200rpm

Transmission 5-speed manual

Fuel 15mpg at best

CO2 Not available

Acceleration 0-60mph: 5sec

Top speed At least 180mph

Price £130,000

Road tax Exempt (pre-1973)

On sale Now

Jonny's verdict

Move over Mustang Sally - there's a new girl in town

Many thanks to Clive Sutton, who supplied us with the Eleanor Mustang. Contact at www.clivesutton.co.uk or +44 (0)20 7483 6500 for luxury and classic vehicle inquiries.