Ectomobile The standard mode of transportation for the Ghostbusters. This prop was used in   • Ghostbusters (Ecto-1 version)   • Ghostbusters II (Ecto-1 & Ecto-1A versions)

Fun Facts

• The car is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex (limousine / ambulance combination) Limo-style End Loader painted white and red with white walled tires with chrome hubcaps. A Ferno-Washington Model 23 stretcher that has been modified to hold the four proton packs is inside for easy removal when needed. While never explained in the movies, the roof rack that contains various items that are believed to be radar, sensor mics, infrared, and a satellite microwave uplink. (source: GB Fans)
• This vehicle was purchased by Ray Stantz for the relatively high price of $4800 in a poor state of repair. In Stantz' own words, it needed "suspension work and shocks, brakes, brake pads, lining, steering box, transmission, rear-end (interrupted by Venkman inquiring as to the aforementioned price), new rings, mufflers, and a little wiring..." It is assumed that Ray continues listing needed repairs after this scene cuts away. (source: GB Fans)
• The Ecto-1A is an upgraded version seen only in Ghostbusters II, also built from a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura and included more technical equipment placed on the roof. Most noticeably this upgrade included digital sign boards on each side of the vehicle's roof rack, broadcasting Ghostbuster advertisements, specials, and their phone number. The light bars changed from the blue lenses to clear lenses and multi-colored rotators and a third light bar was added. Other features on the roof rack were added or enhanced including a radar dish. The logo was updated on the doors and yellow and orange reflective tape were added to the side of the car. The rear bumper was replaced with an aluminum diamond-plate step painted red. (source: GB Fans)
• Originally the filmmakers planned to have the Ecto-1 be painted black. The color of the vehicle was later changed to white when it was decided a black car would be too difficult to see during night scenes. The Ectomobile was originally going to be a much more high tech vehicle, with an almost artificial intelligence.
• Three cars have played the vehicle in the movies; the third 1959 Miller-Meteor was purchased after the second died during shooting of Ghostbusters II. The black Miller-Meteor seen at the beginning of the first movie was leased and used only for that scene and never converted for filming, though it was later purchased by the studio and completely converted to a full Ecto-1 for touring.
• Ecto-1A was originally called Ecto-2 in the Ghostbusters II script, and one reference to this remains in the movie. About an hour into the movie, when Peter Venkman is standing outside of his apartment waiting for Dana to come out for their date, the car pulls up and "Ecto-2" is visible on the license plate.

Janet Jackson - "You Want This" (music video) (1994)
Janet and her friends come out of a motel and are surrounded by various classic cars. One bystander, in his car, looks over and leers at the girls. In the next shot, as the bystander drives away, the car is revealed to be the same 1959 model Cadillac hearse/ambulance that was used for the Ecto-1; after which the Cadillac is never seen again. The video is available in a black and white version and in a color version.

Outside Links

• Ghostbusters Fans' Ectomobile Page
• Universal Studios Florida Ecto-1 sold by Barrett-Jackson Auctions, Scottsdale, AZ, Jan. 22, 2010, Ernie Hudson present
  This is one of three officially authorized vehicles to be recognized as an Ecto-1.While it was never used in either of the movies as Ecto-1, it did travel around Universal Studios Florida themepark for years. The car fetched $80,000, which was a significant increase from when it was initially offered for sale a year prior for $35,000.
  • Official Auction Listing
  • Proton Charging Article
  • Photos taken by The Arizona Ghostbusters (on Facebook)
  • Photos taken by The Arizona Ghostbusters (on GB Fans)
  
• Ecto-1 & Ecto-1A Restoration (2007-2008) (done by Cinema Vehicle Services)
  • Photo Gallery: July 27, 2007 (Courtesy of Jason aka Star Car Detective)
  • Two Photos: December 4, 2007
  • Two Photos: January 30, 2008
  • Photo: April 11, 2008 - Fully Restored, Being Hauled To The Next Public Appearance (see also)
  • Photo Gallery: April 16, 2008 - Fully Restored At BestBuy HQ (Proton Charging)
  • Photo Gallery: April 16, 2008 - Fully Restored At BestBuy HQ (GB Fans)
  • Photo Gallery: April 16, 2008 - Fully Restored At BestBuy HQ (Flickr user Fivesixzero/Erik Hess)
  • Photo Gallery: April 16, 2008 - Fully Restored At BestBuy HQ (Flickr user Agent 268)
  • Photo Gallery: April 16, 2008 - Fully Restored At BestBuy HQ (Flickr user Chad Davis)
  • Photo Gallery: April 18, 2008 - Fully Restored At Terminal Reality HQ (Flickr user Bobohenderon)
  • Video: April 18, 2008 - Fully Restored At Terminal Reality HQ (YouTube user Blueskatz)
  • Photo Gallery: April 24, 2008 - Back On The Sony Lot