The Ecto-1 was the vehicle that the Ghostbusters used to travel throughout the city busting ghosts.
The Cadillac before restoration
The vehicle used for the Ecto was a 1959 Cadillac professional chassis, built by the Miller Meteor company. The ambulance/hearse combination was the end loader variety. Dr. Ray Stantz found the vehicle shortly after he mortgaged his mother's house to buy the Firehouse. Because of his mechanical skills, he was able to repair the vehicle, which he acquired for only $4,800.
After repair, the vehicle had quite a unique character. It became a well-recognized symbol for the Ghostbusters franchise, both in the film itself, and in real life. The vehicle had enough room in it to store proton packs for all of the crew, along with Ecto goggles, P.K.E. meters and a slew of Traps.
Ecto-1 TECHNICALLY appears in the Redfly version of Ghostbusters: the video Game (look at the liscence plates) tho it is called the Ecto-1b in the realistic version. So theres a debate as to what the name of the vehicle is in the games.
The boys in grey respond to their first call in style
Repairs
After purchasing the vehicle in used condition, Ray had to make repairs in the following parts of the car:
- Suspension work
- Shocks
- Brakes
- Brake pads
- Lining
- Steering box
- Transmission
- Rear end
- New rings
- Mufflers
- (a little) wiring
Ghostbusters II
After the Ghostbusters were shut down, the Ecto-1 was used primarily for transport to and from appearances at such places as children's birthday parties. It fell into a state of disrepair, and is seen spewing smoke, and having various other mechanical problems. Following the Ghostbusters return to business in Ghostbusters II, the Ecto-1 got an overhaul and was renamed Ecto-1a.
Ecto-1 for Animated Cartoons
Behind the Scenes
- Ecto-1 and Ecto-1a are Miller-Meteor Futura Ambulance/ Hurse Combination mounted on a 1959 Cdalic Fleetwood Professional Chassis.
- In Ghostbusters II Ecto-1 was backfiring and spewing smoke. These were not done by special effects as the Cadillac truly was in a poor state of repair. It finally “died” on the Brooklyn Bridge. The NYPD fined the filmmakers because the Brooklyn Bridge does not have breakdown lanes and Ecto-1 was blocking traffic.
- Before Ghostbusters: The Video Game was released, the original (and now rusty and literally falling apart) Ecto-1 was restored to promote the game. Dan Aykroyd was shocked at how high the quality was of the restoration.
- Ecto-1a was built on the black Cadillac seen in Ghostbusters before Ray turned it into Ecto-1.
- Ecto-1 was promoting the 1984l film shortly after it was released in theaters. It drove around New York City with one of the Ghostbusters driving it in costume. Ecto-1 caused many accidents because other drivers lost control when the spotted the now-famous car.