Words: Ellen Richardson Images: Barrie J. Clark
Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with the return of one of the most famous haunted movie vehicles – the Ecto-1? Made famous by the 1984 American supernatural comedy film Ghostbusters, this ambulance/hearse combination has been reborn thanks to English born audio video specialist and prop builder Barrie J. Clark.
Clark began the restoration of what he considers to be one of the coolest Hollywood cars after hearing about a 1974 Miller-Meteor Cadillac Hearse in need of some help.
“I found out about a classic hearse that was no longer being restored and needed a new lease on life,” said Clark. “I have always dreamed of owning one of my favorite movie prop cars, and while James Bond’s Aston Martin would have been pretty cool, the truth is there is no way that this car would make the kind of difference that a restored Ghostbuters car would, which is why I pursued owning a car that was soon to head to the crusher.”
After limping this car over 700 miles to its new home, Clark spent over 1,000 hours pouring his blood, sweat, tears and amazing skill into the recreating a 21st Century Ecto-1. The creation of this all-new prop car included a complete rebuild of the electrical system, creation of completely working lights and sirens as well as authentic movie props like a full-size proton pack, P.K.E Meter and a full-size terror dog, a massive 472 big block engine as well as an all new carburetor and manifold; hand built by Christian Brothers of Tega Cay; new brakes and tires, a new front end, a new paint job, whitewall tires, restored rims and a fully functioning light and sound system that would even impress former Ghostbusters Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray.
While many of you who restore classic hot rods might spend time showing these off at classic car cruise in events and the like, restoring this famed movie mobile opened a new door of opportunity for Clark. Along with partnering with Levine Children’s Hospital to make sick children happy, this kid at heart is also using his impressive Ecto-1 machine at various charity events, parades and to even keep the Ghostbusters dream alive with his buddies from Ghostbusters of North Carolina at various Halloween related events and happenings.
So, if you are in the Charlotte, NC area and see this beastly machine rolling down the street, be sure to check out this one of a kind ride and give our new buddy Barrie a scream. You also may want to be on the lookout for Slimer or any other unforeseen entities that could be roaming down your streets. Who you gonna call, after all?
To find out how you can have the Echo-1 or Barrie and his team of Ghostbusting friends at your event, check out TheEcto-1.com. And if you are working on a hot rod restoration like this one, be sure to send a few pictures of your classic ride and tell us all about it at [email protected] today.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
