Clones of movie cars are nothing new, and I’m sure we’ve all seen at least one Bullitt Mustang or General Lee tribute. One of the most memorable movies of the 1980s was Ghostbusters, and the undoubted automotive star was the converted 1959 Cadillac ambulance affectionately known as Ecto-1. The seller of this Cadillac created their own tribute to that iconic vehicle, but feel the time is right to hand it to a new owner. It is listed here on eBay in Scottsville, Kentucky. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve and currently sits at $70,100, with plenty of time remaining on the listing.

The original Ecto-1 was based on a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel ambulance, and our tribute follows the same principle. However, the seller indicates it is titled as a 1962 model due to utilizing the main cab from that year. They say they are happy to work with the new owner to obtain another title, which is an offer I would probably accept. The vehicle presents well in its correct combination of White and Red, although the seller admits there are a few minor marks and nicks in the paint. The panels are straight, and it seems this beauty is rust-free. The trim and glass look good, and Ecto-1 rolls on whitewall tires, as did the original. Of course, no tribute vehicle is complete without the correct accessories, and this one delivers. It features fully-functioning lights as per the original, along with the rotating “sniffer” and oscillating radar dish. The seller embedded a video in their listing showing these items in action, and they look fantastic.

The seller indicates this Caddy recently returned from the upholsterers, where the interior was refreshed. The result is there for all to see, with no evidence of wear or other problems with the Gray and Black seatcover, door trims, dash, or carpet. The interior features the factory radio and air conditioning, as well as the switches and controls for the unique exterior additions. The back of the vehicle remains as it would have when the Caddy served as an ambulance. Everything is in excellent order, with no significant problems. There are none of the additions seen in the movie car, but the buyer may choose to address that shortcoming to lift this beauty to a higher level. Although finding accurate drawings to replicate the look might prove challenging, YouTube features numerous restoration videos of the original Ecto-1 that could, with careful attention, provide the required information.

There’s nothing extraordinary about the drivetrain configuration that separates the Ecto-1 from mere mortals. When we first see the car in the movie, Dan Aykroyd’s character, Ray Stanz, reveals, “it needs suspension work and shocks, brakes, brake pads, linings, steering box, transmission, rear end… maybe new rings, also mufflers, a little wiring….” Our feature car has none of those issues, featuring a healthy 390ci V8 producing 325hp. Those ponies feed to the rear via a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller indicates the numbers-matching V8 received a rebuild a few years ago, with the rest of the drivetrain thoroughly inspected. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic requiring nothing but a new owner.

Ghostbusters proved to be a box office winner for Columbia Pictures, earning an impressive $282 million from a $30 million budget. Like many movie props, the three cars used in the motion picture were discarded and consigned to the studio’s backlot, where they moldered and rusted for years before being rescued and rebuilt. If you wanted to own one of those vehicles, you would need a healthy seven-digit bank balance, but this tribute will cost its new owner a fraction of that. Some classics are designed to be taken seriously, while others do nothing more than put a smile on your face. You can’t place a price on that experience, which is why I’m unsurprised by the healthy bidding action. Are you tempted to throw your hat into the ring, break out your Proton Pack, and head out into a life of paranormal adventure?