There are certain movie cars that are iconic and will always be interesting and sought after. While many of us would love to own these cars, the fact is they are extremely rare and don’t change owners often. In the case of the 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor ambulance known as the Ecto-1 from the blockbuster film Ghostbusters, there are only two that were constructed for the movies and Sony Pictures Entertainment owns both of them. Being that it’s highly unlikely Sony will ever sell either of the movie cars, the other option for owning an Ecto-1 is to build a replica. Nathan Clark, the President of Haltech, chose the latter and has created this amazing restomod replica of original Ecto-1.
To create a replica of this magnitude is a huge undertaking due to all the details involved in recreating the props that adorn the outside of the Cadillac along with the patina on the exterior sheetmetal. Not to mention, the 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor is a rare car with only 25 being produced. So finding and acquiring a legitimate example is feat. However this isn’t just a restoration, as Nathan wanted modern technology and power in his Ghostbusters Ecto-1 replica.
The car itself is huge, measuring approximately 20 feet in length and weighing almost 5,000 pounds. To move this behemoth Nathan installed a 6.2L LS3 engine that was assembled with Wiseco Boost Line connecting rods, JE pistons, and a Harrop Engineering TVS2300 supercharger. The combination produces 10 pounds of boost and makes approximately 550 wheel-horsepower. The supercharged LS3 is backed by a 4L80E automatic transmissions and a 9-inch rearend.
Being a self-proclaimed car nerd with a passion for electronics, Nathan has packed his Ghostbusters Ecto-1 restomod full of Haltech products. The new Nexus Rebel LS ECU controls the entire car from the engine to the lights and sirens. Three Haltech PD16 power distribution modules are connected to the Rebel LS can system to handle all of the electronics. Using the PD16 modules allows you to get rid of fuses and relays, and the ECU can handle the switching and signaling of power to anything you need control of. On Nathan’s Ecto-1, the air conditioning compressor, electronic power steering pump, electric water pump, electric fans, and supercharger intercooler coolant pump are all controlled by the Rebel LS ECU.
Nathan says his Ghostbusters Ecto-1 is accurate down to the smallest detail and gets lots of attention wherever he drives it. It really is fantastic to see a car like this being driven for others to see and enjoy. Nathan has ideas for other movie car builds in the future, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.