In 2007, a restoration project was started on both the original Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and the Ecto-1A from Ghostbusters II by Sony Pictures under the execution of then Sony executive, Keith Hargrove. The restoration of the Ecto-1 was completed first and restoration of the Ecto-1A was to begin soon after. The Ecto-1A was completely stripped down, and ready for restoration when the funding for the project was cut due to a tight budget. 5 years later, the original Ecto-1A from Ghostbusters II now sits on the backlot at Sony in dire need of restoration.

Photo by Instagram user "cheekybama" taken October 8, 2013 at Sony's Prop Warehouse.
Windshield smashed, hood crumpled, original light bar on the hood.

Ghostbusters Fans would like to ask Sony Pictures to sell us the 1959 Cadillac used for the Ecto-1A (along with all original "Ecto" parts) at the current scrap value. With the car in our hands, we would then be able to give her the restoration to screen used quality that she deserves. We have started this campaign to garner names in support by those who would like to see the restoration occur. We need to have the full support of everyone in the Ghostbusters Community behind us, this will be crucial in order for us to fund a proper and complete restoration of the Ecto-1A back to the condition she was seen on the silver screen in 1989. Sign this petition if you would like to see the Ecto-1A restored, and let us know if you would be willing to donate to the project. Let's show Sony Pictures how serious we are, and that we have what it would take to get it done!

Sign the Petition

Signatures

We currently have 12094 signatures in our database.

Photo Gallery

Ecto-1A in 1989 during the production of Ghostbusters II.

Ecto-1A on display at Universal Studio Florida. It was kept here for several years and was not maintained properly. Visitors opened doors, climbed inside, removed 'souvenirs' and left it in horrible shape. Windshield smashed while on display. Photo source unknown.

Photo by Flickr user Tony Castillo taken October 1, 2005. This is how the Ecto-1A left Universal Studios Florida.

Photo by 'Star Car Detective' on ProtonCharging's Flickr taken July 27, 2007. At restoration shop.

Photo by 'Star Car Detective' on ProtonCharging's Flickr taken July 27, 2007. At restoration shop, insides crammed with parts already removed.

Photo by Instagram user "cheekybama" taken October 8, 2013 at Sony's Prop Warehouse.
Windshield smashed, hood crumpled, original light bar on the hood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Wasn't the car restored already? I saw it on the Blu-ray.

Q: I thought they were owned by Dan Aykroyd. Didn't he restore them?

Q: Can I buy it?

Future Plans

If allowed to purchase the Ecto-1A , we would begin researching our restoration options and will work closely with the shop that did the disassembly and the restoration on the Ecto-1. We will work to generate quotes for complete restorations with shops that specialize in the 59 Cadillac's and specialty ambulances and hearses. Once a firm idea on the budget of the restoration project is developed, we will utilize funding sites such as Kickstarter to get the project off the ground. During the restoration, a detailed build blog would be kept, and thousands of photographs would be taken to document each step. (Perhaps even with a short video documentary about the restoration). All supporters would be rewarded weekly / bi-weekly with a wealth of information, updates and possibly even mementos from the restoration.

Post restoration, we would plan for a small tour of the United States, making appearances at San Diego Comic Con, Denver Comic Con, Dragon*Con, NY Comic Con and others. The Ecto-1A would also make appearances at car shows across the country, with the ability for it to tour with a national show. Eventually we envision it being on display at an auto museum, or on display at the Sony Lot with the Ecto-1 (with proper protection of course!).

As Seen On!