It is the dream of every Ghostbusters franchise to have their own ECTOmobile. For any franchise, the obvious advantages not only in style but in event presentation are off the charts. Some groups modify existing modern cars to fill the bill. Our group has set our sights on a car that we feel will fill our need for an ECTOmobile - one that is custom to our group, yet that still retains the old style of the original.
The ideal car that every group goes for is the fabled 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor, which is the car used for the original ECTO-1 and ECTO-1A. Unfortunately, since this car was built to order for the service industry, finding this car in any workable shape is next to impossible. Especially if you want to do so on a budget. Therefore, we've set our sights on a 1965 Ford Country Sedan. This one has a fantastic body for a 45 year old car, a solid frame, a V8 engine with only 30,000 miles on it (the car itself has 158k), and even working air conditioning!
Best of all, this car is readily available and has a motivated seller who is excited about the possibility of seeing the car put to good use.
How will this help the the Alabama Ghostbusters?
As with everything we do, the ECTOmobile will see immediate use at our charity and promotional events. Imagine using a real ECTOmobile to help drive up donations at a local food drive? A toy drive for the kids? How about cancer awareness? We've done many of these already, however realize that donors could see those lights and hear the trademark siren a mile away - much more effective than Ghostbusters alone!
Recognition and pride in knowing that somewhere in the state on any given weekend, you stand a reasonable chance of encountering the ECTOmobile with anywhere from 4-8 fully-equipped Ghostbusters in tow. And yes, we will stop for pictures - within reason and schedule. We do have ghosts to bust!
Last but not least: Having Ghostbusters without an ECTOmobile is similar to seeing Stormtroopers without Darth Vader (Star Wars) - it is a great sight, but something big and iconic is missing. People ask about, refer to it, or at the very least think about it when seeing us - the ECTOmobile is our Darth Vader.
Is this something other Ghostbusters groups do?
Absolutely! Check out the the Arizona Ghostbusters franchise below with their own dedicated ECTO, rebuilt by their members for event/charity use. Take note that creative use of different model cars is encouraged for individuality among groups. We are going the same direction with our project.
How can you help?
We are raising the money to purchase this car through fundraisers and financial generosity. We want this car to be truly owned by our community, so we have chosen to work together instead of placing the burden and responsibility on any individual. With that said, we have a uphill battle to raise funds ahead of us. If you could find it in your heart to donate to further our cause, it would put us one step closer to acquiring something that will be appreciated by everyone, everywhere we go. (Trust in this - we will show it off everywhere!)
You will find the link to our ChipIn account below, which will allow you to donate via PayPal (PayPal no longer requires an account to use.) If you would rather not donate online or would like to hear more about the car from our group in-person, please check the News and Upcoming Events forum or our Event Calendar to find an event near you!
Need more information?
Please use the Contact Us page to contact us for more questions or to offer other services post-purchase of the car. We're ready to believe you!
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to become educated about Project ECTO! We all appreciate anything you can give because it gets us one step closer to our goal. Thank you for helping us reach our dream!
- Members of the Alabama Ghostbusters
Donate Here:
Psst... Interested in a sneak peek?
One of our members worked up a rough concept based on our photos. It will look something like the below image. Now imagine it cleaned up, painted, and with lights turning and sirens wailing. Fantastic!
