In my search for the specific details of Ecto-1, I happened upon this site. The page I found (http://www.gbfans.com/equipment/ectomobile/1959-cadillac-miller-meteor-combo) reads that the car is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura. If this is correct, then my research is nearly complete. However, I’d like to know how the conclusion was arrived at that it’s a Futura. Was there some sort of documentation or official statement?
One of the sites I found in my search had an extensive list of 1959 Cadillac commercial variants (Classic Cars Guide: Learn, Buy, Restore & Enjoy), including several Miller-Meteor models which seemed – at least to my untrained eye – to be a suitable match for Ecto-1.
Clarification on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
That is correct. Ecto-1 is a 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor. Futura is the body type. There were 3 styles of Miller Meteor for that year, Landau and Futura, and sentinel. Landau had no side/back windows and a higher top, Futura had the curved back windows and the sentinel was a high-top.
Landau
Futura
sentinel
The sentinel has 3 different body and light types. All Miller Meteors were also available as 3 way models.
It is possible to make an Ecto out of them all, however the Futura is the one used in both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II.
When examining the images on the commercial variant page, I eventually narrowed it down to the Futura, the Classic, the Sentinel (either the 42½ or 48 inch roof), and the Volunteer. All but perhaps the last one look (to me) like they have the rounded rear-corner windows. All have four doors; some have two-tone paint; some have flashers installed. What am I overlooking that distinguishes Ecto-1?
After obtaining proof of which specific version the car is, I’d like to find an accurate computer model of it. First, this would preserve the intricacies of the design for future generations. Second, it would allow me to adapt Ecto-1 for the game Rigs of Rods. To those ends, I need to collect as much data as possible, everything from gear ratios to weight distribution. Suggestions on where to start this second tier of research would also be appreciated.
EDIT: Woah! What’s this? When posting my message, all kinds of words have been replaced with jibberish, yet the editable text remains normal. Is this some strange feature of the board? I go to such lengths to ensure proper spelling and grammar, and something butchers my post? Oh, wait. Let me guess… April Fool’s Day?
But again, how do we know it’s a Futura? Not to blow in here acting all impudent, but so far, all I’ve got is your word for it. If all three models are nearly identical, which features on Ecto-1 can be demonstrated as being from the Futura rather than the others? For example, has anybody actually measured the roof height to prove it’s the shorter one?
Cadillac catalogs from the 50s. My buddy has STACKS of 'em. The Landau has a traditional canvas hearse top, which was significantly higher than the Futura ambulance. It should be very apparent in those pictures. The Futuras highest point on the roof was near the middle of the car, while the Landaus was much, much further to the rear.
Well, that’s a step in the right direction, but I’d say that using the images posted above doesn’t constitute solid evidence, as they appear to be drawings. (Do your friend’s catalogs have actual photographs?) In addition to the fact that the cars pictured are at different orientations to the viewer, I’ve also noticed that many drawings used to advertise the 1959 Cadillac appear somewhat distorted (often making the car look longer and sleeker than it actually is). Not to be snooty, but after twenty-five years of fandom, I’d have thought there would be entire books on this topic, copies of original documents, and comparative photos – especially in light of how much it costs to build an accurate replica. Have the movie studios been uncooperative?
Sony is releasing a behind the scenes feature about how they restore Ecto-1 this past yr, so lord knows what might be on it. Also pretty much what everybody said above me is right about the Ecto’s. I’ve seen Ecto-1a in person and she clearly is a combo aka duplex.. We also have users who talk to people at Columbia about Ecto-1 and 1a when they first got it in 1983 and 1988.
Also on my site I have some behind the scenes picture where you can clearly see its futura.
Sorry man, but that’s incorrect. The louvers (or “vents”) on the hood and rear door is just an Ecto add-on. You’ll find louvers on hot rods and other “cool” vehicles in a variety of styles. You can google “auto louvers” to get a sample of the various types and their typical applications.
So, you ask for clarification on something, it is done for you. And you kind start question any and all information given to you by people who know what they’re talking about? A little counterproductive, don’t you think?
Anyhow… The following image has all the information you will need as you go through Cadillac Archives to find out all you need to know (that we already know) about the Ecto-1. Good luck!
I don’t consider it counter-productive to request reasonable proof of claims made on an Internet forum, but rather of greater benefit to the fan community in the long run.
Now that’s reasonable proof; and combined with the aforementioned assertions and explanations, it should be sufficient for answering my questions.
