Ghostbusters - need I say more? It is one of those box office icons that even after 30 years is adored worldwide. I am amazed that kids as young as kindergartners immediately recognize the legendary graphic even though they never saw the movie. So, when ECTO-1 drove into the parking lot of a local grocery store with all its lights and sounds, you could imagine my reaction. 

One evening in early fall, as I walk out a grocery store, ECTO-1 rolls in. A small crowd gathers right away to take pics. The driver leaves the fluorescent undercarriage lights on as he walks into the store. I have to talk to him, so I ask if he has a few minutes. He politely asks to wait for him to return from the store. Fifteen minutes later, while I am still admiring the details on the car, he returns and I quickly show him this website asking if he would allow me to feature him there. He is late for an appointment but hands me his business card agreeing to meet at a more suitable time and place.

His name is Barrie J. Clark and he runs an audio-visuals business. During the Thanksgiving break, we arrange for a meeting. Barrie suggests a lake close to his house for pictures. When I arrive at his place, he generously offers me a ride to the lake in ECTO-1 putting me on cloud nine right away :).

Barrie loves this car and has so much to share that he overwhelms me with the information he is throwing out.

ECTO-1 is built on a 1974 Cadillac Eldorado. It's a huge car. The coach was built by Miller-Meteor, the coachbuilder that created the original Ghostbusters car on a 1959 Cadillac professional chasis. Unlike the original one (which was an ambulance hearse combo), this one was a true hearse. This car was to be purchased by a funeral home that got burned down so this never saw service as a hearse. For a while, Jazz musicians used it for their equipment and it was also put up on a pedestal for demo by a highway for years. That the car survived all that is itself a testament to its sturdy construction. 

The car weighs 10,350 lbs., equivalent to 4 average sized cars today. It came with an 8.2 litre gasoline engine. During its days, this was considered to be the penultimate engine from Cadillac and I can attest to that. The car pulls like a truck even after 40 years.  

As we are driving to the lake, my curiosity is getting out of control. When did he get this car? How long it took to get it outfitted with all the Ghostbusters stuff? How much time does he spend on it?... 

Barrie acquired the car very recently in April of 2017 in a not so great state and got working on it right away. Being an audio-visual engineer, he put in all the sound and lighting systems himself. The mechanical work he left to a friend as this car can't even be lifted by the jacks available these days.  

Now the first time I saw ECTO-1 was in late summer. It is beyond anyone's imagination that in the few months since, he has transformed it to this state. The passion he has put into the project is immeasurable. The attention to detail is unbelievable and that can be judged by the fact that he put in 650 plus hours over the summer. His friend Jason at Christian Brothers Automotive has been a great help with the restoration. Everything he has put on this car has a story around how he purchased or fabricated it.

Barrie has a hobby of collecting movie props and this is his biggest prop ever.

The conversation moves to how he uses the car. At this stage, I learn of Barrie's other passion. He loves bringing joy to people, especially children. He has taken this car to numerous events at children's hospitals. The smile ECTO-1 brings to these children makes it all worth it. He also participates in events with Toy Drives, Wounded Warriors, and several other organizations. The car was invited to participate in the 4th of July parade which he finds funny being British :).

By this time, we have talked for over 2 hours. It is starting to get dark, so we shoot a few more pics and head back. ECTO-1 is hungry and needs a pitstop. This thing is a guzzler for sure and requires around $80 to fill up. There are a few families at the gas station and as expected, the car is surrounded within seconds. Barrie is charming the kids with the props, turning on all the lights and sounds. The parents join in taking pics, asking him questions and it is a cool 30 mins before we can head out again :). 

Barrie made friends with the local law enforcement before taking the car to the road. He expected to be pulled over and certainly has been several times, for pictures, of course. 

As I get my stuff out, the good-natured Barrie asks about my ride back, which is around 30 miles. He recommends several options to avoid traffic. This guy has a genuine concern for others and it shows in every conversation he has. 

My drive back was with a big smile planted on my face pondering over Barrie's passion and his desire to make this world a better place. He made me realize that we are surrounded by amazing people and the world is better than all the negative news floating around us these days. 

In the Carolinas, if you have an event and want to do something unique, Barrie and his car would be a huge crowd pleaser. So do consider inviting him over to make your event memorable. On Facebook, you can find him at "Ghostbusters of North Carolina".