One of the most iconic movie cars ever is the Ecto-1 from the 1984 movie, Ghostbusters. Millions of Ecto-1 toy vehicles were produced over the years, but none of them were made by the iconic brand in itself, Hot Wheels. In 2010, that changed as Mattel was granted the rights to use the Ecto-1 in their mainline prompting for a Hot Wheels release in the 2010 New Models Series. Collectors were overcome with nostalgia as many of the collectors who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s were eagerly awaiting to add the Ecto-1 to their collections as soon as it was announced that it would be part of the 2010 New Models.

The Ghostbusters Ecto-1 is a casting that seems to only gain popularity with each release. Its seen a mainline release, a San Diego Comic-Con release, two Halloween editions, an entertainment line release, appeared at a Hot Wheels convention, and was even given the “RLC Treatment” as an exclusive to Hot Wheels Red Line Club members. The success of the Ecto-1 has led Hot Wheels to release the Ecto-1A from the 1989 movie, Ghostbusters II in 2014 and even an impending release of the cartoon Ecto-1 from The Real Ghostbusters animated TV show later this year.

The 2010 New Models version of the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 has a very clean, basic look to it and looks true to the movie car. Two things to note on this release. First, the black roof piece does come off, but you are able to snap it back into place. Secondly, the base does read ’57 Cadillac. The combination of those two things led me to believe that a non-Ghostbusters-licensed ’57 Cadillac ambulance was something we could have seen if the Ecto-1 was unsuccessful. This now seems highly-unlikely as the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 sells out in every Hot Wheels line that it is in. This simple mainline version sells for approximately $10 (when carded) while Comicon and Convention versions are approaching triple figures.

With a new Ghostbusters movie scheduled to be released in 2016, only time will tell if there will be another Ecto-1.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Enamel Body (metal). Light-Blue-Tinted Windows. Black Interior and Roof Piece. Chrome 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# R0942. Released in 2010 as part of the 2010 New Models Series.

UPDATE! (7/13/2015): A shot of the new Ecto-1 has been revealed by director Paul Feig. Also check it out with the cast.

UPDATE! (7/15/2016): Orange Track Diecast presents the new ’16 Ghostbusters Ecto-1.