Two all-new Morgan Plus Four race cars successfully complete the Race of Remembrance
The 12-hour race at Anglesey Circuit marks first competitive event for the Morgan Plus Four
Mission Motorsport beneficiaries took the wheel and supported the cars, continuing Morgan’s support of the forces’ charity
An automatic Plus Four was fitted with hand controls, allowing drivers with disabilities to take the wheel
The cars were developed and supported by the University of Wolverhampton, as part of Morgan’s championing of education and training
Data and feedback collected from the race will feed directly into development of current and future vehiclesThe Morgan Motor Company has demonstrated the capability of the all-new Plus Four in its inaugural competitive event, the 2021 Race of Remembrance.
Both the manual and automatic variants of the car – which have been kept as close to the road-going model as possible – were entered, completing the demanding 12-hour endurance race successfully.
Run by Mission Motorsport, the event – held at Anglesey Circuit in Wales – is the culmination of the charity’s sporting year and raises awareness for the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations. A remembrance service as much as a race, it pauses on Remembrance Sunday for everyone involved to commemorate the fallen.
Morgan’s involvement in Race of Remembrance furthers its work supporting Mission Motorsport, Morgan’s nominated charity partner. Recently, three service leavers have been recruited by Morgan via Mission Motorsport, across its development and experiential business areas.
Reflecting the two transmission options on offer, two cars were entered. The manual Plus Four was driven by accomplished Morgan race drivers Shane Kelly, Tom Richards, and Tony Hirst, along with CAR Magazine journalist James Taylor. Finishing 14th from the 46 cars that took the chequered flag and the 53 that started, the result validated the inherent reliability and pace of the car against its race-bred competitors.
In the automatic variant, Mission Motorsport beneficiaries Lionel O’Connor, Linda Noble and Steve Binns joined Superbike editor John Hogan. O’Connor, a single leg amputee, proved the competency of the automatic transmission, setting lap times on par with the experienced drivers in the manual car. Binns made use of the bespoke hand controls – the first time such a system has been fitted to a Morgan.
The two Morgan Plus Four race cars were joined by a previous-generation Morgan Plus 4 Clubsport, driven by its owner John Richards, along with further Mission Motorsport beneficiaries and personnel Cliff Hall, Russell Anderson and Nick Wilson.
The cars were run by Mission Motorsport beneficiaries, the Morgan Motor Company, and students at the University of Wolverhampton (UoW), working in collaboration. It continues a five-year relationship between Morgan and UoW, with direct recruitment opportunities for graduates, and forms a crucial part of Morgan’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) programme, supporting education and training.
Morgan’s motorsport activity continues to provide an instrumental engineering tool, the data and feedback collected from the extreme environment directly shaping the development of current and future models.
Steve Morris, Chairman and CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The all-new Plus Four represents a huge leap forward for Morgan. For it to finish its first-ever race so successfully is brilliant to witness, even more so when we consider how closely related this race car is to the road-going vehicle. It’s fantastic to support the work of Mission Motorsport, too, and the amazing event that is Race of Remembrance, but also for Morgan as a company to pay its respects to those who’ve served in the armed forces.”
James Cameron, CEO, Mission Motorsport, said: “We’ve worked closely with Morgan over the last few years, including with the recent placing of three service leavers into the company. But the company’s support of Race of Remembrance this year is something incredibly special. For the beneficiaries driving and supporting the Morgan cars in the Race of Remembrance, this will bring tangible and long lasting results on their road to recovery.”
Shane Kelly, University of Wolverhampton, said: “The race marks the culmination of months of work for students on the Motorsport Engineering course, converting a production Morgan Plus Four into a race-ready vehicle. It’s testament to both the underlying capability of the car and the students’ hard work that we achieved such a positive result, and has brought on an even stronger sense of excitement for our plans to further develop and support the cars in 2022.”
The Morgan Motor Company would like to thank the Adaptation Installation Company, Avon Tyres, Bauromat, FBC Manby Bowdler, Hadley Group, Hex, Intarace Communications, LaserProcess Fabrication, Makita, MyWorkwear, Ocenascan, PPG, Sercal, and Tungaloy, who made its support of Mission Motorsport in the 2021 Race of Remembrance possible.
About Morgan Motor Company Morgan Motor Company is a British manufacturer of handcrafted sports cars. Located in Malvern Link, UK. The world-famous Morgan vehicles offer a unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance. Morgan has been handcrafting coach built traditional British sports cars that are thrilling to drive and unique within the marketplace since 1909. In March 2019, Investindustrial purchased a majority share of the company, and by doing so invested in the long-term future of the Morgan Motor Company building cars in Britain. The Morgan family retain a shareholding of the company and work alongside Investindustrial at board level. Morgan produces around 850 models annually, of which over 70% are exported. Its model range – comprising the Plus Four and Plus Six – is sold through 70 official dealerships in 30 countries.
The PEUGEOT brand is now one of the first manufacturers to offer a complete range of 100% electric vans.
PEUGEOT’s electric vans retain the functionality of their diesel counterparts, but generate minimal noise and zero tailpipe emissions. PEUGEOT is aiming to be the leader in sales of clean vans in Europe by 2022.
The entire PEUGEOT commercial vehicle range now offers an electric variant, with the arrival this autumn of the e-Partner and e-Boxer vans, which join the e-Expert van launched last year, the latter of which was awarded the title of International Van of The Year 2021. The distinctive feature of all PEUGEOT electric vans is that they make no compromise in terms of useful volume or practicality compared with the diesel versions, whilst offering all the advantages of the electric powertrain: lower running costs, ease of driving, immediate throttle response, high torque and the absence of noise, vibrations, odours and emissions. The e-Partner was recently recognised at the What Car? Van & Commercial Vehicle Awards, with the model taking the title ‘Van of the Year’, whilst the Partner, Expert and Boxer were awarded for their practicality in their respective segments.
PEUGEOT will have delivered 4,000 electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2021, and already has an order book of 10,000 vehicles. To further raise awareness of its electric offering and the benefits among professionals, PEUGEOT will be unveiling a new, dedicated advertising campaign across the continent, to be launched in November.
Xavier Peugeot, Managing Director of the Stellantis Group’s Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, said: “We announced and delivered on the commitment of a full 100% electrified utility vehicle range by the end of 2021, which Stellantis is the first to do.”
In the coming weeks, PEUGEOT will launch a major international communication campaign to celebrate entrepreneurs and craftsmen. The campaign will feature all three zero-emission vans: the e-Partner, e-Expert and e-Boxer. The international campaign will be based on a video which showcases the logos of PEUGEOT’s electric van users in the city.
Linda Jackson, Managing Director of the PEUGEOT brand, said: “PEUGEOT is committed to being the leading player in the change and transformation of the business sector to pure electric. Obviously, the cost of use is a very strong argument for users, but we are also demonstrating that electric commercial vehicles are a pleasure to drive: for their driver, who opens up to a new, soothing driving experience, and for everyone around them, who benefits from a peaceful environment, devoid of both noise and smell”.
THE PEUGEOT RANGE OF ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES:
PEUGEOT e-Partner: The PEUGEOT Partner has been on the market in more than 100 countries since its launch in 1996, with 2,000,000 units already produced, underlining its commercial success over the years and the numerous awards it has won, including International Van of the Year in 2019 for the latest generation model. The European market leader since its launch in 2018 in the F1 segment (Vans) with steady growth in market share, the PEUGEOT Partner is now available with a full electric powertrain.
The new PEUGEOT e-Partner features:
A range of up to 171 miles (WLTP)
Two body styles (Standard and Long)
Available as panel van (up to 3 seats) and crew van (up to 5 seats)
Towing capacity up to 750 kg
A payload of up to 800 kg
A load volume of up to 4.4m³, exactly the same as the petrol version.
Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy platform, the PEUGEOT e-Partner comes with a full electric powertrain with a maximum power of 100 kW (136 bhp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from start-up for immediate responsiveness, with no vibration, noise, gear shifting or odour and no CO2 emissions.
PEUGEOT e-Expert The compact van segment accounts for more than 750,000 vehicles per year in Europe, and the PEUGEOT Expert has been increasing its presence in this segment every year since its launch in 2016. Over 195,000 units of the latest generation model have already been sold.
The full electric e-Expert was voted International Van of the Year in 2021 – the 6th PEUGEOT vehicle to win this award since its creation in 1992.
The new PEUGEOT e-Expert comes with:
A choice of two batteries, 50 and 75 kWh, offering up to 205 miles of range (WLTP)
Three lengths (Compact, Standard and Long)
A towing capacity of 1000 kg and a payload of up to 1226kg
A loading volume identical to that of the combustion version (6.6m³).
Like the PEUGEOT e-Partner, the PEUGEOT e-Expert is based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy platform, and offers a full electric powertrain with a maximum power of 100 KW (136 hp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from the start.
The PEUGEOT e-Boxer: The large van segment represents more than 550,000 vehicles per year in Europe, and the PEUGEOT Boxer is increasing its market share every year. Building on its commercial success over the generations, with more than 1,250,000 vehicles produced and sold in 110 countries since its launch in 1994, the PEUGEOT Boxer now comes in a full electric version.
The new electric PEUGEOT e-Boxer has:
Two levels of range offering up to 139 miles (WLTP)
Two battery capacities of 37 kWh and 70 kWh,
Three length options
A payload of up to 1150kg on Panel Van,
A loading volume identical to that of the combustion version, up to 17 m3.
The PEUGEOT e-Boxer offers a full electric powertrain with a maximum power of 90 kW (122 bhp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from start-up for immediate responsiveness, with no vibration, no noise, no gear shifting, no odour, and no CO2 emissions.
The drivetrain is equipped with an energy recovery system, which acts both when the accelerator pedal is released and when braking. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 56mph.
The new PEUGEOT e-Boxer combines compact exterior dimensions with maximum loading capacity: the batteries are located under the floor, without any impact on the load volume.
Latest generation of compact hot-hatch now available to order through the Volkswagen UK Retailer network
Priced from £26,430 RRP on-the-road
Iconic ‘GTI’ heritage expressed through dynamic design, driver-focused chassis and punchy 207 PS engine
The latest generation Polo GTI is now available to order from Volkswagen UK Retailers, priced from £26,430 RRP on-the-road.
Thanks to a raft of enhancements, Volkswagen’s supermini-sized GTI, more than ever before, exudes all of the qualities that have made those three iconic letters so successful over the course of nearly 50 years.
The GTI follows the launch of the revised sixth-generation Polo range earlier this year, and takes pride of place as its flagship. The new model features revised styling, even more equipment, plus improved safety – and even brings premium-car technology to the supermini segment.
At the heart of every GTI is its engine, and that is true of the new range-topping Polo. Its 2.0-litre (1,984 cc) four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol power plant produces a peak power figure of 207 PS, along with maximum torque of 320 Nm – the latter consistently between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Allied to a super-responsive 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), the new Polo GTI is capable of sprinting from standstill to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, before attaining a top speed of 149 mph (where permitted).
Power, however, is nothing without control. To that end, the new Polo GTI combines a dynamic chassis with sophisticated systems to assist both stability and driver enjoyment. Uprated running gear includes a larger front anti-roll bar, more rigid coupling rods at the front and stiffer axle-locating mounts at the rear. In addition, the GTI’s body is lowered by 15 mm compared with other Polo models.
Also improving cornering precision is the standard-fit XDS electronic differential lock which, if necessary, controls brake pressure on the front wheel on the inside of a bend, thereby preventing it from spinning and – in extreme situations – can even help to prevent loss of control of the vehicle.
XDS is part of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control systems. Further aiding driver involvement is Adaptive Chassis Control DCC, including Driving Profile Selection. With this feature, the driver is able to activate two different damping characteristics for the adjustable shock absorbers. Driving profile selection comes as standard with the new Polo GTI and offers four modes of Eco, Individual, Normal and Sport. Within defined limits, the modes allow the driver to make individual settings that have a direct effect on vehicle dynamics. For example, the steering, engine characteristic and DSG shift patterns are adapted, depending on the selected profile. In Sport mode, the exhaust system is automatically modified to make it sound sportier, a feature that can also be selected in the configurable Individual driving profile.
The new Polo GTI is now fitted as standard with Volkswagen’s innovative IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, bringing big-car tech to the small-car sector. This advanced system is joined by an illuminated radiator grille crossbar as a highly distinctive complement to the daytime running lights. With this styling cue, the newcomer creates a visual connection to the latest Volkswagen models such as the ID. electric range, as well as the latest Golf.
Elsewhere, the most obvious GTI visual signifiers at the front of the new model remain the eye-catching red GTI badge, the honeycomb air intake grilles, and the red trim above the LED daytime running lights strip.
Newly designed LED tail lights are the most conspicuous visual change at the rear. These extend well towards the middle of the tailgate and now feature dynamic indicators. Meanwhile, new GTI-specific bumpers result in an even more confident and wider stance for the revised hot hatch, bolstered in profile by the red-painted brake callipers.
Inside, as one would expect, the Polo GTI leaves no doubt as to its special status. Stylishly confident without being brash, this new flagship model remains faithful to the GTI philosophy. For example, the roof pillars and headliner are trimmed in Titanium Black, with red contrasting stitching applied throughout the interior.
The sports seats feature the legendary ‘Jacara’ check pattern, with sports comfort seats in ArtVelours material available as an option. Most strikingly, the dash panel is now finished as standard in eye-catching Kings Red Glossy. Alternatively, it can also be ordered in a more subdued Deep Iron Glossy hue.
As in the rest of the Polo range, the GTI’s instruments and Infotainment system are located on one visual axis for easier assimilation, and the 10.25-inch screen of the Digital Cockpit Pro system boasts higher pixel density, better contrast and more intense colours.
Every Polo GTI comes as standard with the Discover Media Navigation system latest-generation Infotainment system with high-resolution 8.0-inch display. Optional extras include a Beats Sound System with six speakers, subwoofer, 300 w power output and 8-channel amplifier.
The extensive equipment list comprises additional curtain airbags at the front and rear – now including a centre airbag – background lighting in the door trims and dash panel; 2zone electronic air conditioning with an upgraded digital control unit; DSG paddles on the leather multifunction sports steering wheel; 17-inch ‘Parker’ alloy wheels (with 18-inch ‘Faro’ versions as an option); ‘Light and Sight’ pack (featuring, among other items, automatic headlight control; Coming/Leaving Home light function; rain-sensing wipers; and auto-dimming rear-view mirror).
Exterior paint colours offered on the Polo GTI comprise Pure White; Deep Black Pearl; Kings Red Metallic; Reef Blue Metallic; and Smokey Grey Metallic. Additionally, there is an eye-catching black-roof option available to combine with the white, red and blue paint options listed above.
Lisa Hartley, Polo Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “The marriage of ‘Volkswagen’ and ‘GTI’ kicked off in 1975 with the launch of the now legendary Golf Mk I GTI. Since then, those hallowed three letters have adorned many other models such as the Scirocco, Lupo and up!. However, it is the Polo – whose GTI model debuted in 1998 – that is, after the Golf, the longest running member of this sporting family.
“Continuing this illustrious history is this newest version of our pocket-rocket, and it really is the best so far. With driver-focussed dynamics, a powerful 207 PS turbocharged engine, big-car tech, a generous list of standard equipment, and classy, assertive yet understated looks, the new Polo GTI is a class act among hot hatches.”
Yomper aimed at small business, farm, livestock, and leisure users
Yorkshire-designed and constructed truck is based on Suzuki Jimny
Comprehensively engineered and built by established engineering company
A brand-new utility-focused SUV is set to cause a stir in the trade, agricultural and sports and leisure markets thanks to a West Yorkshire-based start-up that has created a bespoke vehicle, built to order to answer a demand for such vehicles at an affordable price point.
The Yomper – available in tray back ‘Bergan’ or alloy drop side ‘Commercial’ specifications in 225 or 275 size wheelbases – Yomper’s are based on a Suzuki Jimny but is built upon a specially adapted long wheelbase chassis developed to deliver an unparalleled combination of load space and off-road capability, making it ideal for farm applications, off-road utility or sports and leisure pursuits. It has been engineered to take a payload of 500kg and comes with a 12 month warranty.
The Yomper 4×4 business is the brainchild of Elland-based engineering company, Samson Engineering Ltd, which has an established background and peerless reputation in the design, development and manufacture of bespoke commercial trailers and construction equipment, all developed from blueprints to meet specific requirements.
Giles Walker, Yomper 4×4 CEO, said: “We’ve always worked in an environment where we apply advanced engineering principles to meet the specific demands of a job, so when I heard from a lot of people in my local community – many of whom are farmers – about the lack of a suitable small utility SUV on the market I decided it would be a great opportunity to create one. You can’t buy an inexpensive go-anywhere working vehicle anymore, so I decided to make one.
“As an off-road and trials bike enthusiast myself, I know what makes a good SUV, so the natural choice for the base vehicle was the Suzuki Jimny – cheap, affordable and reliable, yet small enough to go where other off-roaders can’t and with exceptional off-road capabilities, without the issue of a heavy off road ‘tyre print’.”
What followed was a design-by-blueprint exercise in which Giles created a brand new chassis and bespoke alloy body for the Yomper, as well as converting the Jimny bodyshell into a chassis cab, with its own strengthened rear bulkhead. That was the first project.
Next came the Bergan – inspired by the Subaru MV ‘Brat’ pick-up, with integrated pick-up ‘tray back’ bodywork.
“There are other companies who have done Jimny pick-up conversions,” said Giles. “But none have gone as far as to create a bespoke body and chassis like that of the Yomper, which is essentially a ground-up vehicle that uses the Suzuki running gear and front bodywork more as components to create a full vehicle than as a basis for conversion. Those are the key engineering differences, and the fact we can offer both body style variants show the flexibility and bespoke nature of our design. The fact all our vehicles attain IVA approval is proof that our design and manufacturing approach is the correct one to take.”
Under the bonnet, the Yomper uses the standard robust Suzuki 1.3-litre 16v petrol engine, as part of the purchase cost the engine and running gear is comprehensively overhauled and rebuilt in-house with many new components and serious upgrades to ensure its ability as a workhorse, making it as close as possible to a brand new vehicle as is reasonably possible.
The conversion cost is negotiable depending on personal specification, but it is possible to have a Yomper, on-the-road, for below £20,000. To find out more go to www.yomper4x4.co.uk
Early all-electric Mustang Mach-E customers create their perfect “Mustang” garage, accompanied by Mach 1 V8 coupés
Ford’s first zero-emission SUV built chosen for customers’ Mustang line-up alongside new, track-ready Mustang Mach 1s
It was E for excitement as thrilled customers took delivery of the first Ford Mustang Mach-Es in the UK this year, and some have taken the opportunity to create their perfect two-car garage.
Among the initial wave of deliveries were two couples who also own petrol-powered Mustang Mach 1s, and both have chosen Mustang Mach-Es to run alongside the world’s best-selling sports car.
Brian and Pat Vayro, from Derbyshire, invested in an electric Mach-E and a Mustang Mach 1, which offers more downforce, stiffer suspension and upgraded transmission.
While the Mach-E delivers stunning and yet near-silent performance on the road – with up to 379-mile range – the 5.0 litre Mach 1, with 460PS petrol engine provides a track-style experience accompanied by an exhaust sound to match. And with a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds (auto) and a top speed of 163mph, there’s no doubting its accomplished race circuit credentials.
Taking delivery of their cars – in Fighter Jet Grey and Grabber Blue – from Ford dealer TC Harrison, Mr Vayro said: “The Mach 1 is the third of the modern Mustangs I have owned. And when I saw the Mach-E was coming nearly two years ago, I thought that I’ll have one of those too.
“I used to have an electric car from another brand, but its range was nowhere near enough. The Mach-E can go much further and my wife liked the idea of getting one too. She uses it more than I do and loves the fact she can get her golf clubs in the boot without having to put the seats down.
“I drive the Mach 1 nearly every day. I love the exhaust noise – although the neighbours wouldn’t always agree at six in the morning, which is where its noise-limiting ‘good neighbour mode’ comes in useful!”
Another delighted customer was David Spooner, managing director of specialist emergency vehicle conversion company Safeguard SVP, in Essex, who bought his Mach-E after deciding he needed a car with proper rear seats and more space for his growing family.
He also owns a Mustang Mach 1 and has handed the keys to the Mach-E to his wife Jayne.
“I was looking for a vehicle that would accommodate us better as a family,” said David. “The technology first drew my attention to the Mach-E and, coupled with the increased space that the car offers, it was a logical choice for us in the end.”
David’s company converts standard cars, vans and SUVs into blue light emergency vehicles and he has Mach-Es in his workshops liveried as 999 demonstrators for further development.
“We have a lot of work to do to develop this car into a working vehicle, especially in terms of the electrics, with all the lights and other electrical equipment it will have to power,” he said. “It’s an exciting project to work on.”
The Mach-E range starts from £41,330 for the RWD standard range, rising to £65,080 for the new performance Mach-E GT model. The Mustang Mach 1, the fastest production Mustang around a track ever offered to customers in Europe, is available from £56,955.
Hagerty takes a look at rising values of Ecto-1 movie cars and faithful replicas, both in the UK and US.
Ecto-1 is based on a 1959 Miller-Meteor Futura, a derivative of the Series 75 Commercial Chassis offered by Cadillac
The highest price achieved for an Ecto-1 (replica) is $220,000 at a Barratt-Jackson auction in 2020
Hagerty experts say an original film car may be worth up to $500,000 in today’s market
Ghostbusters grossed $295 million (£219m) in its first run and is often considered one of the first movie blockbusters
Ghostbusters Afterlife is released in UK cinemas today
When Ghostbusters hit cinemas in 1984 it went on to become a cultural phenomenon thanks to a ground-breaking blend of comedy, science fiction, horror and action.
The second biggest film of 1984, Ghostbusters grossed $295 million (£219m) in its first run and is often considered one of the first movie blockbusters. There was a sequel in 1989, a reboot in 2016 and now, nearly 30 years after the original, Ghostbusters: Afterlife has just been released.
As with so many great films, one of the stars of Ghostbusters was a car: a 1959 Cadillac, better known as Ecto-1. The car has gone on to attain cult status, which means that the original prop cars used in the production of Ghostbusters have become highly prized, and valuable too. At the same time, a thriving market in replica Ectomobiles has sprung up.
What is Ecto-1? One of the tools used to promote Ghostbusters to fans beyond cinemas was the car Murray and Aykroyd use to transport their ghostbusting kit around New York, as they saved the city from supernatural beings.
It’s based on a 1959 Cadillac Series 75 Commercial Chassis that coachbuilder Miller-Meteor turned into ambulances and hearses – some cars have even been known to be used as both.
The Ectomobile ‑ Ecto-1 ‑ is based around a Miller-Meteor Futura model which had recumbent ‘passengers’ loaded through its tailgate. With its big fins, long creased bonnet and spats covering the rear wheels it borrows many of the design features from famous Caddies of the time such as the Eldorado.
Beneath the bonnet there’s a monster 390 cubic inch (6.4-litre) V8 engine for some spirited performance. And at 21 feet (6.4m) long there’s plenty of room for ghoul-zapping kit inside.
Ecto-1 is very rare and values are increasing Only around 25 Miller-Meteor Futuras were ever built and at least two of those were owned by Sony and used in the Ghostbusters films. A third was bought for promotional purposes. Hagerty doesn’t carry the value of the 1959 Cadillac Series 75 Commercial Chassis but the average insured value for one now is $52,000 (£38,669).
According to the Hagerty valuations department, one of the cars from the film was offered within US magazine Hemmings for $149,998 (£111,514) in 2007. One year later and another of the cars, apparently made for the Universal Studios theme park in Florida, was offered on eBay for $45,000 (£33,454). Just two years after that, possibly one of those same cars sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction for $88,000 (£65,437).
Prices were clearly on the up more than a decade ago. In the intervening years, they’ve rocketed. For a genuine movie car, with a certified history, Hagerty now estimates the value to be in excess of $500,000 (£371,821).
Replicas are very valuable too
In 2020 a fan-created replica Ecto-1 sold at Barrett-Jackson in the US for $220,000 (£163,602). The car was built from a 1959 Cadillac Superior hearse and was fully drivable with its engine rebuilt in 2012.
In the UK in 2014, a replica Ecto-1 was offered on eBay for £175,000. However, the owner of another replica, Peter Dale, tracked his tatty Ecto-1 down for £70,000. “I bought it within two hours of hearing it was coming up for sale,” he told us. Looking distinctly unloved, Peter has since spent around £80,000 restoring the car to its former glory.
Peter bought the car at the start of the first lockdown in 2020. “It had already been converted to Ecto-1 but had then been left to sit for a few years. The engine wasn’t running, and it needed to be totally recommissioned,” he said.
He revealed that the cars are so sought after, you’ll now pay £40,000-£50,000 for a Cadillac shell from the correct year.
What’s Ecto-1 like to drive? Peter said: “Although it’s a very big car, it’s easy to drive. Visibility is great through all the glass and it’s got power steering and assisted brakes. Surprisingly for something so long, the turning circle is quite good. The biggest problem is that it attracts so much attention. You go to change lanes and there’s someone alongside filming on a smartphone, so you have to have your wits about you.”
Peter added, “In the run up to Ghostbusters: Afterlife we’ve been using the car for a lot of promotional work for Sony,” he said. “We were at the premier in Leicester Square in London and we’ve been on This Morning when I showed Philip Schofield how to drive it.”
Hagerty Editor, James Mills, said of the Ghostbusters star car “It’s spooky just how well-known Ecto-1 is. Ghostbusters made it one of the most famous movie cars ever to emerge from a props department. Despite its place in pop culture, few film fans will be aware of the values of an Ectomobile; the real-deal could be worth up to half a million dollars, and even replica examples are valuable. Owners should make sure they’re insured for the correct sum, or they could be in for a nasty fright.”
Ghostbusters Afterlife is released in UK cinemas today.
About Hagerty Hagerty is a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market and an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, Hagerty DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Media, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the Concours d’Elegance of America, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, Motorworks Revival and more. For more information, visit www.hagerty.com.
