In the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is forced to buy an oversized station wagon called the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The car, a heavily modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon by George Barris, was the family’s choice for the trip. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a far cry from the blue sports sedan that Griswold ordered, and even his family was stunned when he drove up in it for the first time.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a station wagon with eight headlights and a pea-green finish. It was not a Ford production car, but rather a Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country, essentially a Dodge 600 with woodie trim. The minivan marked a major shift in the family vehicle from station wagons to larger vehicles. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was designed by Kustom Kar King George Barris, who also designed the 66′ Batmobile.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a replica of the real-life Griswold family’s iconic station wagon, which was heavily modified by Warner Brothers. The Chrysler minivan is a historically significant vehicle because it marked a major shift in the family vehicle from station wagons to larger vehicles. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a heavily modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon, with fake wood paneling, a Metallic Pea paint job, and doubled the size.
In the movie, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is a memorable example of Forced Family Fun, as it is a far cry from the blue sports sedan that Griswold ordered. The fictional Wagon Queen Family Truckster is a metallic pea-painted, faux wood-paneled, eight-headlight station wagon that was not Clark Griswold’s original car.
| Article | Description | Site |
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| Never forget that the Wagon Queen Family Truckster had a … | It’s a Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country. Basically a Dodge 600 with woodie trim (which is what Town & Country meant before luxury minivan) and a … | reddit.com |
| The Making of the Griswold Family Truckster | Real Life … | The Wagon Queen Family Truckster in the National Lampoon movie is a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire that has been modified by Warner Brothers. | griswoldfamilyvacations.com |
| FAST FACTS Vol. 1, Issue 15 Wagon Queen Family … | A heavily-modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon, the design, and cringe-worthy title of Wagon Queen Family Truckster were the brainchild of famed … | fraserengineco.com |
📹 National Lampoon’s Vacation – Clark’s New Car Scene (1/10) Movieclips
FILM DESCRIPTION: Accompanied by their children (Dana Barron, Anthony Michael Hall), Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his …
What Kind Of Car Was The Griswold Family'S Station Wagon?
In the holiday classic "Christmas Vacation," the Griswold family drives an iconic vehicle: the 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. This car epitomizes the upper-middle-class suburban lifestyle of the Griswolds. Initially intended to be a blue sports sedan, what Clark Griswold ended up with was a heavily modified version affectionately dubbed the "Wagon Queen Family Truckster," designed by renowned customizer George Barris. Although it might have looked terrible, it served as a comical yet durable vehicle for Clark's ambitious family road trip from Chicago to the fictional Walley World.
The Truckster significantly differs from the traditional station wagon, mocking the classic American family vehicle image. With five custom models created for the film, it proved to be an unforgettable part of the story. The choice of the Ford LTD Country Squire aligns perfectly with Clark's character as he navigates the hilarity and chaos of family life. Through its humor, the film inadvertently caused a decline in the popularity of the station wagon.
The Griswold family's memorable journey is forever linked to this absurd vehicle, which represents both their adventures and the comedic critique of family dynamics in America. Ultimately, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster stands out as a unique automotive icon from the movie.
How Many Wagon Queen Family Trucksters Are In National Lampoon Vacation?
In the iconic film National Lampoon's Vacation, five specially crafted Wagon Queen Family Trucksters were created to highlight the Griswold family's misfortunes during their disastrous road trip to Walley World. These vehicles are modifications based on the 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire, which was Ford's premium wagon at the time. The design, characterized by eight headlights and a distinctive pea-green color, was executed by George Barris. The filmmakers required multiple trucks, which were subjected to various mishaps throughout the movie to underline its comedic elements.
Each Wagon Queen underwent alterations, mainly for scenes involving crashes and wear, ensuring a continuous depiction of the family's plight. Possessing an undeniable charm, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster has become an emblem of forced family fun, thanks largely to Chevy Chase's portrayal of Clark Griswold. Enthusiasts of movie cars cherish this vehicle for its unique aesthetic and pivotal role in cinematic history. As the nostalgia surrounding the film grows, replicas and original models are gaining attention, notably at auctions such as in Palm Beach, Florida, where copies of the Truckster might be featured.
What Car Did Clark Griswold Drive In National Lampoon'S Vacation?
The car prominently featured in the 1983 comedy film National Lampoon's Vacation is the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, a heavily modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon. This vehicle, crafted by famed designer George Barris—known for the 1966 Batmobile—became synonymous with Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase. Although Clark initially ordered a different sedan, he ended up with this grotesque green station wagon, which shocked his family upon his arrival.
The hideous yet iconic Truckster was essential for transporting the Griswold family on their ill-fated cross-country trip to the fictional Walley World. The car’s notable features included an abundance of fake wood paneling and a unique Metallic Pea paint job, transforming it into a quintessential symbol of "Forced Family Fun." Despite its unattractiveness, the Truckster is considered one of the most recognizable movie cars in cinematic history.
Its appearance in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation also solidified its place in pop culture. The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, representing the ultimate family vehicle failure, serves as an unforgettable aspect of the Griswold family's misadventures.
What Was A Wagon Queen Family Truckster?
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, a heavily-modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon, was created for the film "National Lampoon's Vacation" and designed by famed car customizer George Barris. Five Trucksters were constructed for the movie, mainly to endure the vehicle's ongoing series of misfortunes. This station wagon lampooned American cars of the late 1970s, showcasing a comically exaggerated design. The Truckster became iconic in its portrayal of the Griswold family's disastrous road trip.
In a nod to the original film, the Truckster reappeared in the 2015 film "Vacation," where real-life parents Lisa and Steve Griswold meticulously recreated the car to take their family on trips. The comical sentiment surrounding the Truckster is encapsulated by the line, "The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, you think you hate it now, but wait til you drive it." Originally based on a top-of-the-line Ford LTD wagon, the Truckster features a pale green exterior and represents the quintessential design of early 1980s cars. Ultimately, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster has secured its place in pop culture as a symbol of both family road trips and the humorous chaos that often ensues during them.
Did Clark Griswold Buy A Wagon Queen Family Truckster?
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, with its 10 fake wood panels, oversized grille, roof rails, and peculiar gills beneath a gold crown, is a striking vehicle featured in National Lampoon's Vacation, released on July 29, 1983. Its unique "metallic pea" color stands in stark contrast to the blue sports sedan that Clark Griswold originally ordered. Upon its arrival, both Clark and his family were shocked. In total, five Trucksters were crafted for the film, symbolizing the chaos and misfortunes of the Griswold family road trip to Walley World.
The iconic car makes a return in the 2015 sequel, Vacation, where real-life fans Lisa and Steve Griswold recreated it for their family excursions. Notably, the Truckster is a modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire, altered by Warner Brothers rather than famed customizer George Barris, known for the Batmobile. Clark, portrayed by Chevy Chase, faces disappointment with the car dealership's bait-and-switch, ending up with the Family Truckster after his trade-in is destroyed.
The film humorously critiques the traditional American family station wagon, contributing to its decline in popular culture. Clark Griswold's character, who embodies both wit and relatable imperfections, resonates with audiences as a distinctive portrayal of fatherhood.
What Kind Of Car Was In 'Vacation' Based On?
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster, an unassuming star of the film "National Lampoon's Vacation," is a uniquely unappealing station wagon featuring eight headlights and a pea-green finish. It was actually a heavily modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire, designed to be unattractive to the point of dissuading interest in station wagons, resulting in a significant drop in sales post-release. In the film, Clark Griswold, portrayed by Chevy Chase, uses this memorable vehicle to transport his family across the country on their misguided journey to Walley World.
The car stands as a comedic element, emblematic of the chaotic family road trip. Christie Brinkley's character drove a contrasting, sleek 1983 Ferrari 308 GTSi, showcasing the difference between the Griswold family's experience and luxury. There were five Trucksters utilized during the movie’s production, reflecting the wear and tear from their ambitious road trip. This iconic vehicle was inspired by a short story by John Hughes published in National Lampoon magazine, humorously capturing the essence of the American family vacation. Additionally, the 2015 film "Vacation" introduced the Tartan Prancer, dubbed "The Honda of Albania," a large MPV, and featured a replica of the Wagon Queen to honor its legacy in the film.
📹 10 Wild Facts About Clark’s ’79 Family Truckster – National Lampoon’s Vacation
The 1979 Wagon Queen Family Truckster, featured in the 1983 movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” is a legendary vehicle that …
Hey, don’t knock the Truckster! It was indeed a damn fine automobile! In spite of everything thrown at it ( including a 50 yd jump), it still got them to Wally World. So, ironically, the dealer ended up doing Clark a huge favor and landed him with a car he did not want but was exactly what he needed.
That scene toward the end of the clip where the car is ‘dieseling’ or ‘running on’ reminds me of my Dad’s ’73 Chevy Suburban which used to do that every so often when the engine was warm….You would have to flick the ignition switch off and on a few times to get it to completely shut off……Probably due to the poor quality gas and carbon build up in the engine.
Saw this movie again recently and realized what makes this a great opening scene. It’s not just funny, but it tells us about Clark’s character. He says “I’m not your ordinary, everyday fool” which is true. He’s an idiot, but a specific kind of stupid. 😂 He’s smart enough to know he screws up, smart enough to try hiding his tomfoolery from the rest of the world, but not nearly smart enough to convince anyone ‘I meant to do that.’ 😅
I am really starting to appreciate the WQFT’s color, Metallic Pea. Seems like every new car on the road is some monochrome gray color and it is freaking me out. It is like being in Pleasantville before there was color. I am thinking if this gray thing keeps going, I will be forced to drive a Metallic Pea colored car.
I’m just as upset as you are. Believe me. DAVENPORT!!! Get Mr. Griswold’s car back, and bring it back here! (glass shattered) (beep beep beep) Now I can get you the wagon, there’s no problem there, the problem is, it might take 6 weeks. Now I owe it to myself to tell you Mr. Griswold that if you’re thinking of taking the tribe cross country. This is the automobile you should be using, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. You think you hate it now. But will you drive it? I don’t wanna drive it. I just want my old car back, ok? I’m not fallin for this bit. No way, let’s go Rust.
When Chevy is first walking with his son and they are seeing their car for the first time….even though the Griswold family lives in Chicago ( or suburban Chicago) in the top right as you look toward the sky you see the tops of PALM trees.Having grown up in Chicago, ain’t no Palm trees anywhere around there ( excuse the grammar)
What’s funny about this is the Family Truckster actually cost something close to $250k when factoring in they needed multiple versions for stunts and stuff. Because no real car manufacturer would let their car be the butt of the joke, they essentially had to custom build it from about four or five different cars. It was based on a Ford LTD Country Squire with parts from an Oldsmobile, Chevy, GM and custom wood grain, and it was designed by George Barris, who also did the original Batmobile and the Munster car.
my first car was a jet black 1979 Lamborghini Countach S (they were dirt cheap in the mid 1990s). I got it for $15,000. the left taillight turns off if you play a cassette tape. my friends and I called it the Lamborghini Family Truckster because of how bad it is. I still own it. Edit: I decided to drive it to Kalahari, in Sandusky, Ohio for Christmas. here’s everything that broke on the 120 mile trip: the passenger side door no longer opens, the rear bumper fell off, neither seatbelt buckles, the ignition doesn’t work, the radio turns off when you accelerate, none of the gauges work, and the driver side window falls down if you touch the door. I live in Cleveland. that was a 2 hour trip. Edit 2: it died.
The exact beige Chrysler Town and Country little K Car station wagon with fake wood paneling at 2:00 was a real new car of the era. I bought one 8 years later with 30k miles for $800 (marked down from $1800) from a lot dealer. He said it was so ugly nobody wanted it and everybody called it the Griswald wagon. My wife, a Zoe Deschanel/Drew Barrymore quirky girl, just loved it when I sheepishly brought that turd home. Got three years out of it till the turbo blew at 105K miles and the repair was more than the car. 100k the sign of pending doom in a Chrysler
To my knowledge I think that Ed knew the Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a crappy cheap ugly manufactured car and they weren’t selling and there were only a handful made and Ed had some on the lot and couldn’t sell them, you can tell that he’s doing his best to con Clark into buying the Truckster and even crushing the buyers old car so they would have no choice to buy the Truckster, also even though Clark ordered a car, Ed probably never or didn’t sent an order for the car Clark ordered.
And after all these decades, the car salesmen is correct. The public don’t do any educating of themselves, that’s what’s required of them for their own future, but they lie to us and themselves but they don’t realise it OR by the time they realise it, it’s too late. The car manufacturers know a bit about what they’ve built but the public doesn’t do any research into their own interests or future life. They just copy, react, make silly decisions based on no facts or wise information.
The Wagon Queen family truckster once the original early problems were ironed out it was too late to save its tarnished image with the public. Transmission and driveline failures and leaking fuel systems combined with tramp and wondering prone steering linkage had buyers searching elsewhere. High fuel consumption and low power output didn’t help. Like most new cars a trip off the lot found it had depreciated tremendously. Did have first rate imitation wood grain however.