What Year Was the Station Wagon in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of classic Christmas movies, then you’ve probably seen “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at least once. The movie follows the Griswold family as they prepare for the holiday season, but as with any good comedy, things don’t quite go as planned.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves a station wagon and a sled. But what year was the station wagon?

Well, it turns out that the station wagon in “Christmas Vacation” was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire. This classic car is instantly recognizable thanks to its wood-paneled exterior and boxy shape.

But why did director Jeremiah S. Chechik choose this particular car for the movie? According to an interview with Chevy Chase (who plays Clark Griswold), Chechik wanted a car that would be “the ultimate family vehicle”. And what’s more family-friendly than a station wagon?

The Ford LTD Country Squire was also a popular car during the 1970s and 1980s, which made it a perfect choice for a movie set in that era. The wood paneling on the sides of the car was common at the time, and it added to the overall look and feel of the movie.

In addition to its appearance in “Christmas Vacation”, the Ford LTD Country Squire has appeared in other movies and TV shows over the years. It’s been featured in everything from “The Brady Bunch” to “Back to the Future”.

If you’re a fan of classic cars or just love “Christmas Vacation”, then you’ll definitely appreciate seeing this iconic vehicle on screen. And now that you know what year it is, you can impress all your friends with your knowledge of ’70s-era station wagons.

So there you have it – the station wagon in “Christmas Vacation” was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just a fan of the movie, this classic vehicle is sure to bring a smile to your face.