If you have ever watched the classic holiday movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered who owns the iconic RV that the Griswold family takes on their disastrous camping trip. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
RV Ownership in the Movie
In the movie, the RV is referred to as a “Wagon Queen Family Truckster.” It is a fictional vehicle that was designed specifically for the film. However, the design was based on a real car – the Ford LTD Country Squire.
The Griswold Family
The main characters of “Christmas Vacation” are Clark and Ellen Griswold, played by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. Throughout the series of National Lampoon movies, the Griswolds are portrayed as an average American family who often find themselves in comically disastrous situations.
In “Christmas Vacation,” Clark decides to take his family on a cross-country road trip to visit relatives for Christmas. He rents the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from a local dealership, intending to make it a memorable vacation for his family.
The Ownership Controversy
The question of who owns the RV used in filming “Christmas Vacation” has been debated among fans for years. Some believe that it was simply a prop owned by Warner Bros., while others claim that it was actually owned by John Hughes, who wrote and produced the movie.
One theory is that John Hughes purchased several Ford LTD Country Squires and had them modified to look like the Wagon Queen Family Truckster for use in filming. However, this has never been confirmed.
The Legacy of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster
Regardless of who owns it, there is no denying that the Wagon Queen Family Truckster has become an iconic symbol of “Christmas Vacation.” It has been featured on t-shirts, posters, and even in a Super Bowl commercial.
In fact, in 2013, a fan of the movie purchased an exact replica of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster for $100,000. The car is now on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, where fans can take pictures and relive their favorite scenes from the movie.
In Conclusion
In the end, it may not matter who owns the RV used in “Christmas Vacation.” What matters is that it has become an enduring part of American pop culture and continues to bring joy to millions of fans every holiday season. So whether you’re a die-hard Griswold fan or just appreciate a good road trip movie, be sure to keep an eye out for the Wagon Queen Family Truckster during your next holiday viewing.