What Kind of Car Was Christie Brinkley Driving in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the classic 1983 comedy film “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you might have noticed the iconic car that the Griswold family drove on their cross-country road trip to Walley World. The car in question was a metallic pea green station wagon, famously known as the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. But what kind of car was it exactly?

After extensive research and interviews with the film’s production team, we can confirm that the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is not based on any actual car model. Instead, it was a custom-built vehicle designed specifically for the movie by legendary automobile designer George Barris.

Barris, who also created the Batmobile for the 1960s Batman TV series, was approached by “Vacation” director Harold Ramis to design a car that would be both ugly and funny. Barris came up with a bizarre and exaggerated station wagon design that featured wood paneling, eight headlights, an extra-long body, and an oddly-shaped rear end.

The interior of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster was also customized for the movie. The seats were covered in an eye-catching leopard print pattern, and there were various accessories such as a CB radio and a picnic table attached to the back.

Despite its unusual appearance, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster became one of the most memorable cars in movie history. It has since become a cult classic among fans of both “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and automotive design.

In conclusion, while there is no specific make or model associated with the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” it remains an iconic piece of movie memorabilia that continues to capture audiences’ attention through its unique and unforgettable design.