If you’re a fan of the classic American comedy film “Vacation”, you may have wondered whether the iconic car from the movie is real. The film, which was released in 1983, follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to the fictional amusement park “Walley World”.
The car that they drive on this adventure is a station wagon known as the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. So, is it real? Let’s find out!
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was designed specifically for the movie “Vacation” by George Barris, a legendary car customizer who also created the Batmobile and Munsters Koach. It was based on a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon but with exaggerated features that made it look like a parody of typical American station wagons from that era.
Exaggerated Features
The car had several exaggerated features that made it stand out. These included:
- A faux wood paneling exterior, which was actually made of painted on zebra woodgrain.
- A massive front grille that looked like it could swallow anything in its path.
- Triple headlights on each side that added to its imposing presence.
- A luggage rack that extended over the entire length of the car and held an absurd amount of luggage.
Replicas and Homages
Since its appearance in “Vacation”, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster has become a cult classic and an icon of 80s Americana. Several replicas have been made over the years, some by fans and some for promotional purposes. In fact, one replica was even used in a Super Bowl commercial for HomeAway vacation rentals.
Many car enthusiasts have also created their own homages to the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, often using vintage station wagons as a base and adding their own customizations. These can be seen at car shows and on social media.
Conclusion
While the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from “Vacation” is not a real car in the sense that it was never produced by a manufacturer, it has become a beloved icon of American pop culture. Its exaggerated features and over-the-top design make it stand out, even among other movie cars. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just appreciate unique automobiles, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is sure to make an impression.