What Car Did They Drive in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

Are you a fan of the classic comedy movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation? If so, you might be wondering what car the Griswold family drove on their cross-country road trip. Well, wonder no more because we’ve got the answer for you.

The car that the Griswold family drove in National Lampoon’s Vacation was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. This iconic car was dubbed “The Wagon Queen Family Truckster” in the movie and featured a wood-panel exterior that added to its rustic charm.

Specifications of The Wagon Queen Family Truckster

This station wagon was built on a Ford LTD chassis and had a 460 cubic inch big-block V8 engine under its hood. It could produce up to 220 horsepower and had a top speed of around 100 mph. Its fuel efficiency wasn’t great, however, with an average of only 11 miles per gallon.

The Country Squire had plenty of space for luggage and passengers with three rows of bench seats. It also featured air conditioning and power windows, which were considered luxurious options at that time.

Appearances in Other Movies

The Wagon Queen Family Truckster has made appearances in other movies as well. For instance, it was seen in the movie Grown Ups as well as in an episode of The Goldbergs.

Impact on Pop Culture

The Wagon Queen Family Truckster has become an icon in popular culture due to its appearance in National Lampoon’s Vacation. Its unique design and wood-panel exterior have made it instantly recognizable among fans of the movie.

In fact, replicas of The Wagon Queen Family Truckster have been built by fans and used in various events such as parades and car shows.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the car that the Griswold family drove in National Lampoon’s Vacation was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon, also known as The Wagon Queen Family Truckster. Its appearance in the movie has made it a cultural icon and it remains a beloved car among fans of the movie.