If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series, you might be curious about the Ferrari that was used in one of the films. The car in question is a 1983 Ferrari 308 GTSi, which appeared in the 1985 movie “National Lampoon’s European Vacation.”
The Ferrari 308 GTSi
The Ferrari 308 GTSi was a sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer from 1975 to 1985. It was designed by Pininfarina and featured a mid-mounted V8 engine, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts and collectors.
In “European Vacation,” the Griswold family wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Europe. During their travels, they visit Italy, where they rent a red Ferrari for a day to drive around Rome. The car is driven by Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo).
The Car Chase Scene
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves a car chase with the Ferrari. In this scene, Clark and Ellen are being chased by a group of robbers who steal their video camera. As they speed through the streets of Rome in the Ferrari, they narrowly avoid crashing into other cars and pedestrians.
The Filming Process
To film these scenes, multiple Ferraris were used, including both real and replica models. In some shots, stunt drivers were used to perform dangerous driving maneuvers while others featured Chevy Chase behind the wheel.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ferrari used in “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” was a 1983 Ferrari 308 GTSi. This iconic sports car was involved in one of the most memorable scenes of the movie and has become synonymous with the film itself. If you’re a fan of the Griswold family and their wacky adventures, this Ferrari is definitely one to admire.