What Is the Car in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered what kind of car the Griswold family drives on their ill-fated trip to Walley World. In the movie, the car plays a central role and is instrumental in many of the film’s comedic moments. So, what exactly is this iconic vehicle?

The Car

The car in question is a 1984 Ford Country Squire station wagon. This particular model was produced by Ford from 1950 to 1991 and was known for its spacious interior and distinctive wood paneling.

The Griswold Family Car

In “Christmas Vacation,” the Griswold family’s Country Squire is nicknamed “The Wagon Queen Family Truckster.” The car is an exaggerated version of the typical American family station wagon with its wood paneling, eight headlights, and garish green paint job.

Movie History

The car used in “Christmas Vacation” was actually custom-built for the movie by Hollywood car designer George Barris. Barris was responsible for creating some of the most iconic vehicles in film and television history, including the Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series.

Conclusion

So there you have it – now you know all about the infamous car in “Christmas Vacation.” Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that this vehicle has become an iconic symbol of both the movie and American pop culture as a whole.