What Is the Car in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the Christmas classic movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” then you’ll surely remember the iconic car that played a significant role in the film. The vehicle in question is none other than the 1989 Ford Taurus.

The Taurus – A Perfect Choice for the Movie

The choice of the Ford Taurus as the Griswold family’s car in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was nothing short of perfect. The Taurus was a popular family car during the late ’80s, which made it an ideal choice for the movie’s setting. It was also a relatively affordable vehicle, which made it accessible to middle-class families like the Griswolds.

The Car’s Role in the Movie

The Taurus played an essential role in setting up some of the most memorable scenes in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” In one scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) sets up a makeshift sled run using kitchen lubricant and sends his cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) down on his saucer sled. As Eddie hurtles towards a busy road, he crashes into an oncoming vehicle, and that vehicle is none other than a brand new 1989 Ford Taurus.

The Car Takes Center Stage

Later on in the movie, Clark decides to surprise his family with an extravagant Christmas gift – a swimming pool. However, when he starts digging up his backyard to make room for it, he accidentally severs his neighbor’s power supply.

In retaliation, Clark’s neighbor shows up with his family and demands to know what is going on. That is when Clark unveils his surprise gift and tries to win over his neighbor by offering him a brand new 1989 Ford Taurus as compensation for cutting off his power supply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1989 Ford Taurus was an excellent choice of vehicle for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Not only did it fit the movie’s setting and theme perfectly, but it also played a pivotal role in setting up some of the most memorable scenes in the film. If you’re a fan of the movie, then you’ll surely remember this iconic car and its contribution to the story.