What Is the Orange Car in European Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of classic movies, you might remember the 1985 comedy film “European Vacation” in which the Griswold family embarks on a European adventure. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves an orange car that the family rents during their trip. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly is the orange car in “European Vacation.”

What is “European Vacation?”

Before we dive into the details of the orange car, let’s quickly recap what “European Vacation” is all about. The movie is a sequel to “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and follows Clark Griswold and his family as they travel across Europe. Along the way, they experience various mishaps and misadventures that make for a hilarious comedy.

The Orange Car

In one scene in “European Vacation,” the Griswold family arrives at a car rental agency in Germany to pick up their rental vehicle. They are expecting to get a sleek sports car, but instead, they are presented with an orange-colored station wagon with wood paneling on the sides.

At first, the family is disappointed with their rental car and even tries to exchange it for something better. However, they soon realize that their orange station wagon is quite reliable and serves them well throughout their European journey. The car becomes somewhat of a character in its own right and provides plenty of comedic moments throughout the movie.

What kind of car is it?

The orange station wagon featured in “European Vacation” is a 1983 Ford LTD Country Squire. This model was popular in America during the 80s as it was spacious and versatile enough to serve as both a family vehicle and a workhorse.

The wood paneling on the sides was also quite common during this time period as it added an element of luxury to the car’s appearance. It’s worth noting that the wood paneling on the car used in “European Vacation” was actually fake and made of vinyl.

The Legacy of the Orange Car

Despite its somewhat comical appearance, the orange station wagon in “European Vacation” has become an iconic symbol of the movie and even a pop culture phenomenon. Fans of the movie often seek out replicas of the car, and it has even inspired merchandise such as t-shirts and toy cars.

In conclusion, while it may have seemed like just another rental car at first, the orange station wagon in “European Vacation” became a beloved character in its own right. Its unique appearance and reliability made it a memorable part of one of the most beloved comedies of all time.