What Kind of Car Does Clark Griswold Drive in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of classic Christmas movies, then there’s no doubt that you’ve seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This movie is a holiday favorite for many, and it features the iconic character of Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase.

One question that often comes up among fans is what kind of car Clark Griswold drives in the movie. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and more.

The Car: 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire

What kind of car does Clark Griswold drive in Christmas Vacation? The answer is a 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. This car is a classic American family vehicle that was popular during the 1970s and 1980s. It’s known for its large size, wood paneling, and boxy design.

Clark Griswold’s car in Christmas Vacation is not just any regular old station wagon though. It’s an iconic symbol of the American family road trip. The car is shown several times throughout the movie as Clark tries to get his family to enjoy a fun-filled Christmas vacation.

The Car as a Character

In some ways, the car in Christmas Vacation takes on its own character within the movie. It’s almost like an additional member of the Griswold family. The car represents Clark’s determination to give his family the perfect holiday experience despite all of the obstacles that he encounters along the way.

The scenes involving the car are some of the most memorable in the movie. From trying to find a parking spot at a crowded mall to getting stuck under a semi-truck on a busy highway, it seems like everything that can go wrong with this vehicle does.

The Car as Symbolism

The Ford LTD Country Squire also serves as a symbol for something greater within the movie. It represents the idealized American family and the American dream of a perfect holiday season. Clark’s desire to have the perfect Christmas for his family is reflected in his obsession with the car.

The car itself is not just a vehicle, but it’s a representation of everything that Clark holds dear. From his love for his family to his desire to provide them with a memorable holiday experience, the car is a physical manifestation of these values.

The Legacy of the Car

Even though National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was released over 30 years ago, Clark Griswold’s car still remains an iconic symbol of classic Americana. The movie has become a holiday staple for many families, and the car continues to be a beloved part of its legacy.

In fact, there are many die-hard fans who have gone to great lengths to recreate their own version of Clark Griswold’s car from Christmas Vacation. From restoring vintage Ford LTD Country Squires to creating replica models, it’s clear that this vehicle has left a lasting impression on many.

In Conclusion

The 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon driven by Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an iconic symbol of classic Americana and the idealized American family. The car serves as both a character within the movie and as a representation of everything that Clark holds dear. Even though over 30 years have passed since its release, the car remains a beloved part of this holiday classic’s legacy.