What Kind of Car Was the Family Truckster in Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’ve watched the classic comedy film, “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you must have seen the iconic Family Truckster that the Griswold family used for their road trip. The car was a staple of the movie and still resonates with movie lovers today.

But what kind of car was it exactly? Let’s dive into the details.

Introduction

The Family Truckster was a station wagon that was designed specifically for the movie. The car was created to be an exaggerated version of the Ford LTD Country Squire, which was a popular family wagon at the time.

The Design

The design of the Family Truckster was intentionally absurd and comical. The car had an excessively long body, odd proportions, and an outlandish paint job that included a wood-paneling effect on its sides. The front grille had an unusual shape with eight headlights, which added to its bizarre look.

The Color

The color of the Family Truckster is one of its most distinctive features. It was painted in a shade called Metallic Pea, which is not a real car color but rather a made-up name for the movie. This color choice is also part of what made it so memorable and instantly recognizable.

The Brand

Despite being based on the Ford LTD Country Squire, the Family Truckster didn’t bear any official branding from Ford or any other car manufacturer. However, it did have some fake badges and labels on it that said “Wagon Queen Family Truckster” and “Honky Lips” (which was actually a nod to one of Chevy Chase’s character’s lines in another movie).

Legacy

The Family Truckster has become an iconic symbol of American pop culture since its debut in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” It has been referenced and parodied in various TV shows and movies, and there are even collectible die-cast models of the car for fans to add to their collections.

The Reboot

In 2015, the movie was rebooted with a new cast and storyline. The new movie featured a replica of the Family Truckster, which was faithful to the original design. However, it did have some modern updates like GPS navigation and a rearview camera.

Conclusion

The Family Truckster is one of the most memorable cars in movie history. Its unique design and color scheme have made it an enduring symbol of American pop culture. Even though it was never an actual car model, its impact on popular culture has been significant.