If you’re a fan of Christmas movies, you must have seen the movie “Christmas Vacation” at least once. And if you have seen it, you might be familiar with the iconic sled scene. The sled scene is one of the most memorable moments in the movie, and it has left many people wondering about the type of sled Clark Griswold used.
Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will take a closer look at what sled Clark Griswold used in “Christmas Vacation.”
The Sled Scene
Before we dive into the details about the sled itself, let’s refresh our memory about the scene. In the scene, Clark Griswold decides to wax his old-fashioned metal runner saucer sled to make it go faster down a steep hill covered with snow. He then takes his position on top of the hill and asks his family to watch him as he takes off.
As he goes down the hill, he gains an incredible amount of speed and loses control. He crashes through snow banks and eventually ends up in a parking lot where he narrowly avoids being hit by a truck. The scene is hilarious and has become one of the most famous moments in Christmas movie history.
The Sled
So what type of sled did Clark Griswold use in this iconic scene? The answer is that he used a Flexible Flyer sled. Flexible Flyer is a brand that has been around since 1889 and is known for producing high-quality sleds.
The particular model that Clark used was a vintage Flexible Flyer model from the 1940s or 1950s. This type of sled was made entirely out of metal and had wooden slats for back support. It was designed to be used on hills with snow and was known for its speed.
The History of Flexible Flyer Sleds
Flexible Flyer sleds were first manufactured in Pennsylvania by Samuel Leeds Allen in 1889. The company quickly became popular, and by the early 1900s, they were producing thousands of sleds each year.
During World War II, the company shifted its focus to producing war materials, but they resumed sled production after the war ended. In the 1950s and 1960s, Flexible Flyer sleds were at their peak popularity. However, as plastic sleds became more popular in the 1970s and 1980s, sales of Flexible Flyer sleds declined.
Today, Flexible Flyer still produces sleds but has diversified its product line to include other outdoor equipment.
- Pros of Flexible Flyer Sled
- Flexible Flyer sleds are known for their speed.
- The metal construction makes them durable.
- They are designed for use on hills with snow.
- Cons of Flexible Flyer Sled
- They can be heavy and difficult to carry up hills.
- The metal construction can make them uncomfortable to ride on for long periods.
The Legacy of the Sled Scene
The sled scene in “Christmas Vacation” has become one of the most famous moments in Christmas movie history. It has been parodied in other movies and television shows and is often referenced during the holiday season.
The scene also helped to immortalize the Flexible Flyer brand. While sales of Flexible Flyer sleds declined after plastic sleds became popular, the scene helped to keep the brand’s name alive and brought attention to its history and legacy.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The type of sled used by Clark Griswold in “Christmas Vacation” was a vintage Flexible Flyer sled. The scene has become one of the most iconic moments in Christmas movie history and has helped to immortalize the Flexible Flyer brand.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just interested in the history of sleds, there’s no denying that the sled scene in “Christmas Vacation” has left a lasting impact on popular culture.