What Was the Car in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, you’ve probably seen “Christmas Vacation” at least once. This iconic film features the hilarious misadventures of the Griswold family as they attempt to enjoy a memorable Christmas vacation.

One of the most memorable parts of the movie is the car that Clark Griswold drives – a bright green station wagon that becomes a crucial part of the plot. But what kind of car is it, exactly?

Well, in “Christmas Vacation,” Clark’s car is a 1989 Ford Taurus Station Wagon. The Taurus was one of Ford’s most popular models in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its sleek design and reliable performance. The station wagon version was particularly popular with families, as it offered plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Clark’s Taurus wagon is painted in a distinctive metallic green color, which makes it stand out onscreen. The car also features wood paneling on the sides, which was a popular design element for station wagons during this time period.

Of course, in “Christmas Vacation,” Clark’s car isn’t just any old station wagon – it’s an important part of the story. Throughout the film, Clark obsesses over his plans to buy his family the perfect Christmas gifts using his year-end bonus from work. He envisions surprising them with swimming pools and other extravagant presents.

But when Clark finally receives his bonus check and goes out to buy gifts, he discovers that his company has instead given him a subscription to the Jelly-of-the-Month Club. Frustrated and angry, Clark takes out his frustration on his car by kicking it repeatedly – an iconic scene that fans still quote to this day.

Later on in the movie, when Clark decides to kidnap his boss in an attempt to get his full bonus payment, he uses his trusty Taurus wagon as the getaway car. The car becomes a crucial part of the plot as the family races to get to their destination and avoid being caught by the police.

Overall, the 1989 Ford Taurus Station Wagon is an iconic part of “Christmas Vacation” and a beloved symbol of 80s nostalgia. Its appearance in the movie is a testament to its popularity during that era, and it remains a favorite among fans of the film today.

If you’re looking to recreate Clark Griswold’s iconic ride for yourself, you might have some trouble finding an exact match. The 1989 Taurus wagon is no longer in production, so your best bet would be to search for similar models from that time period or look for replica cars that have been customized to look like Clark’s ride. Happy hunting!