What Was the Car in Vacation Movie?

By Anna Duncan

The Vacation movie is a classic comedy film that was released in 1983. It follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to the fictional amusement park, Walley World.

The film features a variety of memorable characters, hilarious scenes, and of course, the iconic car that the Griswolds drive throughout their journey. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what kind of car was featured in the Vacation movie.

The Car

The car that the Griswold family drives in the Vacation movie is a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. This particular model of Ford was produced from 1965 to 1991 and was known for its large size and distinctive wood-grain paneling. The Country Squire version of the LTD was particularly popular among families due to its spacious interior and comfortable ride.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the car featured in Vacation was adorned with wood-grain paneling along the sides and back. This paneling was made from Di-Noc vinyl, which simulated the look of real wood without requiring any actual woodworking. The car also had a distinctively boxy shape that was typical of cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Interior Features

Inside, the car boasted plenty of space for passengers and luggage alike. The Country Squire version of the LTD had three rows of seats that could accommodate up to nine passengers.

The seats were upholstered in soft vinyl or cloth materials that were designed for maximum comfort on long road trips. Other interior features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

  • Three rows of seats
  • Seats upholstered in soft vinyl or cloth materials
  • Air conditioning
  • Power windows and locks
  • AM/FM stereo radio

Trivia

Did you know that the car featured in Vacation was actually destroyed during the filming of the movie? In the famous scene where the Griswolds jump a closed drawbridge, the car was rigged with a special effects device that caused it to explode upon landing. Fortunately, a replica of the car was used for subsequent scenes in the movie.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the car featured in Vacation was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. This classic family car boasted spacious interior and exterior features that were perfect for long road trips. While it may have met an explosive end during filming, its iconic status has lived on for decades.