If you are a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, then you must have wondered where the car used in the movie came from. The iconic car featured in the movie is a metallic pea green 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. In this article, we’ll explore the origin of this famous car and its journey to becoming a pop culture icon.
The Car
The 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon is a full-size family vehicle that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1960 to 1991. The vehicle was part of the eighth generation of Ford’s Country Squire series and was known for its classic wood paneling on the sides.
The Movie
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a 1983 comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. The film follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he takes his family on a cross-country road trip to Walley World amusement park.
The car used in the movie was not just any regular car. It was specially modified for filming purposes and had several features that were not present in the original model. For instance, it had a fake luggage rack on top and an extra antenna for filming purposes.
The Origin
The car used in National Lampoon’s Vacation was originally owned by John Hughes himself. According to reports, he bought the car brand new for $7,000 in 1979 and used it as his personal vehicle before it became famous on screen.
During filming, the car went through several modifications to make it look like a typical American family car from that era. The wood paneling on the sides, which was one of its most distinctive features, was added using vinyl decals.
The Legacy
The 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon became an instant pop culture icon after the release of National Lampoon’s Vacation. The car was featured in several other movies and TV shows, including The Walking Dead and Joe Dirt.
In recent years, the car has also become a popular collector’s item, with fans of the movie paying top dollar to own a piece of movie history.
Conclusion
The 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon used in National Lampoon’s Vacation is an iconic vehicle that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From its distinctive wood paneling to its memorable appearance on screen, the car has become synonymous with the movie and is a testament to the enduring popularity of this classic comedy film.