Have you ever watched the classic comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation”? If so, you may recall the iconic car that the Griswold family drove on their cross-country road trip to Walley World. The car was a metallic pea green Wagon Queen Family Truckster, and it became almost as famous as the movie itself.
However, many people have wondered over the years where the car from “Vacation” is now. Did it end up in a junkyard somewhere?
Is it sitting in a museum? Let’s delve into the mystery of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that there wasn’t just one car used in filming “Vacation”. In fact, several different cars were used for various scenes throughout the movie. Some were even modified to look more ridiculous or to accommodate specific shots.
One of the most memorable scenes involving the car is when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) accidentally drives underneath a semi-truck while trying to pass it. This stunt was achieved using a specially designed ramp that launched the car into the air and then allowed it to slide underneath a fake truck cab.
After filming wrapped on “Vacation”, some of the cars were auctioned off or sold to private buyers. One such buyer was Travis Bell, who purchased one of the cars used in filming for $39,000 in 2010. Bell has since restored and maintained the car, which he frequently takes to events and conventions where fans can take pictures with it.
Another movie car enthusiast named Steve Silvers owns two of the Wagon Queen Family Trucksters, one of which he purchased at auction for $23,000 in 2013. Like Bell, Silvers enjoys showing off his cars at various events and has even had them featured in magazines and TV shows.
So while there isn’t just one definitive answer to where exactly the car from “Vacation” is now, it’s safe to say that at least a few of them are still out there. And who knows, maybe there are even more hiding in garages and barns across the country.
In conclusion, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is a beloved piece of movie history that has captured the hearts of fans for decades. While the whereabouts of each individual car may be somewhat of a mystery, it’s clear that they continue to be appreciated and admired by movie buffs and car enthusiasts alike.