If you’re a fan of the classic comedy movie Vacation, you might have wondered where the iconic family car, the Truckster, came from. The film features the Griswold family embarking on a cross-country road trip in their trusty station wagon that’s been modified to look like an oddball vehicle called the Truckster. So, where did this unique car come from?
The Origin of the Family Truckster
The Truckster was created specifically for the 1983 movie Vacation by John Hughes and Harold Ramis. The filmmakers wanted a vehicle that would stand out and be instantly recognizable on screen. They turned to designer George Barris, who was known for creating custom cars for TV shows and movies.
Designing the Truckster
Barris started with a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon and added various modifications to create the Truckster’s distinctive look. He extended its length by several feet, added oversized hubcaps, and covered it with a wood paneling that was popular in station wagons of that era. He also gave it a unique paint job featuring a pea green base with brown trim.
But perhaps the most recognizable aspect of the Truckster is its roof-mounted luggage rack that extends several feet past the rear of the car. This rack plays an important role in one of Vacation’s most memorable scenes when Clark Griswold accidentally drives under an overhang, causing his luggage to fly off and destroy another car.
The Legacy of the Truckster
While it was created specifically for Vacation, the Truckster has become an iconic car in its own right and has even inspired some real-life imitators. In recent years, there have been various replicas built by fans of the movie who love its quirky design.
The original Truckster used in Vacation was sold at auction in 2013 for $40,000, and it currently resides in a private collection.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the story of the Truckster from Vacation. While it was created specifically for the movie, its unique design has made it an enduring part of pop culture.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll see a new generation of Trucksters on the road someday.