If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered who owns the iconic RV that Clark Griswold and his family take on their disastrous holiday trip. The answer is actually quite interesting and involves some Hollywood history.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the RV used in the movie was not just any ordinary recreational vehicle. It was a 1972 Ford Condor II RV that was custom-built for the film. The production team worked closely with an RV rental company called “RVs for Less” to create the perfect vehicle for Clark’s crazy adventures.
The Vehicle’s Journey
After filming wrapped up, the RV was returned to “RVs for Less.” However, rather than letting it sit in storage or renting it out to other customers, the owner of the company decided to keep it as a souvenir of sorts. For over 20 years, it remained in his possession and even made appearances at various events and parades.
In 2014, the RV was put up for auction by “ScreenUsed,” a company that specializes in selling movie props and memorabilia. It sold for an impressive $40,000 to a man named Spencer Folmar, who is a filmmaker himself.
Folmar’s Plans
Folmar had big plans for the famous RV. He wanted to restore it back to its original condition and use it as a promotional tool for his own films. However, he soon realized that restoring such an old vehicle would be no easy feat.
He enlisted the help of several experts in vintage car restoration and spent tens of thousands of dollars on repairs and upgrades. The original engine was replaced with a newer one, the exterior was repainted to match its appearance in “Christmas Vacation,” and all of the interior furnishings were replaced with period-appropriate decor.
Final Resting Place
After several years of hard work and dedication, the RV was finally restored to its former glory. Folmar now uses it to promote his films at various festivals and events, and it’s become something of a celebrity in its own right.
So, who has the RV from “Christmas Vacation?” The answer is Spencer Folmar, a filmmaker who saw the value in preserving a piece of movie history. Thanks to his efforts, fans of the film can still see the iconic RV in all its glory, just as Clark Griswold intended.
- The RV was custom-built for the movie
- It was returned to an RV rental company after filming wrapped up
- The owner of the company kept it as a souvenir
- In 2014, it was sold at auction for $40,000
- It was bought by filmmaker Spencer Folmar
- Folmar spent years restoring it to its original condition
- He now uses it to promote his own films
The Bottom Line
The iconic RV from “Christmas Vacation” has had quite a journey since its debut on the big screen. From being custom-built for the movie to becoming a prized possession of an RV rental company owner and eventually being restored by a dedicated filmmaker, this vehicle has certainly seen its fair share of adventures. Thanks to Spencer Folmar’s efforts, fans can still enjoy seeing this piece of movie history in all its glory.