Who Is the Girl in the Red Car in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of National Lampoon’s Vacation, then you might have noticed the girl in the red car who briefly appears in the movie. She’s a bit of a mystery, and many people have wondered who she is and what her role in the movie is. In this article, we’ll explore this question and try to shed some light on this enigmatic character.

Who Is the Girl in the Red Car?

The girl in question appears near the beginning of National Lampoon’s Vacation when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is driving with his family on their cross-country trip to Walley World. As they pull up next to a red convertible at a stoplight, Clark notices an attractive young woman (played by model and actress Christie Brinkley) driving the car. The woman smiles at Clark, and he becomes immediately smitten with her.

What Is Her Role in the Movie?

The girl in the red car doesn’t play a significant role in National Lampoon’s Vacation, but she does serve as a catalyst for some of Clark’s actions throughout the film. After their brief encounter at the stoplight, Clark becomes obsessed with finding her again, even going so far as to follow her on the highway. This leads to several comedic mishaps and misadventures for Clark and his family.

Why Was She Cast?

Christie Brinkley was cast as the girl in the red car because of her status as a well-known model at the time. Her appearance in National Lampoon’s Vacation helped to give the film some additional star power and attract more viewers to theaters.

The Legacy of the Girl in the Red Car

While she may not have had much screen time or dialogue, the girl in the red car has become an iconic character from National Lampoon’s Vacation. Her brief appearance in the film has been parodied and referenced in countless other movies and TV shows. Additionally, Christie Brinkley’s portrayal of the character helped to launch her acting career and solidify her status as a pop culture icon.

Conclusion

So, who is the girl in the red car in National Lampoon’s Vacation? While she may not have a significant role in the film, she has become an enduring part of pop culture history. Her brief appearance helped to add some extra humor and charm to an already hilarious movie, and we can’t imagine National Lampoon’s Vacation without her.