There’s no denying that the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a true cult classic, one that has become a must-watch each and every holiday season for many – decades after it originally debuted in 1989. There are many memorable scenes and moments in the movie, of course – along with plenty of quotable lines. However, in that movie’s prequel – National Lampoon’s Vacation from 1983 – Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo ride around in a humorously modified machine – a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire known as the “Family Truckster.” Now, this tribute to that movie model is up for auction.
This 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria up for grabs at eBay was first spotted by Barn Finds, and now, it’s sure to attract plenty of attention from fans of the aforementioned film. While the original Wagon Queen Family Truckster is based on a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon designed by George Barris, this tribute model is a 1987 Ford LTD Crown Vic with similar modifications, including its metallic pea green paint, imitation wood paneling, a modified front grille, and a repurposed fuel filler door on the outside.
Other notable details include custom rear side windows and fender scoops, though the front nose hasn’t been reshaped like the movie example, but the extra set of taillights is present out back. The whole thing rolls on the factory turbine wheels, and is powered by the naturally-aspirated Ford 302 V8, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a rear end with 3.42 gears. There are plenty of amenities to be found inside, such as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks, and side mirrors, and a tilt steering column to go along with a largely stock interior.
Now, this Ford LTD Crown Vic is looking for a new home, and we don’t doubt that it’ll find one with ease – so long as the the reserve is set properly. However, it isn’t the first Family Truckster replica we’ve seen up for sale in recent times, as a very unique 1987 Ford Explorer with the same sort of treatment popped up for auction a few years ago.
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