The Griswold Family Story
Steve and Lisa Griswold Talk about the Truckster in the Vacation movie with Chevy Chase
We are the Griswolds, and, yes, we are heading on vacation. I have been hearing jokes all my life but love the National Lampoon Vacation movies. So we decided to create our own Griswold Truckster so we can take the kids on some awesome road trips. If you have seen the National Lampoon Vacation movie, you know the Griswolds purchase the Family Truckster in metallic pea; it’s not what they ordered at Lou Glutz Motors, but after their trade in is crushed into scrap metal they are happy to take home the Wagon Queen Family Truckster to start the family road trip to Walley World.
I am sure you want to know how our Truckster came to life. We took many photos along the way and have created a Griswold Family Truckster Photo Album here.
Enjoy,
Steve & Lisa Griswold
Phone: 678-815-1584
The Griswold Family Truckster
Just so you know the Wagon Queen Family Truckster in the National Lampoon movie is a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire that has been modified by Warner Brothers, not by George Barris who did the Batmobile and other famous movie cars. For some reason George Barris gets credit for the Truckster but Gary Schneider did extensive research before building a Truckster himself and found out George Barris did not build the Griswold Family Truckster.
Also the internet will have you believe that the last living Truckster is preserved in a car museum in Chicago. The car in that museum is not one from the National Lampoon movie, it is a replica made by someone for the car museum. The side mirrors are different; the wood grain and molding are different, and the back side of the car has not been finished. Only the side you see at the museum has the wood grain added.
The Making of the Griswold Family Truckster
Our Truckster started as a 1984 Ford LTD Wagon Country Squire. It was in pretty good condition for being that old.
Here are a few photos of our 1984 Ford LTD before we started our project:
Time to get started and take a perfectly good Ford LTD and smash out the back windows and remove all the trim from the sides. Yeah, George said to buy a Ford LTD without paneling and wood trim but it was difficult to find, so there was a great deal of extra work that our friends, Chris and Brain at B&B Tire, had to do to prep the car.
Also the front end had to be removed and remade out of fiberglass. This also made room for the 8 headlights that would be later installed and the bumper that would be lowered.
Amber Griswold and the Griswold Wagon coming along
Chris and Brian at B&B Tire in Canton, GA did an amazing job. To the right is Chris cutting out the fancy air intakes for the rear quarter panels. Again, Amber taking the opportunity to get in the photo with the Griswold Truckster. Here, the fiberglass front end is complete on the car.
Reije worked in his fine art studio to make this crown for me. It looks amazing. This was the first clay sculpture that was then later cast and then made out of (I believe) a plaster so it could be smoothed down more. He then made another mold and cast these in a material called Task 8 and then painted them. Here is his work.
We added the gas to the hood, however I was not keen on filling up a car over a hot engine, so this is a fake gas door. It opens and looks very cool.
The Ford LTD all primed and then painted in metallic pea green.
Chris and Brian starting on the wood grain on the truckster. The headlights are also in and looking great.
Lisa Griswold and Brian looking over the Truckster.
At this point, about six months later, we are really close. A few final items need to be completed and the overall mechanics need to be checked and several things replaced.
I drew this by hand from some photos I saw and then took the measurements to a local shop and had it cut out of 1/8″ steel on a C and C machine. It was then welded at the base, and I took it to Dallas Plating in Dallas, GA to have it chromed. Here is the raw hood ornament before it was chromed.
Chris at B&B tires with the finished Truckster
Follow The Griswolds on our road trips across this great land of ours
You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram,
Twitter: @GriswoldVac
Instagram: @GriswoldVac
Also search for #Griswold
We will be taking the Griswold Family Truckster on many fun family vacations. Please stop and say Hi. If you take a photo please post it and tag it with #Griswold and/or @GriswoldVac so we can see it and add it to our journey.
Where can I see you and what’s next?
We went to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.
We are planning another road trip down to Orlando FL soon.
Gatorland in Florida, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge TN, and a family road trip across America from Georgia to California is in the works.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get the latest updates and photos. @GriswoldVac
I will also take more photos of the Truckster (interior) etc hopefully in the next few weeks. It came out nice.
Contact the Griswolds
Media Contact:
You can email Steve or Lisa Griswold at:
Pixie Vacations / Griswold Family Vacations
Email
Steve@PixieVacations.com
or
Lisa@PixieVacations.com
Phone: 678-815-1584
Website: www.PixieVacations.com / www.GriswoldFamilyVacations.com
How much did that cost to make?
Hi Rich,
All in all I would say $15- 17K but a lot of that is custom work and never ending repairs. There is always a $500 – $900 repair bill for something with these old cars. But it’s a lot of fun and we have had some great road trip and priceless family memories.
Steve
We’re ya’ll just in atlanta passing the varisty and Goodell as on spring St
Yep Julie, That was us 🙂
Hi steve iam a massive griswald fan you are a legend in my eyes mate would love a truckster but hard to find one in england you and your family have done a excellent job hats off to you all rob uk
Thank you Rob! 🙂
Did any of the original cast members contact you about the car or about your name
Yes, The car is in the new Vacation movie.
Is that your real name?
Hi, Justin,
Yes 🙂
Even with the repair bills it looks so 1 million percent worth it I absolutely love what you did to the car I think the only thing missing now is you need to have the celebrities that were in the original series have their photograph taken with the car and have them autograph the dashboard
I’ve been looking for someone to build one for me and have had estimates from 20,000 to a high of 65,000.
, Chris and ( Brain ) at B&B Tire, h
Just so you know, If you are ever in Brunswick Georgia and have any mechanical issues. Please call on me. I will fix it for no labor at all. You get the parts, I got the tools.
Thanks Alex. Hopefully we will not break down again soon. Fingers crossed.
Steve
All I can hear is ‘Holiday Road’! Great job!
I love that song. It makes me smile and that’s the reason we built the car.
Honda Odysseys are the Ford LTDs of our times, I have considered getting a body wrap that resembles the Truckster.
Awesome. We are actually looking at getting a Honda Odyssey too 🙂
We have a Mercury Grand Marquis 1989 Station Wagon in Oxford white and wood effect. We’re in Plymouth. U.K.
Wagon power! I have a 92 caprice wagon….and people just dont realize the comfort and functionality of old school wagons.
Just curiuous… did they use faux wood flooring for exterior panels?
You should take a ride north. You could show it off in Griswald Ct. Thanks Dennis
You hate it now, but wait till you drive it.
Hi my name is Kevin varn, I live in canton ohio. I am a big fan of national lampoon vacation movies. Their is a gentleman in Wadsworth Ohio not to fare from me that also call them selfs the Griswolds, and they decorate there house and the surrounding area just like the Christmas vacation movie. It’s awesome looks just like it they have the rv an all kinds of cool stuff! You should take a drive down to Wadsworth ohio during Christmas in the family truckster and shoe up there they love it so would all the 100s of people that go there for the big unveiling of there light display, they also said something about getting beverly de Anglo and chevy chase to come there but with Co vid the postpone there Vist. Email me if like address to the Griswold house!! Thanks. Also the car is awesome!!! I love it!!!!
That is pretty cool and your name is griswald makes it even better.
I love old ford crown Vic’s.
Hey John,
Yeah I love the old Crown Vics too. I just don’t have room in my garage for anything else or I could see myself getting into some fun cars. Well and I don’t really have the budget or time either.
Have a wonderful day,
Steve
Love the wagon, I have a corvette z06 1970 ss Chevelle 454ls6 .also a Bentley flying spur .but the family trickster will always be my dream car .enjoy her Steve… Mario
Steve, have you ever got pulled over while driving the Truckster, and if so, what was the reaction when you handed over a “Griswald” ID?!
Hi Tom,
Not yet, fingers crossed 🙂
Steve
I think you should rig up a rocking chair & a dummy to look like the granny on top. And/ or attach a frayed dog leash to the rear bumper & drive it down the road, see what kind of response you get.
My 19 yr old son just bought an old beater ’85 crown vic wagon.
Try’g to help him find ideas in any way possible to make this thing look cool.
I dunno… lol
Please be careful. The 2005’s had a fire hazard much like the Pinto. A number of dangerous cars are still out and about, so please look into anything you buy. See Brian Chase, Still Unsafe at Any Speed.
My mother and I were traveling down Highway 29 in Concord North Carolina yesterday and saw the family truckster I couldn’t believe it I almost broke my neck turning around to see you guys go by how awesome is that Clark would be proud if you’re going to be in the Concord area or any extended time please post that I would like to come see the car thank you
I saw one on Rt. 49 in Harrisburg / Concord, NC a few weeks ago, but the license plate was different. I was behind it and caught a couple of shots on my phone. It made my day!
I see this one all the time in Concord. They actually live near Central Cabarrus High School. Last time I saw it they had a body wrapped in a green blanket.
i want to build one of these as well … i have two cars to use but i have a couple questions… could you email me?
thanks
doug hast
sumgmario@aol.com
Up in Alberta, watching the movie, googled the car and found this. I thought it may have been a real production wagon but apparently not!!
Good job!
Hi guys. I’m from the U.K. and love the Chevy Chase lampoons movies still at 48. We booked flights to see CC at Boston but with Covid had to cancel.
I think your car is amazing and your story. We visited the Wally World entrance at Santa Anita which was actually quite emotional for me as just love these films so much. We visit the great USA lots and are doing a California road trip again in September 2022. I’m not sure where you guys are but I’d certainly love to see the Truckster.
Thanks for the message Stephen. We are in Atlanta GA. Hopefully We will be doing a road trip again soon. We started a Youtube channel mostly on Disney and Universal and family vacations, but have not done any more Truckster videos yet. If you are in ATL sometime let me know.
I saw one today, and I could barely believe my eyes! In was in Texas being hauled on a trailer. I passed it going northbound I-35 about halfway between Denton and the Oklahoma border. That wasn’t y’alls truckster, was it?
CLOSET I CAME TO THIS IS I HAVE A 1:18 SCALE MODEL OF THIS CAR BY GREENLIGHT COLLECTIBLES IN MY DIECAST CAR COLLECTION.
This is such an awesome project! Seriously, your attention to detail in recreating the Griswold Truckster is commendable.. I’m going to link to this from our website I’m sure our viewers would get a kick out of it.
Hi Guys……great job!! NLV is one of my all time favourite films, and to bring it into reality is amazing! We are from the UK, but have had many big family holidays to Disneyworld, usually with lots of kids in our 15 seat rental bus……always reminded me of the Griswold’s (but with more kids!!). Back to the US in October ’17, so maybe see you around (although I realize that the US is a big place!). As regards the new film, our son now lives/works in Little Rock (Ark.)……I wonder if he’s been to “Hot Springs” yet…..have you???
This is awesome! Excellent work recreating this fine piece of cinematic history. As I was reading this, all I could think of were the immortal words of the car salesman as Rusty and Clark picked up the QFT, “You think you hate it now, but wait till you drive it…”
Enjoy your road trips, and keep us posted. Remember, “getting there is half the fun!”
Nice job they did on the car the color looks good . I always remember seeing the station Wagon in the first Vacation Movie
Oh I love this! What a great way to raise a family! Great sense of humor. It could only get better if your kids were named Russ and Audrey ha ha! Incidentally, that was seriously my Mom’s and Dad’s names. We didn’t have s family Truckster but did have a quirky family!
What colour green did you use for the car?
It’s a Vacation Green but I forget the code.
Steve
Metallic Pea! 🙂
Are you in Des Moines today (8/11/17) with Aunt Edna on the roof?
Hey Mike,
Nope but sounds like someone was having fun.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Just curious, do you ever have any cooling issues with so much of the radiator covered by the modified grill? I pity the fool that you ever flash your brights at! : )
Hey Robert. No cooling issues, so that’s good. 🙂
You need to hang a dog leash on the rear bumper and wrap a mannequin up & strap it to the roof xD
You Soooo need s body wrapped in a blanket tied to the roof rack!
Always wanted buy the truckster and take a family trip.
With my kids grown now, I may have passed this opportunity, but congrats for making this happen.
If I could ever get my kids together again and available for a road trip I’ll call on you for a rental possibility.lol
Great job guys , very envious, Jim
Hi Steve, Could you please call me when you get time? My number is (904) 887-xxxx. Thank you, Rick
Hi, Rick,
I think we spoke. If not send me an email at steve@pixievacations.com and I’ll give you a call.
Sorry, I had a few calls over the holidays and might have gotten some mixed up.
Thanks
Steve
I show my Mustang around Iowa, and there is a couple who have also made a replica Truckster and take it to some of the shows. It is not professionally done, but it is always a popular highlight when they show up at a show. They have Aunt Edna on top, and have sought out exact duplicates of all the luggage and other stuff on top. Even have an empty dog leash attached to the back bumper. I will get a pic next time I see it and send it to you. If you are ever in Des Moines IA drop by.
Thanks Stewart. We need to get back on a road trip, but our schedule has been packed. We did Touch A Truck with the Truckster and the kids and adults love to see the car there in Kennesaw GA.
Steve
You need to drive through St. Louis and have “Honky Lips” painted on it. LOL
Great work!
Do you ever enter your Truckster in car shows? You could charge families to take pictures standing with the car and make back your investment …and more.
It’s so nice to see how you brought your dream to fruition.
Hi Steve, what’s the furthest you’ve jumped this car? Ha ha!
I live in Newport Beach, CA and saw a Truckster twice in the past two days. Was that you? Love it! Took a few photos and sent them to some friends who I thought would it. They did & we all agreed that the builder must have a great sense of humor. Good work.
Hello. I just purchased a 87 LTD wagon to build a truckster. Would love some help or suggestions on some of the custom parts.
Obviously, gasoline vapors so close to an engine–hot or not–would be a very bad idea.
YOU DID A EXCELLENCE JOB, CREATING MOVIE HISTORY, THE ONLY QUESTION I HAVE IS WHY IS THERE NOT A GRISWOLD FAMILY TRUCKSTER IN A CAR MUSEUM, THAT IS MOVIE HISTORY THERE, HAVE A SAFE TRIP!
Will you be coming to California anytime soon?
Hi, Becky,
We did once and again for the Vacation Movie in 2015 the car was there on the Red (Black) carpet for the movie premier. It’s a long haul in an old car. Last time we broke down three times and caught on fire once.
Just need to spray paint honky lips on the side now LOL!
I know. I just can’t make myself do it.
Have you tried to recreate the trip. I live in Arizona… it’d be pretty cool to see you drive cross country to California…
The El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon is still there… 🙂
We did Jeff. We took 10 days and drove all the way to Walley World in CA. We actually stayed at the hotel in the Grand Canyon one night too. It was awesome! We have some videos on the site with the Grannd Canyon and other adventures.
Is there any way to rent the truckster for a week?
Hi, Thanks, We don’t rent it. It’s not the most reliable thing and I worry about renting it out. We do rent it for Movies and those type projects and those guys have a staff that know cars.
That film has true lasting value. Clark was a real family man. His family came first. Same with Ellen as a real example of a caring Mom. While it was a comedy it still carried the family values and the family congealed in thier times of crises. Great thing you did . Bravo.
Do all 8 headlights – actually work ? What controls do you have on them, can you turn 2 sets on / off separate from the others?
Yes, All 8 work. when the brights are on all 8 come on.
Steve
And the truckster can be seen in the opening to “Married With Children”
It’s CNC (computerized numerical control), rather than C and C (a brand of soda). Great job of re-creating the mighty Truckster!
Do you ever drag a leash behind it?
Yes, sometimes in parades 🙂
Great job on recreating a true American classic.
Just in case you’re interested when you’re on one of your family road trips, in North Royalton Ohio (not too far south of Cleveland) at a place called Blueline Classics is the original Sanford and Son pickup truck, it’s in the exact condition it was when the show was filmed.
You can check it out on their website Bluelineclassics.com, they even sell cool T-shirts that have the logo from the driver’s side door on the front of the shirts.
Last year I got the thrill of my life getting my picture taken sitting in it, the dashboard and visors have been signed by most of the surviving cast members including Demond Wilson and Nathaniel Taylor who coincidentally happened to pass away the night before I went to see the truck, he was the actor who played Rollo.
I’m going to be working on a diy Griswold station wagon out of cardboard for decor at my office… I was wondering what the panels and door dimensions so that I can try to keep them proportionate, even though smaller scale.
There are truckster metal cars by Green Light. You can find them online still and would be perfect for a reference as you make your prop.
Looks great! Here’s the really important question: does the steering column tilt?
My all time favorite movie since I saw it at 14 years old. If I saw your Truckster in traffic I my jaw would drop.
Steve, Lisa and girls… How fun is this car to have in your family! The guys here at The Classic Car Corner Podcast in Louisville, KY are looking so forward to hearing more of your story about the build of this iconic wagon. If ever in the Louisville, KY area, we’d love to meet you in person.
Jason
It was so great to be on the podcast. I need to check my messages on here more often 🙂
Ed, this is not the car I ordered.
You didn’t order the metallic pea? Metallic pea? No, antarctic blue! The sports wagon! W/ the CB & optional family fun pack?
I’ll get to the bottom of this. Davenport! Mr. Griswold ordered a blue sports wagon, where is it? I don’t know, sir.