We’re the Griswolds, and yes, we’re all about embarking on unforgettable family vacations! Like many, we’ve always been entertained by the iconic National Lampoon’s Vacation movies. Inspired by the hilarious Griswold family road trips, we decided to bring a piece of that movie magic to life by building our very own Griswold Family Truckster. If you’re a fan of the Vacation series, you’ll instantly recognize the Wagon Queen Family Truckster – that metallic pea green station wagon that became synonymous with family road trip mishaps. While the Griswolds in the movie ended up with the Truckster after their trade-in met an unfortunate end at Lou Glutz Motors, our journey to Truckster ownership was a bit more intentional and definitely more fun.
Curious about how our Truckster materialized? We documented the entire transformation process with photos, and you can explore our Griswold Family Truckster Photo Album to see the step-by-step creation.
Enjoy the ride,
Steve & Lisa Griswold
What Exactly is a Family Truckster?
For those not completely in the know, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoon’s Vacation is based on a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire. Interestingly, despite popular belief and internet rumors often attributing its creation to famed car customizer George Barris (known for the Batmobile), the Truckster was actually modified by Warner Brothers for the movie. Automotive enthusiast Gary Schneider conducted thorough research debunking the George Barris myth while building his own Truckster replica.
Adding to the confusion, some online sources claim the last surviving Truckster resides in a Chicago car museum. However, that vehicle is not an original movie car but a replica built for the museum. Key differences include side mirrors, wood grain and molding details, and an unfinished rear side, revealing it’s only partially converted for display purposes.
Crafting Our Griswold Family Truckster
Our Family Truckster journey began with a 1984 Ford LTD Wagon Country Squire. Considering its age, it was in remarkably good shape, providing a solid foundation for our project.
Here are a few glimpses of our 1984 Ford LTD before we embarked on the Truckster transformation:
Front passenger side view of the original 1984 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon before conversion.
Rear passenger side view of the unmodified 1984 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon.
Front view of the classic 1984 Ford LTD wagon before its Family Truckster makeover.
With our Ford LTD secured, it was time to get to work. This meant removing the rear windows and all the original side trim – a slightly daunting task on a perfectly functional wagon! Ideally, finding a Ford LTD without wood paneling would have saved effort, but those were scarce. Our friends Chris and Brian at B&B Tire expertly handled the extra prep work.
The iconic front end of the Truckster required a complete rebuild using fiberglass. This modification was crucial to accommodate the signature eight headlights and the lowered bumper, instantly recognizable from the movie car.
Rear view showing back window removal and initial stages of Family Truckster modification.
Side view highlighting the removal of trim and paneling from the Ford LTD wagon.
Close-up showing the fiberglass work in progress on the front end of the Family Truckster replica.
Amber Griswold enthusiastically overseeing the Truckster transformation.
Chris meticulously shapes the rear quarter panel air intakes, another distinctive Truckster detail. Amber, ever the supporter, again joins the photo, showcasing the rapidly progressing Griswold Truckster. The custom fiberglass front end is now seamlessly integrated onto the car.
Amber Griswold posing with the partially modified Griswold Family Truckster project car.
Chris from B&B Tire fabricating custom air intakes for the rear quarter panel of the Truckster.
Artist Reije crafted the iconic Truckster crown hood ornament. His process began with a clay sculpture, which was then cast, refined in plaster, and molded again to create durable replicas in Task 8 material, ready for painting. The artistry truly elevates the Truckster’s authenticity.
Clay sculpture of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster crown hood ornament by artist Reije.
Finished plaster cast of the Truckster crown hood ornament ready for molding and replication.
We incorporated the faux gas cap on the hood as another nod to the movie Truckster. While it adds to the visual authenticity, it’s purely decorative – we opted against fueling up directly over a hot engine! It opens, adding a fun detail.
Close up of the decorative, non-functional gas cap added to the hood of the Family Truckster replica.The Ford LTD, primed and ready for its signature “metallic pea” green paint job, capturing the unforgettable color of the movie Truckster.
Ford LTD wagon freshly primed in gray, preparing for the metallic pea green paint.
Chris and Brian meticulously apply the wood grain paneling, a defining feature of the Family Truckster. The eight headlights are also installed, completing the iconic front fascia transformation.
Chris and Brian applying woodgrain decals to the side of the Family Truckster replica.
Vertical shot showcasing the application of woodgrain and the installed headlight assembly.
Lisa Griswold and Brian inspecting the Truckster’s progress, ensuring every detail aligns with the movie icon.
Lisa Griswold and Brian from B&B Tire reviewing the ongoing Family Truckster project.
After approximately six months of dedicated work, the Truckster was nearing completion. Final touches, mechanical checks, and component replacements were underway to ensure road-trip readiness.
Nearly completed Griswold Family Truckster showing metallic pea green paint, woodgrain and headlights.The custom hood ornament was designed by hand, based on movie stills. Measurements were then provided to a local shop for CNC cutting from 1/8″ steel. After welding and chrome plating at Dallas Plating, the ornament was ready to adorn the Truckster. Here’s the raw steel version pre-chroming.
Hand-drawn design for the Family Truckster hood ornament in raw steel before chrome plating.
Close-up of the chrome-plated Wagon Queen Family Truckster hood ornament.
Front three-quarter view of the completed Griswold Family Truckster replica in metallic pea green.
Side profile of the finished Family Truckster showcasing woodgrain and metallic pea green paint.
Rear view of the completed Griswold Family Truckster with woodgrain and detailed tail lights.
Chris from B&B Tires proudly standing with the fully restored and customized Family Truckster.
The Griswold Family Truckster parked at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Join The Griswolds On Our Adventures!
Follow our Family Truckster journeys across America! Catch our updates and photos on social media:
Twitter: @GriswoldVac
Instagram: @GriswoldVac
Use #Griswold to share your sightings!
We’re excited to take the Griswold Family Truckster on many more family vacations. If you spot us, please say hello! Snap a photo, post it, and tag #Griswold or @GriswoldVac so we can follow along.
Where To Next?
We’ve already taken the Truckster to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Another Orlando trip is in the works, along with visits to Gatorland in Florida, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, and a cross-country road trip from Georgia to California is on the horizon!
Stay updated on our travel plans by following us on Twitter and Instagram: @GriswoldVac
Interior Truckster photos and more are coming soon! We’re thrilled with how it turned out.
Connect With The Griswolds:
Media Contact: Steve or Lisa Griswold
Pixie Vacations / Griswold Family Vacations
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 678-815-1584
Websites: PixieVacations.com / GriswoldFamilyVacations.com
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