“Family Truckster” Replica Brings Insane Money at Barrett-Jackson

“In certain movies, the choice of automobiles can be just as crucial, if not more so, than the selection of the actors who appear in the film. Over the years, there have been a number of movie cars that have become iconic, instantly recognizable, and integral to the films they starred in. One look at one of these cars can evoke a wave of nostalgia for the movie it was featured in.

One such car is the “Family Truckster” that fans saw in the classic 1983 film, National Lampoon’s Vacation. The Ford LTD wagon played a significant role in the film and quickly became a fan favorite.

Sadly, all the original examples of the Family Truckster used in the film were eventually totaled. However, due to the enduring love for the National Lampoon franchise, many replicas of the movie star wagon, originally designed by automotive legend George Barris, have been created over the years.

In this particular instance, we take a closer look at a replica that was crafted specifically for Beverly D’Angelo, known for her role as Ellen Griswold. When this particular replica went up for auction at Barrett-Jackson, it garnered more attention than any other car that day. As the bidding intensified, the question on everyone’s mind was how much this replica, virtually identical to the one from the film, would fetch. The answer turned out to be a staggering $91,000, as one lucky bidder was willing to pay nearly six figures to own a replica of a piece of movie history.

Below, we delve into the details of this remarkable replica, exploring what makes it so special, and witness this exciting auction. As they say, “If you think you hate it now, wait until you drive it!”