Hooniverse Asks- What Car Would You Cast As Vacation’s “Super Sports Wagon”?
In one of the most memorable scenes of National Lampoon’s Vacation, Clark Griswold rejects the Wagon Queen Family Truckster he is taking delivery of by saying, “I distinctly ordered the Antartic Blue Super Sports Wagon with C.B. and optional Rally Fun Pack.” The joke works because we never see the competing vehicle, and therefore are free to imagine that it’s infinitely more desirable than the ugly, shoddy Truckster. [EDIT: according to LTDScott, we do later in the film. But ignore this assertion, as it totally negates the point of this question!]
But what do you think that vision in Antarctic Blue would’ve looked like? If you were asked to create the perfect movie Super Sports Wagon, what car would you base it on?
Two that come to mind for me are the Renault 18i Sportwagon and the AMC Concord wagon (which in an earlier iteration also had “sport” in its name: Hornet Sportabout). Obviously, neither of the illustration photos is equipped with the optional Rally Fun Pack, which would surely forego woodgrain and include some garishly wide white stripes, not only on the hood but perhaps down the rocker panels. I also see the word “RALLY” spelled out somewhere on the car’s exterior, large enough to be read by traffic half a block away.
Sporty station wagons were pretty scarce in the malaise era, so I can’t come up with any others without going totally off the reservation, but I am sure our faithful readers can. Keep in mind that Vacation was made in 1983, so you’ll have to keep your choices to that year or earlier, while still recent enough to be generally believable as a new car at that time. But filmmakers source vehicles in lots of unlikely ways, so that’s the only limitation. Perhaps the perfect Super Sports Wagon is something never sold in America, a concept car, a prop from another movie, or a one-off custom you know of?
What car did Clark Griswold really want, instead of this?
[Image sources: Flicker, RM Auctions, Busted Missive]
Related posts:
Is it bad that my first thought was a Ford Sierra Estate?
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/5143502951_a1f6e8719b.jpg" width="500" height="349" alt="1983 Ford Sierra 1.6L Estate 'Dangly Mirrors'">
From Flickr
Add in some garrish tape package exlaiming RALLY for all the world to see, maybe some big, round foglights on the grill, and a 5' whip CB antennae and I think this is what Clark was thinking.
Perhaps for the European Vacation sequel, but not the original recipe flick.
But, in 1983 anything European was automatically sporty!
Would this be too early for the Audi 100 Quattro wagon? It was the King of Cool as far as early-mid 1980s wagons go…
Aside from the Audi, I always kind of imagined an AMC Eagle wagon as the Super Sport Wagon, maybe one of the versions with the black trim and sport wheels.
It might've been, but if so, the Quantum Wagon still fits
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1810/1/4522500001_large.jpg" width=500 /img>
I forgot about the Quantum! Yes, a Syncro, like shown above would most definitely fit the bill.
I'd also maybe suggest a 510 wagon, but it seems a bit too small for Sparky's needs.
The Superior 54 Sport Wagon with C5 power.
<img src="http://www.corvettepartsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/superior54rearbig.jpg" width="500/">
You know, I actually like that!
One of my friends back in France has a rare Renault 18 Wagon Turbo. This is quite some ridiculous machine, you have to love it. Going like hell in a family shell. Could scare the kids.
Something like this I imagine.
<img src="http://wagonking.com/images/chevelle/pic01.jpg">
No,no, that wagon's too hot and tasteful to be made a farce of.
I see it as emphasizing the disappointment of getting the Family Truckster in its place. You expect awesome, you get horror.
Plus it's blue and a Super Sport.
And, actually, it's what the Griswold's trade in (sort of, hands up for those that shed a tear at the Vista Cruiser that was harmed in the making of that movie)…
It's the perfect Chevy chase car.
Not sure that the moviegoing public would buy that as a 1983 model.
Given that the Griswolds already owned a 244, I could see them getting a 245 Turbo Wagon.
<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/2/1481090_c025753373.jpg"/img>
Honestly, a 745 Turbo (or if we can jump forward 10 years for the slight exterior changes and the better interior changes), maybe a 945 Turbo. The 245 Turbos are a blast, but considerably smaller than their executive level siblings.
Mercedes Benz 300SEL 6.3……….estate
<DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto"><img src="http://www.m-100.cc/6point3/magazines/carcollector_sep1982/pic2-1.jpg">
http://www.m-100.cc/6point3/magazines/carcollecto…
That's an epic conversion.
<img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/2m5i4pl.jpg">
The Fiat 131 Mirafiori, of course:
<img src="http://www.131mirafiori.com/131storyp2/131sto8.jpg">
According to my source(s), http://www.131mirafiori.com/131storyp2.htm the sedan was available in sport/racing version in 1981. A movie producer could have easily turned a wagon into a sport wagon.
Another common trick of Holywood, is to remake movies. In that case my current wagon, the Volvo V70R could be the one they get instead of the Audi RS6 Avant they really wanted…
Quite right…and they're planning a remake of "Vacation" as we speak. This time, it's Rusty Griswold's family. I kid you not.
And to prove that remakes are so seldom successful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKHQKROPnU&fe…
This is the one that always came to my mind….. in blue instead of the pictured silver, of course.
Remembering, of course, that Clark's sense of style usually left much to be desired.
<img src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/07/medium_Ten-Color-PintoCruiser.jpg">
For a relatively modern selection, I'd probably start with an Audi All-Road wagon, which when it debuted about 10 years ago, seemed just totally over the top, with its adjustable suspension height, twin-turbo V6, and attutude that the Subaru Outback was for pleebs.
For the movie, it woudl likely warrant a giant brush guard, roof-mounted off-road lights, and just to add a little dichotomy, 22" chrome spinners.
<DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto"><img src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/sml/2002-audi-allroad_100029143_s.jpg">
Oh…and some "wood paneling" on it's flanks.
I can't look at a Renault 18i without hearing that lame TV commercial jingle – "Renault 18 EYEEE!"
That was one goofy-looking, craptastic car. Followed by the equally lame Fuego.
Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't he see the car he originally ordered at a gas station? It is an AMC Eagle.
<img src="http://imcdb.org/i072938.jpg">
I've never sat through the film from beginning to end, so this is news to me. But at least it's good to know that I wasn't too far off.
Scott, what makes you think that's the Super Sports wagon? He's only staring at that car because his inability to find the gas-tank…I just assumed it was always just an AMC.
It's been a while since I've seen the movie, but I seem to recall it's either mentioned or implied that it was the car he wanted. The color is correct for it.
And extra points for going and getting a photo of that exact moment of the film.
IMCDB.org FTW.
Forgive me, but I couldn't resist…. an AMC, a "SuperSport" wagon, etc, etc.
<img src="http://www.imcdb.org/i082090.jpg">
That era Malibu wagon might be close (with appropriate modificaitons). Something like this springs to mind.
<img src="http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/658090/1983_wagon__3_detail.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/8/1/GNW2.jpg">
I think this would do.
Or this (not technically a wagon I guess):
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cBF9uBNdNe0/SskTlPeY3iI/AAAAAAAAJLA/Ee7Boj0c7lo/s400/Lancia-Delta_1.6_HF_Turbo_1983_1024x768_wallpaper_01.jpg">
This 1958 Ford Station Wagon, as it has everything you would ever need on a vacation. This was a real promotional picture put out by Ford Motor Company.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4994664933_fe2c5ce31a.jpg"width="500"/>
I think that might be for the wrong remake.
<img src="http://www.ianfleming.com/assets_cm/files/Image/chitty_musical.jpg">
Antarctic Blue? This might be what that color looks like:
<img src="http://www.bmwm5.com/alpina/e23-b9.jpg" width="600">
http://www.bmwm5.com/alpina/e23tou.html
The thing is, it CAN'T be a cool wagon, because Clark is a moron, so he probably did in fact order the Metallic Peat Family Truckster and just didn't realize it.
Oh, to be on the set of "Lou Glutz" that day, seeing MULTIPLE Family Trucksters sitting in the lot. I think you can at any given time see three total, right? Does anyone know what/where that dealership is?
Does anyone know what/where that dealership is?
Just looking at that still frame, it could be what is now Star Ford in Glendale, CA. I'd have to see the entire scene to be sure.
UPDATE: Yep, found the scene on YouTube, and that's the one. At the time, it was a Chrysler-Plymouth store, which you can tell by various ChryCo products of the era in the wider shots.
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/TJBcB1lX5kI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/dN6XMjmeqUc/s1600/1978+Dodge+Colt+Station+Wagon+Aka+Mitsubishi+Galant+Sigma+Lancer+Celeste+Chrysler+Third+Generation+4.jpg" width="500/">
It's smallish, obscure, and it shares the basic platform with a sports coupe.
These were sold in Australia under a variety of configurations, all of them awful.
The most repulsive being the Mitsubishi Sigma, (or 'Slugma' to people who have owned one) its Astron II 2600cc engine noted for being one of the largest 4 cylinder engines available, and yet the lowest HP per Litre figure in the history of the universe.
All this AND woefully unreliable, with bloated beer-keg styling and an interior made from recycled chinese food containers and agricultural fertiliser bags.
I haven't seen one driving under its own power [sic] in over a decade.
Except for this wagon, we didn't get the Sigma in the US until the mid-1980s FWD models, though we did get some of the smaller Mitsubishis and Sapporo/Challenger coupes in the 1970s and early 1980s. They were sold through Chrysler under Dodge or Plymouth names. Mitsubishi as a brand didn't appear in the US until 1982 with the Starion. The station wagon was sold as the Dodge Colt Wagon for only three years (1978-1980) and they were really rare even when new.
@ 7shades, When I was a kid my best mates dad was trying to get rid if their awful old Slugma. Took it to a 2nd hand dealer, nothing doing, they didn't want it. Took it to the wreckers, they demanded double their usual rate because "that thing isn't worth shit". Finally, he had the bright idea of leaving it in the carpark of a Coles, keys in the dash, engine running, doors open. It spent more than 20 minutes like that, just idling in the carpark, no one took it.
It was nearly two decades too early, but in 67 Datsun offered a special SSS Bluebird (RL411), which about half the production came as a longroof (WRL411) and the only time the genuine SSS cars officially came to the states. These somewhat rare little beasts had dual carbs and an R16 motor borrowed from the Fairlady Roadsters.
Alas. there is no way in hell I would take my family on a vacation in it. These cars are TINY. Even the wagons are cozy.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4967636446_480dd0f2d2.jpg">
<img src="http://clunkbucket.com/wp-content/gallery/1967-datsun-bluebird-sss/img_3905.jpg" width="500">
Dang that's desirable!
DO WANT!
Interestingly, this little gem just showed up in my inbox…
It still has the ultra rare optional dealer-installed Riken wheels… worth the current price by themselves. I do have an extra grill and set of carbs (Hitachi SUs, go figure). And 3 extra motors…
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V…
DAMMIT! I need to buy a house ASAP so I can get a garage/project car.
Brazilian Opala SS Wagon, perhaps?
Although I can't imagine Clark would want to take the family cross-country in a two-door.
<img src="http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/7826/imagem030bvu5.jpg" width="500">
The Maverick had four doors and the 302. But it's as rare as it gets.
<img src="http://www.diecastxchange.com/forum1/uploads/post-341-1147115660.jpg"/>
When I think of a sexy wagon that was available at that time, nothing quite compares to a Trabant 601 kombi. It was even available with a roof top camping tent as an option!
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4514131180_641b941bf3_o.jpg">
Im a simple man i would take my dad's old 81 Impala wagon with the neato 2 way tailgate w/electric back light
Assuming a car of that time period which could plausibly have been ordered at the same dealership, I think it'd have to be one of these, dolled up with Mustang bits:
<img src="http://hooniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Recently-Updated179-720×576.jpg" width="500"/>
(Image from here)
Now for a modern remake, there can be only one.
<img src="http://www.cadillac.com/content/dam/Cadillac/Global/master/nscwebsite/en/home/Vehicles/Current_Vehicles/2011_CTS_V_Wagon/Photo_Gallery/Exterior/01_images/2011-cts-v-wagon-exterior-side-exterior-mm-1-960×400-02.jpg" width="500">
Antarctican Orange!
<img src="http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp308/rexjenney/P3212417.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">