I think everyone can agree that National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Christmas Classic. I know my brother and I watch it every year. My office co-workers and I are constantly referencing the movie during the holidays. But one scene in the movie I think that is often over-looked is the car chase and big jump during the beginning of the movie. It could be that we're too busy getting settled in with our drinks and snacks to take note. But not this year! We want to commemorate the big jump scene as an OnScreenCars.com "Famous Jump." With that let's explore the scene.
The Scene
The opening scene is set in rural Illinois. The Griswolds are on their way to find that perfect Christmas Tree. However according to the filming locations reference on IMDB. The scene was shot in Summit County Colorado near Breckenridge. I have to say. It does makes sense. I don't recall rocky mountains in rural Illinois. In the picture above you can see the rockies in the background. That's the magic of Hollywood isn't it? Now for a little background on the car.
The Car
The family car in this film unlike it's predecessor is not a custom creation of George Barris. The simulated woodgrain on the side of the body was more than likely was added on. The Ford Taurus Wagon either did not come with this feature or it was extremely limited in production. However it did come on the Ford Country Squire Wagon being sold at the same time. I have a belief that the producers had the woodgrain on the car to pay tribute to the orignal Wagon Queen Family Truckster. I like to think of it as an updated Family Truckster.
The Jump
According to the commentary Dick Ziker was a stunt coordinator and stunt-driver that drove the car under the truck. He also did the jump. From the commentary it sounds like the jump was challenge because the car was front-wheel drive. You have to remember the 80's were the beginning of mass-production of front-wheel drive cars. A front-wheel drive is heavier in the front and less balanced as a real wheel drive car. They director said the car kept wanting to nose dive as the car came down from the jump. I'm glad they brought it up and that the jump was in fact real. No special effects. So there we have it. Another Famous Jump! Besure to check out our great links to Amazon Christmas Vacation goodies! Happy Holidays Folks!
Let's talk about Treehouse of Horror XXIII after Thanksgiving? Yes. I know this is old news. Halloween has long been over. But like Treehouse of Horror this article will not get posted on Halloween! So what's the big deal? Well. How about the fact The Simpsons writers treated their fans to a Back to the Future Parody? Sure ok. That's worth talking about.
It all started with a book. A book with some heavy foreshadowing! Great Scott! Is that a Prius Time Machine? Really Matt Groening? Oh well. I think it's cute. But if you think about it. What modern day vehicle would you have used? The Prius does have a more 80's box shape too it. I guess Doc Brown would have thought it was neat at least. I do think he wouldn't have said " If you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?."
Let's just throw in some science-fictional reasoning in here. "Sure hmm. The hybird setup can generate the 1.21 jigga-watts of electricity needed to make time travel possible..." Ah that'a work. But can a Prius do 88 mph? Ah it's a parody who cares. lol. Anyways the story goes on to tell how Bart messes up the timeline and ends up with all these Homers from other timelines. I thought it was beautifully done. There are some great references in there. I won't spoil it. See ya next time! Remember the future is what you make it. If you do invent time travel. Please don't use a Prius!
After watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade yesterday I got thinking. Have I ever spotted an On Screen Car in the parade? I couldn't recall off hand. So I did some browsing and came across this! A 1965 news-reel clip of the Munster Coach in the Macy's famous parade. I thought I would share this with you guys. Check out the YouTube video below. I also found a great model kit of the Munster Koach as well. Amazon link below. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday. Hope your holiday kick-off goes well. Say safe! Now off to the gym. I'm sure I over-ate lol.
"Now, I owe it to myself to tell you that if you're taking the whole tribe cross-country, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster..." Ah the Family Truckster. The official vehicle of the Griswold Family Vacation. "Believe me if you hate it now... Wait till you drive it." Just a ton of great lines in that film. I stumped across this entry on one of my favorite LEGO blogs and knew it was On Screen Cars material. Flickr user -derjoe- did a great job of not only capturing the family, but the ride as well. Obviously this scene is after Aunt Edna passed away. Note that she's on top. Many extras on the car. Not to mention the quad headlights, the roof rack and the brown brick representing the simulated woodgrain panels. It's all 80's here folks. Besure to check out some of their other creations on Flickr. Who's the Moosiest Moose We Know?... ah here I go again. See ya folks.
Spotted an On Screen Car on eBay today. You may remember the custom Beetle episode from the first season of Car Warriors. During that episode both teams (The All-stars vs Wheels Garage) started out with two bone-stock Volkswagen Beetles and came up with some interesting concepts. One of those designs by the All Stars was a single seat chopped down fashion of a Bettle. Other wise known as F Bomb. Well now it's for sell. Looks like the asking price is $12,500. The car is set for a fix priced no bidding. Under the hood a 4-banger 2335cc VW motor headed up with a stick.
Auction Details:
"Two teams. 72 Hours. Best one wins. That is what we have for sale here. The famous show "Car Warriors" featured on The Speed Channel pits two teams against each other - Winner take all! During the first season, one of the shows featured each team designing and building its own concept of a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. What resulted is what you see here.... The F-Bomb and the purple and white convertible. This auction is for the burgandy and silver F-Bomb only. It features a 2335cc motor and is very fast. It does not have side windows or windshield wipers so this is a car for nice days only. Between the two cars this one was declared the winner. If you have been looking for a modified Volkswagen Bug then look no further! This car will bring all the attention and awards you can handle."
January 2021 Update
Hulu no longer has this show for me to embed it. I have seen several episodes floating around the net. But questionable legality (not posting any links). You can find it on Amazon in some markets. Update on the car itself. It looks like it's up for sale again through consignment. SM Classic Cars
