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The Cars Found in Chrismas Classics

 

Christmas movies are a part of many holiday traditions across the country. A Statista study found that 60% of families in the US watch at least one Christmas movie with their family during the holiday season. With millions and millions of Americans sitting down in front of the TV to share the holiday cheer, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite vehicles found in Christmas classics. 

 

 

1989 Ford Taurus Wagon - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 

While it may not be the flashiest of vehicles, the 1989 Ford Taurus Wagon found in Christmas Vacation holds a special place in many hearts. From carrying a tree far too large on the roof to taking flight, you’re sure to remember the Griswold’s iconic wood paneled wagon. If you haven’t seen Christmas Vacation yet, you’re missing out!

 

 

1986 Saab 9000 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 

Without giving away too much of the plot, let’s just say the Griswolds have some neighbors who drive quite a unique car. Born from jets, the Saab 9000 has sleek styling and a driver focused dashboard layout. Saab even produced a joystick controlled variant for promotional purposes tying even further into their history of building jets. We like to believe the neighbors drove a stick-shift turbo variant because that’s a pretty sweet ride. 

 

 

1986 Dodge Ram Van - Home Alone 

 

Home Alone is one of the great Christmas classics. From the insanely creative Rube Goldberg machine styled booby traps to a potential serial killer, the movie keeps you on your toes. For those looking to re-create the Oh-Kay branded van used by “The Wet Bandits,” you’re going to want to look for a well-loved 1986 Dodge Ram Van. We just hope the thieves in the movie had enough foresight to get the 360ci V8 and not the 225ci inline-6 for their getaway van.

 

 

1937 Oldsmobile F-37 Sedan - A Christmas Story

 

An all-time favorite of many is A Christmas Story. Going and selecting a Christmas tree is a fun family activity that many can resonate with which is presumably why so many Christmas movies feature a scene of doing just that. Unlike the Griswold’s Taurus wagon, the Parker family in A Christmas story went to select their Christmas tree in a 1937 Oldsmobile F-37 Sedan. It is made apparent in the movie that Mr. Parker, Ralphie's dad, was an Oldsmobile Man. While the Parker family had some unfortunate events on the drive home including the use of some new words, A Christmas Story is a Christmas classic you don’t want to miss. 

 

 

1919 Dodge Brothers Model 30 Touring - It’s A Wonderful Life

 

Unlike many vehicles from this list, the 1919 Dodge Brother Model 30 Touring driven by George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life was recently sold for a staggering $475,000 at an auction in 2022. At the time of the sale, the vehicle was accompanied by a brass tag confirming its status as a prop car in addition to a copy of the registration designating 20th Century Fox as the owner of the vehicle in 1944. If you haven’t seen it, It’s A Wonderful Life is one of the best Christmas movies, though more emotional and thought provoking than traditional Christmas classics. 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: Hagerty, IMCBd