Tom Dittus never expected his $2,000 Ford Country Squire purchase would turn into a nationwide phenomenon. The Lake George, New York resident transformed his 1987 wood grain wagon into a faithful recreation of the Griswold family’s iconic station wagon from National Lampoon’s Vacation, and the response has been overwhelming.
Dittus bought the car in 2014 from a garage sale site just 15 minutes from home, originally wanting a cheap vehicle for hauling stuff. The 1980s wood grain vinyl immediately reminded people of the classic 1983 film, so Dittus leaned into the connection by throwing old luggage on the roof and stuffing coffee bean bags to look like Aunt Edna.
The project snowballed from there. Dittus now owns three Griswold-themed cars that travel to film festivals, conventions, and events around the country. Celebrities, including Chevy Chase himself, have posed with what Clark Griswold called the Family Truckster.
The crown jewel arrived in 2020 when Dittus bought a custom replica sight unseen from two Iowa builders, Eric Wildman and John Larson, during COVID lockdowns. He later renovated the body, got all eight headlights and four taillights working compared to just two in the movie, and added a gas flap in the hood matching the film.
The seasonal transformation represents Dittus’s favorite trick. Every six months he switches the “Wallywld” plate to “XmasVaca,” throws a tree on top with ceramic squirrel, and places a Cousin Eddie mannequin wearing trapper hat and white bathrobe in the back seat. Santa face on the front grille, garland, solar lights, and inflatable characters complete the Christmas Vacation tribute.
Driving the Family Truckster creates reactions unlike any other vehicle Dittus has owned, including his 1963 Triumph, 1986 Porsche 930 Turbo, and 1990 Ferrari Testarossa. People stop what they’re doing, drop what they’re carrying, and glow with excitement. Many get emotional remembering childhood station wagon trips with parents who’ve since passed away.
The Florida road trip turned every rest stop into an impromptu car show with crowds taking photos. Social media followers now span the entire East Coast across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Dittus started working on cars after buying his first vehicle, that 1963 Triumph TR3B, in 1969. He completely rebuilt the engine with neighbor help, though one attempt to hit 100 mph ended badly when the hood flew off after Dittus failed to properly tighten fasteners, destroying both hood and windshield.
His 30-year career selling for Snap-On Industrial provided ready tool access, while his ceramic engineering background helped tackle mechanical challenges. The four cars, plus a 65-year-old log cabin, represent preservation of craftsmanship from earlier eras.
Dittus admits old car restoration rarely makes financial sense unless you handle expensive repairs yourself. The Triumph and two Country Squires haven’t appreciated much over the years. But the accurate replica exists in a class of its own, valued primarily by the demand and smiles it generates rather than dollars.
Sometimes preservation matters more than profit, especially when the result brings joy to thousands of strangers who suddenly remember simpler times riding in the back of wood-paneled wagons while parents drove toward vacation destinations.
