Some classics are destined to be taken seriously, representing a particular moment in automotive design or engineering. Others simply aren’t. This 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Wagon certainly isn’t, having been transformed into a tribute to the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from the iconic 1983 movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation. The look isn’t complete, and the winning bidder might elect to add the final pieces to this automotive puzzle. The seller has listed the Truckster here on eBay in Fenton, Missouri. The price sits below the reserve at $6,477, although it has reached that point following twenty-two bids.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (for those who have never seen it), traces the trials and tribulations of Clark Griswold as he loads up his family to embark on an epic cross-country journey to the mythical Wallyworld theme park. Things don’t start well when he heads to a dealership to collect his new Station Wagon for the trip. He ordered an “Antarctic Blue Super Sports Wagon with the C.B. and optional rally fun pack,” but is informed that it won’t be available for six weeks. After the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser he is trading is crushed by the dealer, Clark is forced to buy the Metallic Pea Wagon Queen Family Truckster. Uglier vehicles have been built, but it is fair to say that the list is pretty short. The original Truckster was created by George Barris, based on a 1979 Ford Country Squire. The seller started their process with this ’87 LTD Crown Victoria, and they have captured most of the original’s er, distinctive styling features. These include the current paint shade, additional taillights, side scoops on the rear quarter panels, and acres of faux woodgrain. The only thing missing is the unique nose treatment with the odd sheetmetal, weird grille, and eight headlamps. However, recreating those components wouldn’t be complicated, and would be the ideal finishing touches for this Wagon. The overall appearance is quite good, although visible panel imperfections suggest this build wasn’t commenced using a pristine vehicle. However, there is no penetrating rust, the trim is in good order, and there are no glass issues.

The interior trim confirms that the seller didn’t transform a perfect Crown Victoria into the Family Truckster. The Blue vinyl trim shows wear and imperfections and the rear cargo area has the marks and scars that you typically find on older Wagons that have served as family transport. I also believe the pad might be cracked. However, there are no gaping holes in the upholstered surfaces, and nothing requires immediate attention. Classifying the interior as clean and serviceable would be fair, although everything required to lift it to a higher level is readily available. It is also nicely equipped, and, as Ed the salesman says in the movie, “If you’re taking the whole tribe cross-country, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is the way to go.” It features third-row seating, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power front seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Powering this Wagon is Ford’s 5.0-liter V8, producing 150hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic tackles shifting duties, while power-assisted steering and brakes lighten the driver’s load. The Crown Victoria tips the scales at 4,000 lbs, and with such modest power and torque, this isn’t a jet off the lights. However, cruising effortlessly for miles on the relentless quest for Wallyworld should be effortless. The seller supplies no information regarding how this Wagon runs or drives, but they also don’t identify any issues or shortcomings. Therefore, it is fair to expect that it is a turnkey proposition.

A dedicated new owner could return this 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria to its original form, and with the growing popularity of classic Wagons, they might even experience a financial windfall if they then move it on to a new home. But that begs the question, “Should you bother?” Its creators performed the tribute build as a bit of fun, and it is guaranteed to draw more people in its current form than if returned to its original appearance. I typically like my classics unmolested, but there’s a certain amount of inherent cool with this beauty. The only thing that I would do were it to find its way into my workshop would be to complete the look with the unique front sheetmetal, grille, and headlamps. Do you feel the same?