The holiday season is upon us once more, a time for hectic mall outings and stress-inducing family gatherings. Fortunately, it’s also the season to unwind by the fireplace, grab a glass of eggnog, and drift off during Hallmark Channel’s annual marathon of classic (and often not-so-classic) holiday films.
No holiday season would be complete without an annual re-watch of these movies, and many of these seasonal favorites have been made even more memorable by the iconic cars featured in them. Courtesy of Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, let’s dive into a handful of classic Christmas films and their now-famous vehicles.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
We begin with the godfather of Christmas movies (if not The Godfather of Christmas movies). We all know the story by now: down on his luck George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) misplaces a good chunk of cash, contemplates a premature exit, is saved by wing-chasing angel Clarence, and proceeds to learn not only is he not ruined, but is in fact the richest man in town.
In a movie packed with captivating cars from the 1940s, like Ernie’s taxicab and Burt’s police car, George naturally finds himself behind the wheel of a 1919 Dodge Brothers Touring. When an intoxicated George hits rock bottom by crashing the Touring into a tree on Christmas Eve, it sets in motion a series of events that eventually lead to his epiphany.
The actual Dodge featured in the film — which still sports its original studio ID badge — is currently owned by a couple in Colorado. Back in 2014, they put the Touring up for auction, but ultimately decided against selling it. Maybe, like George himself, they realized some things in life are simply too precious for a monetary value.
A Christmas Story (1983)
BB gun aficionado Ralphie may be the face of 1983’s classic A Christmas Story (which, as a period piece, is also set in the 1940’s), but real ones know the true soul of the movie is his turkey fiend of a father. Unfortunately, Old Man Parker’s 1937 Oldsmobile Six seems in perpetual need of maintenance. (Or, as its owner puts it, “That son of a b**** would freeze up in the middle of summer on the equator!”)
The Oldsmobile encounters a flat tire, leading to one of the episodically-sequenced film’s many iconic scenes, as Ralphie’s profanity-spewing, bolt-flinging attempt to help his father with the tire replacement goes disastrously. The incident is mostly forgotten one bar of soap later, but the Oldsmobile’s issues would presumably persist. If only Parker had won a time machine to visit Northpointe’s Service Department, instead of that gaudy leg lamp.
Die Hard (1988)
In truth, there’s nothing particularly exceptional about the 1988 Lincoln Town Car limousine that escorts John McClane from LAX to Nakatomi Plaza. (The driver, however, does wind up playing a crucial role). It just seemed like a good time to work in our annual reminder that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, end of discussion.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
You could argue that Clark Griswold’s 1988 Ford Taurus wagon is just as important a character to this holiday classic as any member of the extended Griswold family (save perhaps Cousin Eddie). It’s certainly the star of one of the film’s madcap intro, where Clark (Chevy Chase, notably not driving a Chevy) gets into it with some fellow roadsters on the way to the Christmas tree farm. During his ensuing bout of road rage, Clark doesn’t even realize he’s piloting the Taurus beneath a tractor trailer hauling gigantic pine logs across the highway.
Clark eventually navigates out from underneath the larger vehicle, though he does need to evade a snowplow afterwards for good measure. And the Griswolds do arrive at their destination, albeit via an aerial detour. The scene sets the tone for the entire movie, and it’s all made possible by some impressive vehicular choreography.
Home Alone (1990)
You can’t say that the Wet Bandits didn’t put work into their backstory. Marv (Daniel Stern), one half of the criminal duo alongside Joe Pesci’s Harry, is obsessed with leaving a calling card in the form of running water at each house they burglarize. To further their cover story, the pair drives around the neighborhood in a 1986 Dodge Ram Van christened “Oh-Kay Plumbing & Heating.”
One of the unsolved mysteries of Home Alone — aside from the current market value of the McCallister home itself — is how Harry and Marv are utilizing all that van space. Are they adding to their front’s legitimacy by traveling with actual plumbing and heating equipment? Is it stuffed with underutilized burglar tools? Whatever the case, the Wet Bandits were clearly ill-equipped to combat the squatter Kevin’s unhinged, DIY booby traps.
Step Into Christmas; Let’s Join Together
When it’s time to take a pause in your holiday movie marathon, consider making your way to Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. With our expansive inventory of new and used vehicles, you’re bound to find something to keep you in the holiday spirit year-round. Whether in the 2023 Dodge Durango or 2024 Jeep Compass, you’ll drive into the New Year feeling resolute indeed.
Connect with us
