It is the image that defined a decade of comedy. A wood-paneled station wagon chugging down the highway, and a sleek, red Ferrari 308 GTS pulling up alongside it. Inside the Ferrari sits the ultimate 1980s fantasy: Christie Brinkley, tossing her hair and flashing a smile that could stop traffic—and nearly did. Inside the "Wagon Queen Family Truckster" is Chevy Chase, looking like a man who has completely lost his grip on reality.
That 1983 encounter in National Lampoon’s Vacation wasn't just a movie scene. It became a cultural touchstone. Even now, over forty years later, the connection between Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley remains one of the most talked-about dynamics in Hollywood history.
People always want to know: Did they ever actually date? Are they still friends? And how did a supermodel with zero acting experience end up becoming the most iconic "unnamed character" in cinema history?
The "Girl in the Ferrari" and the King of 80s Comedy
When Christie Brinkley was cast in Vacation, she was already the biggest supermodel in the world. We’re talking three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers. She was everywhere. But she wasn't an actress. Harold Ramis, the director, basically needed someone who could embody an unattainable dream.
Chevy Chase, meanwhile, was at the peak of his powers. He was the "it" guy. He had the physical comedy of a silent film star and the dry wit of a cynical New Yorker. On paper, they were opposites. In person? The chemistry was immediate, though maybe not in the way the tabloids wanted it to be.
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Honestly, the "romance" was mostly confined to the script. Clark Griswold was obsessed with her; Chevy Chase was just a coworker. While rumors swirled for years, both have maintained that their relationship has always been one of mutual respect and long-term friendship. They weren't a "thing" behind the scenes, but they certainly enjoyed the chaos they created on screen.
Why the Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley Connection Still Matters
It’s rare for a cameo to outshine the lead actors, but Brinkley managed it. Her role as the "Girl in the Red Ferrari" (she didn't even have a name in the credits!) became the symbol of Clark’s mid-life crisis. It wasn't just about a pretty face; it was about the idea of the "one that got away" while you're stuck in a car with a screaming family and a dead aunt tied to the roof.
The Pool Scene: A Comedy Masterclass
You know the one. The midnight "skinny dipping" encounter.
It was filmed at the Guesthouse Hotel in Norwalk, California. It was freezing. Brinkley has joked in interviews that she was trying to look sexy while her teeth were practically chattering. Chevy, being Chevy, kept the mood light with his signature slapstick. That’s the thing about their dynamic—it worked because Chevy played the "buffoon" so well against her "goddess" persona.
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The 2024 and 2025 Reunions: Still "Excited" After All These Years
If you think they lost touch, think again. In August 2024, the duo broke the internet when they reunited for a series of "car selfies." Brinkley posted them to her Instagram with the caption, "Vacation is always over too soon!"
Seeing an 80-year-old Chevy Chase and a 70-year-old Christie Brinkley laughing together in the back of a car felt like a glitch in the Matrix. They looked like old friends because they are old friends. They’ve appeared at fan conventions together, including a massive reunion at Christmas Con with Beverly D’Angelo.
More recently, in early 2025, Chevy helped Christie promote her memoir, Uptown Girl. He posted a hilarious photo of himself looking stunned while holding the book. She replied, calling him a "living legend."
It’s a rare Hollywood story where nobody ended up suing each other or refusing to speak for thirty years.
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The Legacy of the Ferrari
Interestingly, Brinkley has reprised this specific role more times than almost any other character in the franchise.
- Vegas Vacation (1997): She returned as the same mysterious woman, this time driving a different car but still haunting Clark’s dreams.
- The Goldbergs (2019): She played "Alethea" in an 80s-themed tribute episode.
- Commercials: She’s spoofed the Ferrari scene for DirecTV and Infiniti.
Basically, she owns that role. She knows it’s what the people want.
What We Can Learn From the Griswold/Ferrari Dynamic
There’s a reason this specific pairing—Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley—ranks so high in nostalgic searches. It represents a specific brand of 80s humor that doesn't really exist anymore. It was slightly scandalous, deeply silly, and anchored by two people who actually liked each other.
If you’re looking to capture that "Vacation" energy in your own life (without the car breakdowns), here is the takeaway:
- Stay in touch with your "work" friends. The fact that Chevy and Christie still support each other's books and projects 40 years later is the real "relationship goal" here.
- Embrace your iconic moments. Christie never got "too big" to acknowledge the role that started it all. She leans into the Ferrari legacy.
- Humor bridges the gap. Chevy’s career has had its ups and downs, but his ability to make his costars laugh has kept those bridges intact.
If you haven't seen the original National Lampoon’s Vacation in a while, it’s worth a rewatch. Not just for the jokes, but to see the moment when a "downtown boy" met an "uptown girl" and created movie history.
Next time you're on a long road trip and a red car passes you, just remember: it’s probably not Christie Brinkley, and you definitely shouldn't try to keep up with her at 80 miles per hour.