It is 1983. You’re sitting in a dark theater, and suddenly, Lindsay Buckingham’s "Holiday Road" kicks in. A sleek red Ferrari 308 GTS pulls up alongside a wood-paneled station wagon that looks like it was designed by someone who hated cars. Inside that Ferrari is Christie Brinkley.
She winks. She tosses her hair. She basically ruins Clark Griswold’s life—or at least his sanity.
Most people think of Christie Brinkley in National Lampoon’s Vacation as just a cameo. A bit of eye candy. Honestly, though? That’s underselling it. That single role didn't just help make the movie a classic; it fundamentally changed how we view the "temptation" trope in 80s comedies. But there is a lot more to the story than just a pretty girl in a fast car. From near-nude scenes she refused to film to the "bad advice" that kept her out of the sequels for years, the history of Christie Brinkley and the National Lampoon franchise is wilder than a trip to Walley World.
The Role That Almost Went to Rusty
Here is a weird fact that sounds fake but is 100% true: the "Girl in the Red Ferrari" wasn't originally supposed to be Clark’s obsession.
In the early drafts of the script, written by the legendary John Hughes, the mysterious blonde was actually meant to be a love interest for Rusty, Clark’s teenage son (played by Anthony Michael Hall). Can you imagine? The entire vibe of the movie would have been different.
Once Harold Ramis took over as director, they realized the comedy worked way better if it was the "responsible" father losing his mind over a fantasy woman while his family sat right next to him. It turned the character from a simple crush into a symbol of Clark’s mid-life crisis. Christie was already a massive supermodel at the time—three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers will do that—but this was her first real acting gig.
She wasn't just a face, though. She brought a specific kind of playful, almost ethereal energy to the role that made Clark’s obsession feel slightly less "creepy" and more like a fever dream.
Why She Said No to the Pool Scene (At First)
If you’ve seen the movie, you remember the skinny-dipping scene. Clark and the "Ferrari Girl" finally meet at a motel pool in the middle of the night. It’s hilarious, awkward, and peak Chevy Chase.
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But there was drama behind the scenes.
The producers originally wanted Christie to be completely naked in that scene. Christie, however, had a very specific reason for saying no: her dad. She knew her father wouldn't be thrilled about seeing his daughter totally exposed on every cinema screen in America.
They eventually reached a compromise. She agreed to strip down to her bra and panties, which honestly worked better for the comedic timing of the scene anyway. It kept it in that PG-13 "family disaster" sweet spot.
The "Bad Advice" and the Missing Sequel
For years, fans wondered why Christie didn't return for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s arguably the most popular movie in the franchise, and it felt like a missed opportunity.
Well, it turns out it wasn't the producers' fault. It was her dad again.
Christie has since admitted that her father, Don, gave her the "only bad advice" he ever offered. He was worried she would get typecast as nothing more than the "ingenue" or the "blonde in the car." He told her to skip the sequels and focus on other things. She listened.
By the time Vegas Vacation rolled around in 1997, she decided she was done following that particular piece of advice. She agreed to return, but she had one condition: she wanted a speaking role.
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The Disaster on the Vegas Set
In Vegas Vacation, she played a character who was supposed to be a slick, sexy card counter. She actually filmed a major speaking scene with Chevy Chase on the side of a highway in the Nevada desert.
Then, Mother Nature decided to be a jerk.
Right as they were about to shoot, a massive "dust devil" (a mini tornado of dirt) slammed into the set. It covered Christie’s hair, makeup, and her pristine white dress in a thick layer of orange desert chalk. By the time the crew cleaned her up, the natural light was gone. They tried to finish the scene, but the lighting didn't match the rest of the day's footage. The whole speaking scene was scrapped.
She ended up back in the Ferrari, reprising the silent "dream girl" role yet again. Talk about destiny.
Working With Chevy Chase: Is He Really That Difficult?
Chevy Chase has a reputation for being... let's say, challenging to work with. There are decades of stories from SNL and Community co-stars about his temper and ego.
Interestingly, Christie Brinkley is one of the few people who has nothing but good things to say about him.
She’s described him as "shy" and "endearing" behind the scenes. During the filming of the original 1983 movie, she recalls Chevy coming up to her to ask for beauty secrets. He literally wanted to know how to make his hair look thicker. They developed a playful chemistry that has lasted over 40 years.
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Just recently, in late 2024 and 2025, the two have been seen together at fan conventions and posting on social media. They even did a viral TikTok with Beverly D'Angelo (who played Ellen Griswold). It’s clear that for Christie, the National Lampoon experience wasn't a "job"—it was the start of a lifelong friendship.
The Enduring Legacy of the Red Ferrari
Why does this role still matter?
Usually, the "hot girl" in an 80s movie is forgotten by the time the credits roll. But Christie Brinkley’s Ferrari Girl became a cultural shorthand for the "unreachable dream." She’s spoofed the role herself multiple times:
- In a 2008 DirecTV commercial.
- In a 2015 Infiniti commercial (playing the mom this time, while a new model played the girl in the car).
- In a 2019 episode of The Goldbergs.
It’s one of those rare cases where a model successfully jumped into acting without losing her "supermodel" status. She didn't have to be a classically trained Shakespearean actress; she just had to be Christie.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you’re a fan of the Christie Brinkley / National Lampoon era, there are a few ways to engage with that nostalgia today that go beyond just re-watching the DVD.
- Check out the "Uptown Girl" Connection: While not a Lampoon movie, her appearance in Billy Joel's music video happened the same year as Vacation. It’s the unofficial "expanded universe" of Christie’s 1983 takeover.
- The 308 GTS Market: If you've ever thought about buying the car she drove, be prepared for a "Brinkley Premium." The 1981-1983 Ferrari 308 GTS models are highly sought after by collectors specifically because of their movie ties (including Magnum P.I.).
- Follow the Reunion Circuit: Christie, Chevy, and Beverly D'Angelo are surprisingly active on the convention circuit. If you want a signed "Wagon Queen Family Truckster" photo, keep an eye on events like Steel City Con or nostalgic expos in Los Angeles.
Christie Brinkley’s involvement with National Lampoon proved that you don't need 100 lines of dialogue to leave a permanent mark on Hollywood. Sometimes, you just need a red car, a perfect wink, and the ability to ignore your dad's career advice.