'Vacation' Family Truckster debuts during spring break at Volo Auto Museum

VOLO - The Griswolds of West Dundee have grown accustomed to the ribbing they receive from co-workers and friends every time they plan a vacation.

After all, they share a surname with the most famous of travelers: the quirky mom, dad and two kids from the 1983 blockbuster "National Lampoon's Vacation."

So when their friend Nathan Olson tagged them in a Volo Auto Museum Facebook post about the museum's latest movie-car find - a Wagon Queen Family Truckster, complete with Aunt Edna on top - it was another smile delivered. It also marked the start of planning for the family's next trip - to the Volo Auto Museum, of course.

"We definitely have a lot of fun with our last name," said Dawn Griswold, who said her family of five will be among those taking the museum up on its spring break "Vacation" event.

The Volo Auto Museum will feature family photo opportunities March 21-29 with its new "National Lampoon's Vacation" Family Truckster. The movie features Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold, an Illinois couple that takes its family on a hilariously hairy cross-country drive to Walley World in California.

"The car is complete with Aunt Edna on the roof and a dog leash on the rear bumper," said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. "We'll be offering photos with props like luggage, a dog statue and a big camera. People can camp it up ... it's a great way to put a little 'Vacation' in your staycation."

For $20, participants will receive a professionally shot 4-by-6 print with a souvenir frame as well as a digital copy downloadable from the museum's Facebook page.

Volo Auto Museum also offers replica license plates from a number of movie cars, including the Family Truckster. These normally are $14.95 each. Those buying the photo package can have the "Lou Glutz motors" Family Truckster plate for $10.

"My husband was like 'Oh my God, we have to go see it,'" Mrs. Griswold said of learning of the museum's new exhibit. Like the movie family, Dawn and Eric Griswold even have a daughter named Audrey, although her namesake is Audrey Hepburn, not the Dana Barron character in "Vacation," her mother said.

Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. For other information, call 815-385-3644, visit volocars.com or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.