Everyone has their favorite Christmas movie, and for many people, that film is A Christmas Story. The 1983 adaptation of the writings of Jean Shepherd has become a beloved (though admittedly over-commercialized) staple of yuletide entertainment. So many scenes of it feel like they can be taken directly from our childhoods.
One of the aspects of A Christmas Story that make it feel authentic to the period in which it takes place is the presence of many historically accurate cars, a major one being the family car: a 1938 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan.
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Details on the A Christmas Story Family Sedan
Singing “Jingle Bells” in the Oldsmobile
Photo: MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
The object of the Old Man’s affection (in addition to his “major award”), the Parker family Oldsmobile actually was a major headache for the family, often stalling out and falling apart.
The blue four-door sedan shows up in multiple memorable scenes from the movie, particularly the “Ohhhh fuuuuuuudge” fiasco when Ralphie’s helping his dad change a flat tire on the car. You can also see the family’s primary mode of transportation parked outside their house and the Chinese restaurant.
The model originally cost an affordable $900 MSRP and offered enough fuel efficiency, power, and size to function as a family vehicle. Its six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive gave it enough muscle to transport a family and their Christmas tree. 140,000 models were produced, and the one used in the movie was donated by a local Cleveland car collector.
You can see the original 1938 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan used in the scene on display in the garage next to the A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
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1938 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan Photo Gallery
Photo: The News Wheel 
Photo: The News Wheel 
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.
