THE BUCKMOBILE.

There really isn’t a single aspect of the 1989 movie Uncle Buck that I don’t idolize. One of the endlessly loveable moments in the movie is Buck Russell’s big old beater of a car — a thunderous piece of crappy power known as a 1977 Mercury Marquis Brougham. This loud, massive, homely looking vehicle is the perfect gas-guzzler for a crazy, out of work, bum uncle like Buck.

“U.B.” arrives in town to babysit his nieces and nephew after their parents are beyond desperate to find someone to watch the kids. The last on their list to ask is Bob Russell’s loving but reckless brother, Buck.

Buck makes no hesitations about doing this big favor for his brother and sister in law. He packs his stuff and drives his signature shitbox from Chicago to the suburbs in the middle of the night, making no apologies about it.

The Mercury’s exhaust can be heard from miles away. It constantly backfires and leaves a trail of smoke wherever it goes. The old beast must have sucked up a lot of fuel and be expensive to drive around. It’s a good thing Buck spends his time wisely at the horse track. “The Winter Million” only comes once a year but you can be sure Buck and friends will be there. “One score and your whole year is covered!“

I was always jealous of the scenes where Buck is dropping off his niece Tia at school. Tia is riddled with embarrassment from being dropped off in front of her classmates by this shit-kicker Mercury blowing smoke and being driven by a big man with a big fluffy hat. Meanwhile this is the exact entrance I would have dreamed about making at school.

OK, we’ve discussed the exterior features of the Buckmobile. Now let’s take a closer look at what’s going on inside.

There’s a lot going on here! The “suicide knob” also known as a Brodie Knob, is an aftermarket accessory that attaches to the steering wheel and independently rotates. It’s intended to make steering with one hand easier and faster (ideal for a big boat like the Buckmobile). The knob allows the driver to turn the steering wheel quickly from one side to the other, which people would use to spin their cars rapidly on snow-covered streets for amusement. It was coined the nickname “suicide knob” because of how notoriously useless they were in the event of an emergency, Many states have made them illegal, which includes Buck’s home state of Illinois!

A true icon. TNUC would love to open a car rental service someday which would cater specifically to old Buicks, Lincolns, Oldsmobiles, Chevys, Pontiacs, Chryslers and Mercurys. Complete with maroon interiors, vent windows, cassette decks, sofa-like seats and ashtays all over the place. Just the way it should be. It’s a shame so few people can experience this level of luxury these days.

On a further note — what is it about John Hughes movies and cars? There’s a memorable car in just about every John Hughes “classic”. Sure there are memorable cars in a ton of films but with this director/write, they seem to be characters themselves.

Clark Griswold’s family truckster (Vacation)
Jake Ryan’s Porsche (Sixteen Candles)
The only time you see parents is in their respectable cars (The Breakfast Club)
Andie’s Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe (Pretty In Pink)
Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
Del Griffith’s Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible (Planes Trains and Automobiles)
Chet Ripley’s Jeep Grand Wagoneer (The Great Outdoors)
Eddie’s RV and Clark’s Ford Taurus (Christmas Vacation)
Dutch Dooley’s Lincoln Town Car (Dutch)
+ Buck Russell’s Mercury Marquis from Uncle Buck!

I’ve always said that November is the official start of “John Candy season”. While Uncle Buck isn’t a holiday movie by any sorts, it has that feel about it. It appears to be a chilly setting (although not winter) and of course it all centers around family life – the cornerstone of a great John Hughes film. There are obvious movies like Home Alone and Planes, Trains and Automobiles that are essential holiday viewing I couldn’t go the season without. Couldn’t do it!

“John Candy season” is also about the essence of John Candy and what he embodies in these movies. Going to bowling alleys, satin jackets, weird uncles, one-liners, cocktails, eating at diners, great music, great friends, being with family and sometimes making a fool of yourself in the interest of having a good time with the ones you love.