In Pixar's Cars, the founder of Radiator Springs is named Stanley.
Stanley is a historic figure in the story of Radiator Springs. According to the town's history, he discovered the natural spring that became the community's namesake. A statue of Stanley stands in the town, and the characters refer to him when explaining Radiator Springs' origins to Lightning McQueen.
The town's history is closely connected to Route 66. Before the interstate highway bypassed the community, Radiator Springs served travelers along the older road. The bypass caused traffic and business to disappear, leaving the town's buildings and attractions in decline.
Stanley is not the same character as Doc Hudson, the retired racing champion who becomes McQueen's mentor. Stanley represents the town's founding past, while Doc represents its automotive and racing history. The name also appears in local details throughout the film, including references to the Stanley statue and the Stanley Motel. Radiator Springs' story broadly reflects the fate of real towns affected by changing highway routes.