In Pixar's Cars, U.S. Route 66 is the main historical inspiration for Radiator Springs.
The film's creators researched Route 66 communities while developing Cars. They studied the road's landscapes, businesses, architecture, and history to create a fictional town that reflected the character of America's historic highway. Radiator Springs combines features inspired by several real locations rather than copying one town exactly.
Route 66 was established in 1926 and originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It became famous as a major westward route and later as a symbol of roadside travel. The construction of newer interstate highways diverted traffic from many Route 66 communities, a change echoed in Radiator Springs' decline.
U.S. Route 66 was removed from the United States Highway System in 1985, but historic sections and attractions remain. The film helped renew popular interest in the route. Interstate 40 is important to the story because it bypasses Radiator Springs, but Route 66 is the road that directly inspires the town's identity.