U.S. Route 66 inspired the setting and history of Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars.
The film's town reflects the roadside communities that developed along the historic highway across the United States. Radiator Springs declines after a modern interstate bypasses it, leaving local businesses dependent on travelers who no longer pass through town.
John Lasseter and members of the Pixar team researched Route 66 during development. They visited roadside landmarks, spoke with residents, and studied the architecture, landscapes, and traditions associated with the route. Those observations shaped the film's locations and its themes of travel, memory, and preservation.
U.S. Route 66 originally connected Chicago and Santa Monica and became an important cultural symbol of American road travel. It was removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, but many historic sections and businesses remain attractions. The Cars films helped introduce that visual heritage to a global audience.