Which real highway inspired the setting of Pixar’s Cars?

U.S. Route 66 inspired the setting of Pixar’s Cars.

Route 66 was a historic highway that connected Chicago and Santa Monica after it was established in 1926. Its roadside motels, diners, service stations, and small towns influenced the look and history of Radiator Springs.

Pixar filmmakers researched Route 66 communities while developing the movie. The film uses the decline of roadside towns after newer highways diverted traffic as part of Radiator Springs’ backstory.

Interstate 40 is especially relevant because it replaced or bypassed stretches of the old Route 66 in the Southwest, but it is not the highway that directly inspired the fictional town. Route 66 is also known as the Mother Road.