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Route 66: The Vehicle that Inspired the Film Cars

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Daniel Rufiange
Galena always feels deserted, which kind of reflects what has become of many municipalities along Route 66
Chevrolet (Advance Design series)
Chevrolet (Advance Design series) | Photo: D.Rufiange

The vehicles from the movie Cars are so popular that you won’t have to search hard to find old abandoned jalopies all over Route 66 decorated to look like the stars of the Pixar studio classic.

1949 Buick
1949 Buick | Photo: D.Rufiange

In the Cars movie, a 1949 Mercury is the inspiration for the Sheriff's car. Since this model is quite rare on the vintage car market, and also because it is very expensive (thanks to its James Dean connection), here the owners fell back on a Buick from the same year, which had a similar grid to the Mercury. The kids who come to see it are none the wiser. Well, except maybe for the overgrown ones.

Seagrave truck
Seagrave truck | Photo: D.Rufiange

Speaking of kids, FIRE TRUCK! Yep, Cars the movie of course features a fire truck, and here it is, or at least a replica of it. This one, clearly identifiable with the Chevrolet brand, is more recent than the one used in the film. No matter, it's the thought that counts.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists