If you have about a half-hour to spare, I urge you to watch this entertaining featurette about Pixar’s research of Route 66 before the animation studio released the “Cars” movie in 2006.
“Cars” director John Lasseter explains what happened during that road trip, and “Route 66: The Mother Road” author Michael Wallis — later to be known as the Sheriff of Radiator Springs — figures prominently in this film.
This is the first time I’ve seen the featurette on YouTube. The uploader’s overlays onto the video are a bit annoying but shouldn’t detract too much.
https://youtu.be/juzxlwlAe_k
More information about the film’s production may be found in “The Art of Cars” book, which Wallis co-wrote with his wife Suzanne.
More about the real-life Route 66 links to the characters and landmarks in “Cars” may be found here.
“Cars” grossed more than $400 million worldwide and sparked new interest in Route 66, which continues to persist to this day.
The uploader of the video, Destiny 6274, has other videos here and compiled a list of other “Cars” content he/she is seeking if you care to help out.
(Screenshot image from the original “Cars” movie trailer)
Time well spent!! One of my all-time favorite movies. And, your account of what things stood for is also excellent.