New Mexico Played A Big Role In The Movie Cars

Cars, the movie, has had 2 sequels that have seen the cast racing all over the world. Home base though is a little place in Arizona, inspired by a little place in New Mexico.

Radiator Springs, Arizona is where it all began for the Cars franchise and the town ... or village, hamlet, pueblo, whatever ... served as the setting for all of the first installment.

While set in Arizona, the town was actually based on small towns and places in New Mexico and Texas.

Texas provided a big dose of inspiration via Shamrock, Wharton and the world famous Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. That's where you can see the actual buildings that "built" Radiator Springs. Texas didn't spark the whole town though, Tucumcari helped a lot too.

What Inspired Radiator Springs?

According to travel website islands,com. Tucumcari's old school buildings and motels, nonstop neon lighting and vey colorful murals are what clicked with the creators of Cars.

READ MORE: Famous, REAL, Movie/TV Cars

Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater's home in Radiator Springs may be fictional, but the backdrop of the "Cars" franchise might be closer to reality than you thought. The film's location is inspired by Tucumcari, New Mexico, a frozen-in-time Southwest town along Route 66. - islands.com

What Other Places Inspired Radiator Springs?

You can go back in time by traveling along any stretch of the "Mother Road", Route 66 but if you want to visit Tucumcar-radiator Springs-ee, in New Texas Mexico. you're already pretty close.

From El Paso, it's about 5.5 hours away via US-54, US-54 E and I-40 E. Once you've seen Tumcari, follow Route 66 on into Texas and check out all the Texas/Radiator Springs connections.