Radiator Springs

Radiator Springs is a "rural desert town located in Carburetor County on U.S. Route 66, not far from Interstate 40, in the state of Arizona. Radiator Springs was once a bustling community that thrived on the tourism of passing motorists traveling across the country. Once I-40 was built, bypassing the town, the tourists stopped traveling through Radiator Springs, and the town fell into disrepair." (from Wikipedia entry)

Old Route 66
approaching Radiator Springs via Route 66
There is photographic evidence supporting the idea that townsfolk perhaps didn't expect the ultimate result of the construction of I-40:


But despite the tough times Radiator Springs and its residents have been through, evidence was everywhere of a possible turnaround.

the exit sign on I-40 appeared to be new
aerial view, Main Street
Radiator Springs main drag

Glen Rid Motel, now apparently the Racing Museum
Mrs. Piston and Pop n Patch Tire Repair neon



Flo's V8 Café
Cozy Cone Motel

The primary evidence of a turnaround in Radiator Springs was the fact that nearly all of the old neon signs were in perfect condition. Like glittering jewels in the Arizona desert:


Cozy Cone Motel at night
Ramone's House of Body Art at night
Casa Della Tires ("Home of the Leaning Tower of Tires") at night

Flo's V8 Café at night
Radiator Springs Curios at night
Sarge's Surplus Hut neon
view of Main Street neon, via Mrs. Muffler
Main Street neon, traffic perspective
the beautiful, newly refurbished Radiator Springs Drive-In Theater
Plan your own visit, or read about a similar town. Also, there is this really cool Route 66 guide to the “Cars” movie someone put together.