Unveiling a Different Perspective on "Cars" After Discovering Some Staggering Trivia
Twenty years ago, Pixar's animated film "Cars" hit the silver screen, captivating audiences with its charming characters and intricate detail. Here's a look at some fascinating facts about the movie that have made it a beloved classic.
The protagonist, Lightning McQueen, is a composite of several real-life race cars, primarily NASCAR Generation 4 stock cars, the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, and elements from the Ford GT40, Lola T70, Dodge Viper, and Porsche 911. His tires read "Buzzard" models manufactured by "Lightyear", a double reference to the real Goodyear "Eagle" tires used in NASCAR racing and a nod to Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story".
The film's director, John Lasseter, gave Lightning McQueen a quirky characteristic—his tongue pops out when he's thinking about something, a trait that Lasseter himself is known for.
One of the most recognisable cameos in the movie is the Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story, which can be spotted during the scene where we see the Los Angeles International Speedway.
"Cars" is set in the fictional town of Radiator Springs, inspired by several real-life locations along historic Route 66. The production team even wanted to use a version of the song "Route 66" by Chuck Berry that his record company was unaware even existed.
Doc Hudson, voiced by the legendary Paul Newman, is a 1951 Hudson Hornet two-door coupe. Newman, most known for his roles in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "Cool Hand Luke", and "The Sting", lent his voice to the character, making "Cars" his final film.
Tragically, co-writer and co-director Joe Ranft passed away in a car crash during the film's production. His influence can still be felt throughout the movie, with a "A113" sighting—Mater's license plate carries the number as well as the train.
"Cars" was the longest Pixar movie at the time with a runtime of 1h 52m (excluding credits). It was later overtaken by "Incredibles 2", but without counting the credits, "Cars" remains the longest Pixar film to date.
The animators of the movie drew up more than 43,000 sketches for the cars, and the cars' eyes are the windshields, with the strip of metal above it used for the eyebrows and eyelids to convey expressions.
The King in "Cars" is voiced by legendary racer Richard Petty. Interestingly, The King's wife is voiced by Lynda Petty, Richard's real-life wife.
Some very strange inspirations were used to develop Lightning McQueen's cocky character, including Joe Namath, Kid Rock, and Muhammad Ali. A Lightyear blimp is used in "Cars" to parody the Goodyear blimp.
In 2006, Disney officially bought Pixar, making "Cars" the last movie produced by Pixar before the acquisition.
Twenty years on, "Cars" continues to charm audiences with its engaging story, lovable characters, and intricate detail. It's a testament to Pixar's innovative storytelling and attention to detail that has made it a beloved classic in the world of animation.
