There’s a Disney here for everyone, and for the automobile world- it’s Lightning Mcqueen. Cars was a hit series, creating three comedy movies based on some anthropomorphized cars.
The series got kids and adults alike fired up about cars, making many vehicles loveable. Characters like Lightning Mcqueen, Mater, Doc, and Luigi warmed our hearts and got us emotional.
Who knew anthropomorphized lumps of metal could be so powerful? But are all of the cars based on real-life vehicles? And if so, what are they based on?
Although all the vehicles in the movie are based on real-life examples. Many are based on a combination of a few different cars.
For instance, Lightning Mcqueen is based on two chevy vehicles. Lightning Mcqueen is based on the old-school Chevrolet Corvette C1 and the newer, slicker Chevrolet Corvette C6.
Combining these cars gives us the familiar yet cool-looking car character that we know and love.
Who is Lightning Mcqueen?
Although Lightning Mcqueen would be offended that you didn’t know who he was, we’re not. Lightning Mcqueen is the protagonist of the Cars franchise. He is voiced by Owen Wilson and is well known for his signature phrase, “Ka-chow!” and bad boy attitude to racing.
Lightning Mcqueen is a race car competing in the Piston Cup, a racetrack modeled on the real-life NASCAR Circuit.
What Kind of Car is Lightning Mcqueen?
Because of the animated nature of the movie, it could be more evident what each vehicle is based on. But Lightning Mcqueen is, in fact, modeled after two major car models- the Chevrolet Corvette C1 and the Chevrolet Corvette C6.
Car Models That inspired Lightning Mcqueen’s Design
Chevrolet Corvette C1
The Chevrolet or Chevvy Corvette C1 entered the scene in 1953 and was the first in a series of sports cars created by Chevrolet. The vehicle marks its debut at the General Motors Motorama event in New York City.
The Chevrolet Corvette C1 was an open-top car with just two seats. It had a six-cylinder engine and produced 115 horsepower.
The body was fashioned with glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, with an eye-catching red and white color scheme.
The car was sold for $4000, which was a lot then!
Chevrolet Corvette C6
The other car that inspired Lightning Mcqueen’s design was the Chevrolet Corvette C6. This newer model, introduced in 2004 at the Detroit Auto Show, looks similar to the animated version of Lightning Mcqueen.
Again, the creators of Cars chose this model as it appeals to a younger market.
The car showcases a slick design, upgraded suspension, and a massive engine. The vehicle also has coupe and convertible model options and exposed headlights.
The car was introduced to the market in around 2005 and was sold for approximately $47,000.
What’s Lightning Mcqueen’s Real Name?
You may not know this, but Lighting Mcqueen is the stage name he developed for the race scene. His real name is Montgomery “Lightning” Mcqueen.
What’s Lightning Mcqueen’s Character Based on?
Okay, we know what the car was based on, but what about the personality? The creators of Cars wanted to create a cocky yet likable character, and so took inspiration from real-like sports people.
The creators looked to figures like Muhammed Ali (boxer) and Charles Barkley (basketball player), and football player Joe Namath as well as Kid Rock (rock singer).
The combination of characters ended up with a young, confident, yet likable character that stole our hearts.
Although his name seems to be based on the actor and race driver Steve Mcqueen, it was actually based on someone else. Lightning is named after Glenn Mcqueen, a Pixar animator who died in 2002.
What Kind of Insurance Does Lightning Mcqueen Need?
Half man, half car, does Lightning Mcqueen need car insurance or life insurance?
Since there are no humans in Mcqueen’s universe, and only cars are featured in the films, all of the characters would need life insurance.
The characters in the movie are as human as it gets, so car insurance wouldn’t make much sense.
What Vehicle Was Mater Based On?
Man’s rusty best friend, Mater, is another loveable character in the movie.
John “Tow” Mater, voiced by the comedian Larry “The Cable Guy” Whitney, is Lightning Mcqueens best friend in the movie. His character was the movie’s innocent, supporting good angel on your shoulder. But, he truly made trucks a whole lot more adorable.
The tow truck is beaten up in the movie and covered head to toe (or wheel to wheel) in rust. He’s modeled after two trucks; the 1951 International harvester tow truck and the 1951 Chevrolet boom truck.
A 1951’s International harvester tow truck would have cost around $2000 back in the day. Some are still circulating today and continue to help farmers on the land.
What Was Cruz Ramirez Based On?
Cruz Ramirez was tasked with whipping Lighting Mcqueen back into racing shape, giving him something to chase after in the move.
Voiced by Cristela Alonzo, her car wasn’t necessarily based on one vehicle. Instead, the design mixes and matches elements from the 2017 Toyota 86 and the 90s Honda Civic Del Sol.
What Was Jackson Storm Based On?
The nemesis of Lighting is Storm, both in name and in character. Voiced by Armie Hammer, Storm is the cocky, unlikeable, friendless rival of Mcqueens on the race scene.
Storm is portrayed as the younger and fitter counterpart to Lightning. The car resembled the 2002 Cadillac Cien supercar concept.
What Was Blue Based On?
In the first movie, Dinoco-Blue veteran racecar, voiced by the real-life NASCAR hall of Fame driver Richard petty. The car is a striking blue- hence the name- and is based on a 1970’s Plymouth Superbird.
In the first film, Blue takes to the stage for the last time before entering retirement but sadly gets into a bad accident and is left injured.
Blue brings out a side of Mcqueen not yet seen in the movie- torn between his selfish desire to win and his newfound empathetic side that wants Blue to end his career on a win.
Ultimately, Mcqueen sacrifices his win to nudge Blue across the finish line first.
What Was Sally Carrera Based On?
Bonnie Hunt, the voice actor for Sally Carrera, appears in the first and third movies. She is Lighting Mqueen’s love interest in the film and helps put the “rom” in this “com.”
Sally is based on a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera. In the first film, Sally appears as the only modern car in Radiator Springs. Her character reflects the old class and wealth of radiator Springs that died when Route 66 cut the town off the main path through the country.
What Was Mack Based On?
One of the few characters that aren’t technically a car is mack, the massive truck used to transport Mcqueen to and from races. Voiced by John Ratzenberger, Mack is one of the oldest standing characters in Cars and one of Mcqueen’s oldest friends.
Mack is based on a 1985 Mack Super-Liner. Accurately, these trucks were used to transport cars to and from NASCAR races.
Ready For Some Cars Trivia?
What does Lightning Mcqueen say before every race?
A: Lightning Mcqueen repeats a phrase to himself to get hyped up before each race. This phrase is “Faster than fast. Quicker than quick. I am Lightning. I AM SPEED!”
What’s Lightning Mcqueen’s number?
A: 95.
Who sponsors Lightning Mcqueen in the first movie?
A: Rust-eze.
What brand of tires does Lightning Mcqueen use?
A: Lightyear.
What’s the name of the town where Lightning Mcqueen destroys the main road?
A: Radiator Springs.
What’s the name of the cafe in Radiator Springs?
A: Flor’s Cafe.
What’s the name of the Radiator Springs motel?
A: Cozy Cone.
Who does Lightning Mcqueen want to be sponsored by?
A: Dinaco
Who says that they are the world’s best backward driver?
A: Mater
How many Piston Cups has Lightning Mcqueen won?
A: Seven.
Which is the only race car that Luigi follows?
A: Ferrari.
All of the cars in the movie Cars are based on something real. Although each vehicle may not be based entirely on one vehicle, they are all based on something real.
For example, lightning Mcqueen combines two Chevrolet vehicles- one old and one new. This combination gives him a loveable old-school look with a new, sexy twist.
Lightning Mcqueen is based on the Chevrolet Corvette C1 and Chevrolet Corvette C6.