Old Route 66, 1932 Studebaker
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Route 66 Alignment and 1932 Studebaker

4.7
·168 reviews·Holbrook, United States

A nostalgic snapshot of Route 66 history, featuring a vintage Studebaker and the original road alignment in Petrified Forest National Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Low crowds, great for photos

CrowdLow
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Old Route 66, 1932 Studebaker

Route 66 Alignment and 1932 Studebaker

Best Time

Anytime

Low crowds, great for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A nostalgic snapshot of Route 66 history, featuring a vintage Studebaker and the original road alignment in Petrified Forest National Park.

4.7
(168 reviews)

"Felt like stepping into the movie 'Cars' – pure joy for Route 66 lovers!"

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📸 Perfect for 'Cars' Fans

Channel Lightning McQueen! This spot is a direct nod to the movie 'Cars,' making it a magical stop for fans.

🚗 Road Trip Vibe

Feel the classic American road trip spirit. Imagine the journeys of the past along this historic alignment.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1932 Studebaker Car

1932 Studebaker Car

Petrified Forest National Park

A rusted, vintage Studebaker shell that instantly evokes 'Cars' movie magic and Route 66 nostalgia.

Historic Route 66 Alignment

Historic Route 66 Alignment

Petrified Forest National Park

Walk along the faint lines of the original Route 66, complete with historic telephone poles.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nostalgia

This spot is a must-see for fans of the movie 'Cars' and Route 66 enthusiasts. It's a quick, photo-friendly stop that captures the essence of classic American road trips. Plan for a brief visit, focusing on capturing those iconic shots.

Best for Photo Ops

The main draw here is the visual appeal, especially the vintage Studebaker and the remnants of the historic Route 66 alignment. Come prepared with your camera to immortalize this nostalgic slice of Americana.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Low crowds, great for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What can I do between Holbrook, Flagstaff and Page, AZ to make the 3 hour and a half hour trip worth it?

📸 Perfect for 'Cars' Fans

Channel Lightning McQueen! This spot is a direct nod to the movie 'Cars,' making it a magical stop for fans. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Vibe

Feel the classic American road trip spirit. Imagine the journeys of the past along this historic alignment. Reddit

reddit.com

AZ Route 66

reddit.com

Route 66 essential roadtrip

📸 Snap-Worthy Stop

Bring your camera! This location is incredibly photogenic, especially with the vintage Studebaker. Reddit

⏳ Quick Visit

It's a brief but memorable stop. Perfect for a quick photo opportunity within Petrified Forest National Park. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect for 'Cars' Fans

Channel Lightning McQueen! This spot is a direct nod to the movie 'Cars,' making it a magical stop for fans. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Vibe

Feel the classic American road trip spirit. Imagine the journeys of the past along this historic alignment. Reddit

📸 Snap-Worthy Stop

Bring your camera! This location is incredibly photogenic, especially with the vintage Studebaker. Reddit

⏳ Quick Visit

It's a brief but memorable stop. Perfect for a quick photo opportunity within Petrified Forest National Park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(168 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about this stop, especially 'Cars' fans and Route 66 enthusiasts, for its nostalgic charm and photogenic qualities. The rusted Studebaker and historic road alignment create a vivid sense of classic Americana. It's a quick, impactful experience that brings movie magic and history to life.

"As huge fans of Cars, this was one of the most exciting stops for us in Petrified Forest National Park! Seeing the old Route 66 line with the rusted-out vintage car instantly reminded us of Radiator Springs — it felt like we were stepping into the movie.

There’s not much left of the actual road, but the vibe is all there: the row of historic telephone poles, the dry open landscape, and that classic American road trip feeling. We went a little crazy taking photos from every angle — totally worth it!

It’s a quick stop, but for Cars lovers or Route 66 enthusiasts, it’s pure joy. You can almost hear Lightning McQueen saying, “Ka-chow!”
🚗"

Jennifer Huang (亭楨)

"Cool stop highlighting former Route 66 and where it cut through the lands of Petrified Forest

Commemorated by the body shell of Studybaker vehicle, it brings back nostalgic memories of a different time."

Kevin Wang

"Awesome to see, especially since it wasn't busy."

Sonja Brady

What People Like

Nostalgic vibe
Iconic Studebaker
Movie 'Cars' connection

What People Dislike

Very brief stop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Route 66 alignment and the 1932 Studebaker are located within Petrified Forest National Park. Look for signs indicating the historic Route 66 section. It's a popular spot for photos, so it's usually well-marked. Reddit

Yes, the park roads are generally accessible for larger vehicles like camper vans. The specific pull-off for the Studebaker and Route 66 alignment is designed for easy access. Reddit

For a comprehensive Route 66 experience in Arizona, consider driving segments like the one in Petrified Forest National Park. Many travelers enjoy starting from areas like Holbrook and heading towards the park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Route 66 alignment and the 1932 Studebaker are located within Petrified Forest National Park. You will need to pay the park entrance fee to access these sites. Reddit

Park hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rusted 1932 Studebaker is the primary subject. Capture it from various angles, with the historic telephone poles and the open landscape in the background. The faint lines of the road itself also make for great shots. Reddit

Reviews suggest it's often not busy, making it ideal for photos. However, visiting during off-peak hours or seasons can further ensure you have the spot to yourself. Reddit

Nostalgic, vintage-inspired photography works best. Consider using filters or editing to enhance the retro feel. It's also a great spot for car photography enthusiasts. Reddit

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

This is a quick stop, typically taking about 15-30 minutes. It's perfect for a brief photo opportunity and to soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

The Studebaker serves as a visual anchor, symbolizing the era of Route 66 and evoking nostalgia. It's a key element that connects visitors to the history of the road and the 'Cars' movie. Reddit

Basic facilities like restrooms and parking are available within Petrified Forest National Park. The alignment itself is an outdoor exhibit. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This stop is a fantastic, quick win for families, especially those with young children who are fans of the movie 'Cars.' The 1932 Studebaker is instantly recognizable and brings the movie to life. It's a great opportunity for kids to see a piece of history and connect with characters they love. The open space around the alignment also allows for a bit of freedom to explore safely. Reddit

Tip: Make it a game to spot the 'Radiator Springs' elements. Encourage kids to imagine their favorite 'Cars' characters driving the Studebaker. It’s a short but highly engaging experience that adds a fun, memorable dimension to a park visit.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For anyone who cherishes the spirit of the open road, this is a pilgrimage site. The Route 66 alignment offers a direct link to the golden age of American travel. It’s not just about seeing a historic road; it’s about feeling the echoes of countless journeys, the diners, the motels, and the sense of adventure that defined Route 66. The Studebaker adds a perfect visual flourish to this nostalgic experience. Reddit

Tip: Take your time to walk the alignment and read any interpretive signs. Imagine the vehicles that once passed by and the stories they carried. This is a place to savor the history and the romance of classic American road trips.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Route 66

Route 66, often called the 'Main Street of America,' was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. Spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, it became an iconic symbol of American road trips, migration, and adventure during the 20th century. The alignment within Petrified Forest National Park represents a preserved segment of this historic path, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era. Visitors can walk along the faint lines of the original road, imagining the countless travelers who once traversed this very path. The presence of historic telephone poles further enhances the sense of stepping back in time. Reddit

This particular section is especially popular with fans of the Disney-Pixar movie 'Cars,' which drew heavy inspiration from the roadside attractions and spirit of Route 66. The visual cues, like the vintage Studebaker, directly echo the film's aesthetic, making it a pilgrimage site for many. It’s a place where history and pop culture converge, creating a unique and memorable experience for all who visit. Reddit

The 1932 Studebaker: A Nostalgic Icon

The rusted shell of a 1932 Studebaker is the centerpiece of this Route 66 exhibit. This vintage automobile, though weathered by time, stands as a powerful symbol of the classic American road trip. Studebaker was a prominent American automobile manufacturer from the late 19th century until the 1960s, and their vehicles were a common sight on highways like Route 66 during its heyday. The choice of a 1932 model specifically evokes the early to mid-20th century, a period when Route 66 was booming.

Its placement here is no accident. The car's iconic, almost skeletal form against the vast, arid landscape of Petrified Forest National Park creates a striking visual. It serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring legacy of automotive history. For many, it's an instant connection to the world of 'Cars,' where anthropomorphic vehicles embody the spirit of roadside Americana. The Studebaker invites visitors to pause, reflect, and capture a piece of this nostalgic narrative. Reddit

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