Galena, Kansas: Cars on the Route: Birthplace of Tow Mater
See the truck that inspired the truck that made a fortune for Pixar/Disney. Stands outside an old gas station that's been converted into a Route 66 gift shop.
- Address:
- 119 N. Main St., Galena, KS
- Directions:
- North end of town, southeast corner of S. Main and E. Front Sts.
- Hours:
- Tu-Su 10-3 (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 620-210-7616
- Admission:
- Free.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 11... Page of 3 [Next 5 items]
Visitor Tips and News About Cars on the Route: Birthplace of Tow Mater
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The kids really enjoyed this stop. There is a little diner that had great food, and the owners were very friendly. Hope you get to meet Mable the Mouth. Don't forget to head down the road just a bit to see the sheriff and Lightnin' McQueen.
[Sam Hunt, 08/14/2025]
This cute gift shop on Route 66 is in the town that inspired the Disney animated film, "Cars." Because of that they have several Disney movie cars all over town, and this specific place will give you the in-depth story.
[Sara, 02/28/2025]
This place is very fun and nostalgic, but it makes me wonder, what did the makers of "Cars" see? Because what I see right now is a Disney creation. Not that it isn't super fun, but......
[Janelle, 06/05/2019]The blessing and the curse of Hollywood success. The original boom tow truck became a star stop along Route 66. Cartoon eyes were added by the owners in 2008 so that the unimaginative public wouldn't strain too hard to make the connection. The tow truck next to the original was added as a more complete, buck-toothed "Tow Mater - Radiator Springs" replica.
The old Kan-O-Tex gas station has been fully restored. It's a trip back into the era.
[Red 1957 Coupe deVille Caddy, 10/31/2015]
They've added more Tow Mater Tow trucks.
[Will, 02/08/2015]Page of 3 [Next 5 items]
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According to the plaque, this (former) gas station is where a Disney scriptwriter, driving Route 66, saw an old truck that inspired the character "Tow Mater."