Welcome to Route 66 Car Museum in the heart of Springfield, Missouri! Our museum features dozens of classic and movie-themed cars in our garage situated along the original Route 66. Some of our favorites include models from the Golden Age of the Mother Road, from the post-war period of 1945 up to the mid-1960s.
This time period saw unprecedented growth in American domestic production, including beautiful new cars hitting the road from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Read more about this extraordinary period in the history of Route 66 with our guide. And make sure to stop by our museum on your trip out west.
An Overview of Route 66 in the Post-War Period
American manufacturers and people settled into a new normal following World War II. Families with more disposable income and leisure time embarked on cross-country trips to see the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and even Disneyland after it opened in 1955.
During this time, Route 66 became the main route for families heading on vacations to Los Angeles. Motels, restaurants, and gas stations popped up to meet the demands of travelers.
Pop culture also got on board with Route 66. In 1946, the first recording of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” became a Billboard magazine hit on the pop and R&B charts thanks to Nat King Cole’s rendition that spawned many covers later.
A TV show in the 1960s called Route 66 follows two young drifters who traveled the Mother Road in a 1960 Corvette. Meanwhile, Easy Rider came out in 1969, featuring Hollywood legends Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson in a movie about two counter-culture motorcycle riders heading from Los Angeles to New Orleans, and part of their journey follows Route 66.
We’ve given you some background about Route 66 from the 1940s through the 1960s. Next, we’ll dive into the most popular cars of that time period.
Station Wagons
Station wagons were popular family cars because of the added cargo space and seating for long trips. And the most popular station wagons were far from spartan. Some had chrome accents on the tailgate, full carpeting on the floors, and soft cloth upholstery to go along with powerful V8 engines for highway driving and even towing.
Chevrolet Nomad (1955–1961)
Known for its sleek, sporty design and iconic two-door configuration, the Nomad was part of Chevrolet’s Bel Air series and became a symbol of 1950s car culture.
Ford Country Squire (1950–1991)
Featuring wood-paneled “woody” styling in its early years, the Country Squire was a luxurious and family-friendly wagon that set the standard for station wagons of the era. It seated up to eight people and had a well-tuned suspension system.
Chevrolet Suburban (1949–1978)
The Chevrolet Suburban was one of the first post-war station wagons to feature an all-steel body, emphasizing durability and practicality for growing families. It was not as flashy or as powerful as its competitors, but it was practical and dependable.
Buick Estate Wagon (1940s–1996)
The Buick Estate Wagon was a premium choice in the station wagon market, offering stylish design, ample space, and smooth performance, appealing to upscale buyers.
Convertibles
Convertibles were one of the most iconic vehicle styles on the road at this time. Part tourer, part sports car, and part muscle car, convertibles allowed drivers to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun, and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors when driving. Some of our favorite cars at Route 66 Car Museum are convertibles.
Chevy Corvette (1953–1965)
The Corvette debuted as America’s first mass-produced sports car. Its sleek styling, powerful V8 engines (from 1955 onward), and sporty performance made it a favorite on scenic highways like Route 66. Our museum features a 1957 fuel-injected Corvette.
Ford Thunderbird (1955–1965)
Initially introduced as a two-seater personal luxury convertible, the T-Bird combined sporty appeal with comfort. Its stylish design was perfect for cruising through America’s heartland. Who can forget those iconic tailfins? A 1956 T-Bird is displayed in the museum.
Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (1953–1965)
A luxury icon, the Eldorado stood out with its bold tail fins, powerful engines, and opulent features. Its imposing presence made it a dream car for cross-country road trips. The 1960 Eldorado Biarritz in the museum was one of the largest and heaviest cars ever built. It is 225 inches long and weighs 5,310 pounds!
Pontiac GTO Convertible (1964–1965)
One of the early muscle cars, the GTO, brought raw power and style to the convertible segment. Its performance and flair made it a thrilling choice for open-road adventures along Route 66.
Muscle Cars
When you think of muscle cars today, an image of a great-looking, sleek vehicle comes to mind. Muscle cars didn’t always have to look good to be powerful. Some of the most common cars on Route 66 had huge engines and sleek designs, even if they looked a bit blocky by today’s standards.
Chevrolet Impala SS (1961–1965)
The Chevy Impala Super Sport combined full-size luxury with high-performance options, including potent V8 engines, making it a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts. These models had upgraded brakes and suspensions to handle the increased power.
Ford Galaxie 500 XL (1962–1965)
The Galaxie 500 XL offered a sleek design and big-block V8 engines, delivering the performance and style that defined early muscle cars. The Galaxie had optional luxury features like power windows, power steering, and air conditioning, making it a top choice for more comfortable journeys.
Sports Cars
The most renowned sports cars of the day represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence, much as they do now. Popular sports cars on Route 66 didn’t just stick with American marques. British and German luxury cars were seen along the Mother Road during the post-war period.
Jaguar XK Series (1948–1961)
Imported from Britain, the Jaguar XK series became popular in the U.S. for its curvaceous design, advanced engineering, and high performance, setting new standards for sports cars. The leather and wood inside the cabin made every drive a joy.
Enzio Ferrari stated that the XKE was the most beautiful car ever built! The museum has six Jaguars in the collection, XK120, 140, 150, an XKE hardtop and convertible, and the 1950 Mark V.
Porsche (1948–1965)
Known for its lightweight construction and precise handling, Porsche gained a dedicated following in the U.S. It was a favorite for enthusiasts who valued performance and European style, which came from its racing pedigree. Independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and precise weight distribution made it well able to take on the most challenging roads. The museum has a model 920 on display.
Austin Healey 3000 (1959–1965)
This British roadster was a favorite among American enthusiasts for its powerful inline-six engine, classic styling, and open-top driving experience, perfect for long scenic drives. The 1967 Austin Healey 3000 in our garage is the owner’s personal favorite. It’s a beautiful complement to the green 1963 Morgan Plus 4.
Mercedes-Benz 190 and 300SL Gullwing/Roadster (1954–1963)
Known for its iconic gullwing doors in the coupe version and cutting-edge engineering, the 300SL was a high-performance luxury sports car coveted by drivers seeking speed and exclusivity. This was also one of the fastest street-legal cars of its time. The museum also displays the 190SL, a smaller (and more economical) model of the 300 that sells north of $1.5 million today.
Family Sedans
The family sedan was a staple of Route 66. With four doors and a large trunk, you might have seen a sedan a bit top-heavy with a cargo rack on top for stuff that wouldn’t fit in the trunk. The most popular family sedans along Route 66’s heyday harken back to fond memories of heading to the grocery store, scenic drives close to home, and summer vacations. Cars in the collection of this era include the 1948 Packard convertible, 1949 Chrysler Woodie, 1955 BMW501 sedan, and 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk.
Chevrolet Bel Air (1950–1965)
The Bel Air was a quintessential family sedan, offering stylish design, two-tone paint jobs, solid reliability, and a range of powerful engine options. It was a favorite for long road trips and suburban life. It looked tough, too, with its large tailfins and lots of chrome. The Bel Air was made popular thanks to pop culture, TV shows, and songs.
Ford Fairlane (1955–1965)
Known for its versatility and affordability, the Fairlane was a practical and comfortable family car as a luxury model. Its V8 options and spacious interiors made it a common sight on cross-country journeys. The 1957 model, in particular, had a futuristic look that was popular among fans.
Plymouth Fury (1956–1965)
Combining high performance with family-friendly features, the Fury was a stylish and powerful choice for middle-class families who wanted comfort and flair for road trips. The Fury was touted as the high-performance and luxury version of the Belvedere, one of the automaker’s most popular offerings.
Buick Special (1946–1965)
The Buick Special offered a premium feel at an accessible price, with smooth handling and a quiet ride that appealed to families looking for a bit of luxury on long drives. The renowned Dynaflow automatic transmission was popular because it did away with manual shifting, and the straight-eight (rather than a V8) engine offered smooth performance before moving to a variety of V8 engines later in the production run. The Buick Special also had power windows and air conditioning throughout the 1950s.
Pickup Trucks
Owning a pickup truck was more than just having a bigger engine with towing capabilities. It means more freedom with the bed in the back for people hauling cargo along the Mother Road. These trucks were some of the most common along Route 66, either for the businesses travelers encountered or for making the weeks-long journey:
Diamond T (1938 to 1967)
Although not as popular as mainstream brands, the now rare Diamond T, like the one we have in our collection, was never mass-produced as much as other models. It was known as the Cadillac of pickup trucks for its dashingly good looks combined with powerful engines.
Ford F-Series (1948–1965)
The Ford F-Series, particularly the F-100, became a staple for farmers, tradespeople, and adventurers. Its sturdy design, durability, and versatility made it a favorite on rural roads and highways. Ford pickups are still the most popular models in America.
Chevrolet Advance Design/Task Force Series (1947–1960)
The Advance Design (1947–1955) and Task Force (1955–1960) trucks were popular for their stylish, modern looks and robust performance, perfect for both work and leisure trips.
International Harvester R and A-Series (1953–1965)
International Harvester pickups, like the R-110 and A-100, were known for their no-nonsense design and reliability, appealing to families and businesses seeking a dependable truck for everyday use. Today, International trucks continue to do a lot of heavy lifting on American roads.
Imagine Classic Cars Traveling on Route 66
As you journey along Route 66, imagine what driving was like during a bygone era when you see some classic, vintage automobiles at Route 66 Car Museum. Perfect for individuals, families, and tour groups, our museum celebrates the cars that shaped American pop culture and the Mother Road.
Contact us online or call (417) 459-2452 to learn more about our exhibits and plan your visit!
