Over 3,500 classic cars cruise through Tulsa to celebrate 100th birthday of Route 66

While vintage convertibles purred behind growling Model Ts, downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma transformed into a vision of classic Americana this 30 May, during the 100th birthday celebration of the most iconic highway in the USA.

Exactly one century ago, Tulsa became a stop on Route 66, the “Mother Road” between the West and Midwest regions of America. And to honour the spirit of adventure provided by this stretch of highway, the city invited car-lovers everywhere to take part in the largest parade of classic cars in history, hosted on this famous thoroughfare.

A record-breaking total of 3,596 vintage vehicles responded to the call, and as they inched down Route 66, they officially took the title from Practico Events in Puerto Rico back in 2017. 

Route 66 is considered by many to be one of the first original highways in America. Spanning 2,448 miles (3,940 km), the route stretched from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, effectively connecting the West to the rest of the country.

And when travellers began making their way to the coast, they would inevitably stop at the cities along the way to rest and refuel – one of which was Tulsa. 

The road significantly contributed to their local culture and economy, and despite the highway’s official closure in 1985, the city continues to maintain its drivable sections, which earned them the reputation as a key destination for travelers exploring the famous route.

Consequently, as Route 66 approached its 100th birthday, the city wanted to celebrate the legendary symbol of American freedom and exploration. 

So they invited car-lovers from across the country to join them on an epic parade through the historic street!

Read more stories about record-breaking vehicles in our dedicated Arts and Entertainment section!

And on 30 May, thousands of cars arrived at Tulsa’s Expo Square, and eagerly began lining up for the parade. 

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric was also present to help guide the event, and he said he was amazed to see the massive turnout from all the enthusiastic participants. Although 5,000 vehicles pre-registered, sadly more than 1,000 didn’t show up for the start, which put the final count after deductions at a record-breaking 3,596.

Nevertheless, they had an incredible international showing, and cars had driven from all across Canada and America to take part. One incredible person had even gone to the prior successful attempt in Puerto Rico!

“Nothing says iconic America like Route 66, and today Tulsa cemented their legacy as the home of the mother road,” said Michael.

Once everyone had lined up, the parade crawled across 5.5 mi (8.9 km) of Route 66 within Tulsa’s city limits, and featured 16 high-visibility zones where attendees could watch the spectacle. Stewards were also present on the route, to monitor the cars and make sure everyone was safe.

Locals planted themselves alongside the pavement, and pointed and cheered as the vehicles cruised by. The cars and trucks all had varying degrees of restoration, but onlookers were fascinated by the variety of vintage cars out there in the world.

Did you take part in this record-breaking parade? Show off your love for classic cars with your very own customisable Record Participant Certificate, sold in our Guinness World Records store!

After finishing the route, the crowd was invited to join the Adjudicator and Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols for a celebratory speech near the river, as well as various other planned activities and entertainment throughout the city. 

When Michael announced that the city had far surpassed the previous record, the audience burst into applause, and confetti rained down over the heads of the participants.

“I am so proud of Tulsa and so thrilled to set a new Guinness World Records title,” said the Mayor. “Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise was a nearly year-long effort from partners all over Tulsa, to remind the world that we are the Capital of Route 66 and that no city does things the way Tulsa does. 

“Now, for the next hundred years, whenever anyone mentions the Centennial of Route 66, they’ll remember Tulsa, Oklahoma!”

So congratulations to this record-breaking city – you are all Officially Amazing!