History Heartwarming / Cars

* After [[spoiler:the King's crash, when Lightning gave up the Piston Cup to instead make sure he'd finish his last race after Chick brutally rammed him...]]
-->'''King:''' You just [[spoiler:[[HonorBeforeReason gave up the Piston Cup]]]], you know that?
-->'''[=McQueen=]:''' Ah, this grumpy old race car I know once told me something, [[spoiler: [[MeaningfulEcho it's just an empty cup.]]]]

** Doubly heartwarming at the end of the third movie, when [[spoiler: Tex not only hires Cruz on the spot but buys out all of Rust-eze to get [=McQueen's=] contract]].

* A minor example, but Mia and Tia's scenes in the final race. Even though they became Chick's fans in Lightning's absence, they express concern for Lightning when he's struggling with the race. They also boo Chick off the stage and throw their headpieces at him [[spoiler:after he caused The King's crash.]]

** Lightning also never resorted to dirty tricks during the race.

** More heartwarming years later with the RSN short ''Under the Hood'' talking about Doc. The narrator ends with a sentiment fans both in and out of universe can attest to.

** The entire evening is a big FriendshipMoment for both Lightning and Mater. Keep in mind, Lightning has been completely without friends through the whole movie, except Mac. Everyone in Radiator Springs has largely treated him with (justified) scorn. But Mater? The kindhearted two truck instantly takes a shine to the guy and hangs around Lightning. Not because of his fame or his wealth (he doesn’t know who Lightning is) but because Mater genuinely likes him.

-->'''Narrator:''' His legacy will live on, not just in the racing books, but in our hearts.\\

** Doubly heartwarming at the end of the third movie, when [[spoiler: Tex not only hires Cruz on the spot but buys out all of Rusteeze to get [=McQueen's=] contract]].

* With Doc as [=McQueen's=] new crew chief, you see the rival pit crews look up at him in pure awe, and the camera crew have a mini freakout when they realize it's the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Soon after the announcement is made, a few fans a heard realizing it and soon you see the crowd shift and realize the ''entire stadium'' is cheering for him. The industry may have moved on, but the ''fans'' never forgot him.

* After [[spoiler:the King's crash, when Lightning gave up the Piston Cup to instead make sure he'd finish his last race...]]

** When Lightning took the lead mere moments before the King’s crash, the King can be seen cracking a smile. Unlike Chick Hicks, while the King may want to win, he's not at all bothered by the thought that he might lose a fair race.

-->'''[=McQueen=]:''' Ah, this grumpy old race car I know once told me, [[spoiler: [[MeaningfulEcho it's just an empty cup.]]]]

* After helping the King, Lightning turns down a big-time offer from the King's sponsor, Tex. Then after a pause, he says "Actually, there is ONE thing you could do." Cut to Mater riding in a helicopter, having the time of his life, because he's always wanted a copter ride. Made even better when you remember that Lightning wasn't being sincere when he said he would get Mater a ride in a helicopter. But now he remembers his promise to Mater and chooses to keep it.

** When Lightning took the lead mere moments before the King’s crash, the King can be seen cracking a smile.

** The girls also still have their McQueen decals on them after close inspection.

** Doubly heartwarming at the end of the third movie, when [[spoiler: Tex not only hires Cruz on the spot but buys out all of Rusteeze to get McQueen's contract]].

* Meta: After dedicating WesternAnimation/FindingNemo to him, Pixar named this movie’s hero after their late animator Glenn McQueen. So one of the most iconic characters of the TurnOfTheMillennium carries the name of a beloved employee and all-around good man.

* Meta: After dedicating WesternAnimation/FindingNemo to him, Pixar named this movie’s hero after their late animator Glenn McQueen. So one of the most iconic characters of the TurnOfTheMillennium was named after a beloved employee and all-around good man.

* A minor example, but Mia and Tia's scenes in the final race. Even though they became Chic's fans in Lightning's absence, they express concern for Lightning when he's struggling with the race. They also boo Chic off the stage and throw their headpieces at him [[spoiler:after he caused the King's crash.]]

* The first time Lightning meets Sally, he is completely mesmerized by her and begins a love-inducing conversation with her. The dreamy look in his eyes and heartfelt smile he has throughout adds it all up.