Oklahoma towns are buzzing as a caravan of over 100 rat rods makes its way along historic Route 66. Organized as part of the highway’s 100th‑anniversary celebration, the convoy—dubbed the “Rat Rod Invasion”—has become a moving showcase of creative, custom‑built automobiles that draw locals and visitors alike.
Local excitement builds as the convoy arrives
Patricia Miller, a member of the Rat Rod Invasion Support Crew, described the scene when the convoy pulls into a small town or a gas station: “It’s about 125 cars that started in Las Vegas, Nevada. When we pull into a town or a gas stop, it’s like an invasion.” Residents gather, phones out, eager to photograph the unique vehicles that stand out on the open road.
“It means a lot because there’s something that I’ve built, and everywhere we go, everybody flocks over, takes pictures, and it gives joy to kids and other people,” said Graham Adams, a participant from South Carolina. Adams brought his own rat rod to Oklahoma to link up with the traveling group, adding his voice to the celebration of the iconic highway.
What is a rat rod?
According to Adams, a rat rod is essentially “anything you drag up, take anything and kind of slap together, put together. A lot of them pretty much don’t have paint.” The vehicles are built from reclaimed parts, often with a raw, unfinished look that highlights the builders’ ingenuity and love of classic automotive culture.
“You do whatever you got to do to get it going, to get it down the road,” Adams explained, emphasizing the hands‑on, do‑it‑yourself spirit that defines the community of builders.
Community support keeps the convoy moving
When a rat rod breaks down, local volunteers step in. Miller noted, “We’ll throw them on the trailer, get them to the next stop, and then the rest of the rat rod drivers and builders will take over… do whatever it takes to get that car worthy to hit the road again the next day.” This collaborative effort underscores the strong sense of neighborly assistance that characterizes many Oklahoma towns.
The caravan’s journey also serves as a reminder of Route 66’s historic role in connecting communities before the interstate system. “Pulling into these historic towns and thinking about how they were thriving prior to I‑40 and how they’re thriving today,” Miller said, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Mother Road.
Looking ahead
The Rat Rod Invasion will continue its trek across the remaining stretch of Route 66, stopping in additional towns and offering more opportunities for residents to engage with the event. Organizers hope the caravan not only celebrates automotive creativity but also reinforces the pride Oklahoma citizens feel for their state’s place in American road‑trip lore.
For those interested in catching a glimpse of the convoy, keep an eye on local news outlets and community bulletin boards for scheduled stops. The event provides a unique chance to experience a living piece of Route 66 history while supporting the artisans who keep the spirit of the road alive.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
