Ka-chow! Today is Lightning McQueen Day, and Loungefly is celebrating with some seriously fun new merchandise inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars. September 5 was chosen for the occasion because of Lightning McQueen’s famous racing number, 95, and this year’s celebration is extra special as Cars marks its 20th anniversary. Disney previously teased that the new Loungefly collection would arrive just in time for the big day, and now we’ve got a closer look.
Let’s start with Lightning himself because this new Cars 20th Anniversary Lightning McQueen Cosplay Light-Up Lenticular Mini Backpack is a LOT. The bright red bag puts Lightning’s face front and center, complete with his Rust-eze logo, racing number, and tires along the sides. His headlights even light up, and there are movable wheels! Inside, the lining is covered in a colorful Lightning McQueen racing print. The mini backpack is priced at $95.
And then there’s Mater, who might have stolen the show for me. The new Cars 20th Anniversary Tow Mater Figural Crossbody Bag is basically a wearable little tow truck, complete with Mater’s weathered finish, tow rig, wheels, and giant smile. His hood opens to access the bag, and even the interior lining gets its own repeating Tow Mater design. This one is priced at $115.
The collection also includes a Piston Cup Sling Crossbody Bag for $75, plus Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charms featuring Cars characters for $25.95 each. The teeny-tiny backpack charms might be especially dangerous, considering the bag charm rabbit hole I’ve already fallen into around here. Loungefly is currently offering three of the mystery charms for $45.
Lightning McQueen is having quite the 20th anniversary weekend beyond the merchandise, too. Disney and Pixar’s Cars has joined Disney’s Formula 1 collaboration, and Lightning is currently at the Italian Grand Prix weekend in Monza with a special new look. Disney has even given the official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car a Cars-inspired makeover for the occasion.
But really, can we get back to Mater as a purse? Because I’m not sure I was prepared for that today.
