Although pedal cars were quite popular from the 1920's into the 1960's, in fact the first examples were produced much earlier. Their history actually begins at the end of the nineteenth century. Wheeled toys, including bicycles, became quite popular toys in the last decades of the 1800's. In the 1890's, the first pedal toys were introduced, modeled after the first automobiles to appear on the roads. Nearly as soon as the Model T was introduced, children's versions of these real cars were created. These cars featured a steel body molded to look like the real thing, and a wood chassis and wheels with rubber tires. However, like the real cars they were modeled after, pedal vehicles were quite expensive, and were mainly purchased by very wealthy families.
During the Great Depression, few were purchased, and these few were destined for wealthy children as well. Middle and lower-class children still played with homemade toys during this time, as there were very few inexpensive mass-produced toys available. Production of metal pedal cars ceased during World War II because the metal was needed for the war effort, but they became quite popular again in the 1950's and 1960's. These later models would make pedal toy history.
1950's and later models differed from their predecessors because they were chain-driven. Also, postwar prosperity meant that more and more families could afford to buy these previously out-of-reach toys for their children. As more and more families were able to afford automobiles, they could afford pedal car versions for their children, as well. In many ways, their early history follows the history of real automobile ownership. These stylish metal versions were at the top of many children's Christmas wish lists for several decades. Because they were so popular, they remain in many peoples' minds as a classic 1950's toy.
Like real cars, these later versions were produced in a wide array of styles and colors, modeled after real car makes. Using the latest trends in real cars, they often had working lights and horns, and moveable parts such as windshields and convertible tops. Details included chrome hood ornaments, white wall tires, and intricate paint jobs. These pedal toys sold very well, and toy manufacturers capitalized on this demand by producing pedal planes, trains, and trucks, among several other models.
The 1960's brought big changes to pedal car history. The availability of plastic, as well as the introduction of new safety standards, brought an end to the metal ride on era. By the 1970's, steel pedal cars had been replaced by new plastic cars. These cars were no longer made to look like replicas of real cars, but instead had a toy-like aesthetic.
Today, sturdier metal toys are produced again, bringing back fond memories for the adult market. Many of yesterday's children still hold an emotional attachment to these old toys. Classic stamped-steel cars have a wonderful aesthetic, and are built with quality and exquisite detailing. Because they were loved by so many children, they have kept their value as nostalgic collectibles. Some originals are worth upwards of ten thousand dollars, making replica and reproduction models very popular. Although pedal car history is a lot longer than many people realize, it is the cars from the 1930's to the 1960's that will forever remain the popular image of the pedal car.
Classic Pedal Cars specializes in premium quality pedal cars. All our pedal cars are stamped steel, not plastic and will last for years. Fire Truck Pedal Cars are a favorite!
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