Sign up for special notices:

History of Pedal Cars

The Pedal car interest in America has grown in the past few years to an almost unbelievable level. It is now one of the most desirable, fastest appreciating collectibles to be found today. As well as a children's, it has also now become an adult toy.

There were five well known early manufacturers of pedal cars: American National, Gendron, Steelcraft, Garton, and Toledo wheel. Deluxe pedal cars were bought by the wealthy in the 1920's and 1930's, making it very difficult to find one in really good condition. Some full size car collectors, are selling their collections, and going into pedal car collecting, since there is no maintenance to pedal cars.

Pedal cars of the 1920's and 1930's era are a big part of our history. They have moved from sidewalks into our living rooms for decorating, displays etc. They are nice to admire under the Christmas tree, in the dining room or in the hall. Wherever you place your car, it will always attract the attention of others, and become a focal point of conversation.

Of course, the very early models are expensive to buy because of their history, much the same as any classic car, but there are now many models available in reproduction format, often built to the exact specification, and quality of their counterpart models.

Take a look at the following list of some of our distinctive range of pedal products, which gives you the year when the originals were first available and current approximate value, (if you can find one).

• 1940 Silver Pursuit Plane $2000.00
  
• 1942 Shark Attack Plane $2100.00
  
• 1941 Sports Racer $2800.00
  
• 1960 Giordani Racer $4000.00
  
• 1949 Comet $1500.00
  
• 1930 Sad Faced Fire Engine $2400.00
  
• 1948 Comet (Pink & Blue) $2000.00
  
• 1955 Chevrolet $1750.00
  
• 1930 Trike $3000.00
  
• 1922 Model T Ford $2800.00

The difference of course is the price. What will cost you around two thousand dollars plus for an original, that may require some work, can now be purchased for around two to three hundred dollars, and of course it comes brand new in the box. Inevitably, the pedal car of your choice, will appreciate, and eventually gain the appreciative value of the listed cars above. Hence, the popularity of pedal cars in the twentieth century. Very little investment, for maximum inflation values. Some are limited editions and we predict those will increase in value the fastest.

Of course, not everyone is buying to collect. Most of our customers are grown up's buying for their children, wanting a different, stylish and solid all metal ride on toy for the receiving child. Nowadays, you can buy just about anything that is powered by batteries, in turn giving the child no exercise, but with this range available, they have to work a little to get anywhere at all. No harm in that!!

The manufacture of our range is very meticulous to say the least. All cars have lead free powder coating to ensure maximum safety standard certificates. The powder coat is much thicker than cellulose paint, giving longer life in general to the main body.

Heavy gauge steel is used; again you have to hit them hard to dent the shell. All the chrome is of a very high standard, with no sharp edges. Tyres are solid rubber duralast effect, once again ensuring longer life. Most of the cars and planes even have solid and sealed pressed bearings associated with the running gear for a smooth ride.

The bodies are all "step through", enabling the child to rest his or hers feet on the ground if necessary, and the paintwork is also to the full underside of the car.

Steering wheels are all chromed metal, and the steering racks are metal also. Axles are strong, same as the solid disc wheels on all except the Retro Racer's which are pressed steel wire effect. Turn the car upside down, and there is a strong chassis, base seat and pedal mechanism. The pedals themselves, apart from the planes and again the Retro Racer's, are solid rubber ensuring good grip. The Racer's do not have this effect, because the pedals are designed slightly differently, just like the originals. Everything is bolted together with nylon nuts to ensure nothing comes apart.

In short, the range is high quality, all steel, strong and versatile. They are also fun, for the adult or the child, which is of course most important to any buyer.

A little bit of history, to sit and pedal wherever you choose to display. The photographs associated with this information page, give you a real insight to how we put the cars together, and I sincerely hope you find everything contained useful in helping you to make your final decision.