Pedal Car

Pedal cars

When automobiles made their first appearances, toy pedal cars soon followed. Pedal car toy history goes back to the 1890s, when most were modelled from real cars on the road at that time.

By the turn of the century, all children wished for a pedal car but unfortunately their cost meant they were playthings for only the wealthy ones. Basic home made models were made for those children not so fortunate.

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 collectible 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 1920s and 1930s, 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 1920s and 1930s 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 pedal car, it will always attract the attention of others and become a focal point of conversation.

Pedal car documentary:(connection slow? Press 'pause' and wait a while...)

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.