Although pedal cars were quite popular from the 1920’s into the 1960’s, in fact the first pedal cars were produced much earlier. Pedal car 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 cars were introduced, modeled after the first automobiles to appear on the roads. Nearly as soon as the Model T was introduced, children’s pedal car 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 cars were quite expensive, and were mainly purchased by very wealthy families.

During the Great Depression, few pedal cars 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 car 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 pedal cars 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, early pedal car history follows the history of real automobile ownership. These stylish metal pedal cars 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 cars 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 pedal car 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, metal pedal cars are produced again, bringing back fond memories for the adult market. Many of yesterday’s children still hold an emotional attachment to these metal pedal cars. Classic metal pedal cars have a wonderful aesthetic, and are built with quality and exquisite detailing. Because metal pedal cars were loved by so many children, they have kept their value as nostalgic collectibles. Some 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.

Author Bio: Classic Pedal Cars has a full range of metal pedal cars for the best present a child could wish for! Also check for current specials on Jalopy Fire Engine Pedal Cars

Category: Automotive
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