For those who were children or teenagers during the 1950s and 1960s, the drive in movie was the place to be on a summer evening. The classic drive in movie setup had a large screen set up outdoors. Sometimes this was a true screen, while other drive in theaters utilized the side of a building. A projection booth in the back created the image on the screen. Drive in movie theaters consisted not of seats, but of a large parking lot for cars. The sound was provided either.. more

If you look at today’s kids and think they don’t get enough exercise, you are definitely not alone. In fact, many complain that kids today just don’t get enough exercise. In fact, many kids may go weeks or even months without playing outside for a significant amount of time, instead watching many hours of television every week. These lifestyle changes are often seen as unhealthy and unnatural. Plus, your kids are subjected to hours of advertising for.. more

The 1965 Mustang pedal car is among the most popular pedal cars ever. Originally built by AMF for Ford, the Mustang pedal car was produced from 1965 to 1972. Today, these original models command premium prices, especially in original or restored conditions. Over 93,000 pedal versions of the 1965 Mustang were sold in its first year; the pedal toy was as much of a runaway hit as the real version. Originally designed as an advertising promotion, it was sold in Ford.. more

The 1965 Ford Mustang was one of the most successful cars ever built, selling over one million in the first eighteen months. This iconic car formed the basis for the 1965 Shelby GT-350. In 1964, legendary Carroll Shelby was approached by Ford to produce a race version of the popular 1965 Mustang. Shelby had been a racer in the 1950’s; by 1960, he had retired, becoming a designer of high-performance cars. Shelby built 100 of these cars by the first of the year in.. more

General Motors, or GM, is one of the world’s largest car manufacturing companies. Founded in 1908 in Flint, Michigan, General Motors began as a holding company for Buick, and also acquired Oldsmobile in its very first year. The next year, founder William Durant brought Cadillac, Ewing, Oakland (later known as Pontiac), Cartercar, and Elmore under the General Motors name. Long-running GM brands include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Pontiac, among others. The.. more

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 ADULT ASSEMBLY ONLY Install 9" right rear drive wheel on right axle and hammer black snap cap on axle. (fig 1 and fig 2)Install 9" left wheel on left axle and hammer black snap cap on axle.Install 1 steel washer on left front axle and then install 8" front wheel, hammer black snap cap on left axle.Install 1 steel washer on right front axle and then install 8" front wheel, hammer black snap cap on right.. more

In ride-on toy history, few toys have made an impression on generations of kids quite like the pedal car and the Big Wheel. Both enjoyed decades of popularity, and indeed are available in their original form today for a new generation of children to enjoy. Pedal cars were available in various forms nearly since the beginning of the automobile, but they really became popular in the 1930s through the 1960s, when steel pedal car styles closely mimicked actual car models... more

One of today’s major American car makes, Chevrolet, was founded nearly 100 years ago. Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss racecar driver who had created his own automobile designs. William Durant, the founder of General Motors, had been forced from GM management in 1910. Durant began producing Chevrolet’s designs in 1911 as a way to rebuild his own reputation. By the end of the decade, Chevrolet’s success had allowed Durant to buy a majority of GM shares,.. more

As soon as summer hits, it's time to turn off the computer and the video games and head outside for some wholesome fun. Swing sets, red wagons, pedal cars, pogo sticks, and trampolines are just a few of the outdoor toys that have been enjoyed for generations. Their sturdy metal construction and simple, back-to-basics fun is sure to remain popular for years. Whether you're concerned about the ever increasing issue of childhood obesity, or simply think that your kids.. more

The history of Coca Cola began in 1885 with the invention of the original Coca Cola recipe. It was invented by the owner of a chemist’s store, John Pemberton, who had previously invented many different medicines or medical drinks. The original formula was altered several times in the first decade or two, including the removal of alcoholic ingredients by the time prohibition began in 1920. In these early years it was said to cure a whole range of ailments including.. more

Classic pedal cars have remained a favorite with collectors ever since the original pedal car craze of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Most of today’s collectors remember their own pedal toys from their childhood, and want to collect pedal toys to remember their childhood. Others collect pedal cars because they are smaller and less expensive versions of real classic cars, making them easier to collect for car enthusiasts. For a time in the 1970’s and.. more

Since the beginning of the automobile industry, miniature toy versions of popular cars have been popular with both collectors and children. Vintage car toys make popular collectibles because they are small, making them easy to store and display. Plus, with a few exceptions, they are much less expensive than their real car counterparts, making them a wise decision for auto aficionados who can’t afford a garage full of classic cars. Vintage automobile toys of an.. more

When you think of pedal cars, you probably assume that they’re just a children’s toy. Well, you’d be wrong. Across the world, thousands of adult collectors enjoy pedal cars. They may purchase an original or restored version of a vintage car, or even a newer model designed to look like one of these classics. A growing area of pedal car collecting is in customization. This involves the process of turning a vintage or newer pedal car into your own unique.. more

Fifties-style diners remain popular today as a nostalgic style, but just after the end of World War II, they were actually considered the latest new thing. If you remember eating in a diner in the fifties, you probably remember sodas served in a classic Coke glass, home-cooked style meals, and warm apple pie for dessert. Outside the diner would sit the cars driven there by teenage boys on dates and fathers bringing the family for a meal, classic 1950s hot rods in.. more

The fifties retro look is a very popular style right now, and nowhere it is more fun to recreate retro styling than in the kitchen. Creating your own fifties retro kitchen is actually easier than you think, and the bright colors will really make your kitchen pop. Get your inspiration from vintage magazines or classic sitcom shows. There’s nothing that adds more charm or appeal to a modern kitchen than a retro makeover. First, decide on your color scheme. Do you.. more

If you have inherited a retro bathroom, go with it! An out of date bathroom can look fabulous with the right decorative touch. Instead of trying to pretend that the vanity, shower, and flooring are modern-style and covering them up, why not play up their unique design through retro accessories? Today, retro design is very popular in every room of the house, from the kitchen to the living room to the bathroom. You can develop a dramatic retro bathroom from any.. more

It has long been said that history repeats itself. Nowhere is this truer than in popular aesthetic styles. Whether in clothing styles, home décor, or even toys, every few decades “retro” or “vintage” looks from a certain decade or era rise in popularity. Of course, not all old styles come back. These nostalgic trends pick and choose from the most popular looks of decades ago. Today, the fifties nostalgic look is especially popular, whether.. more

It seems like almost every week we hear about how our children are overweight and do not get enough exercise. The media paints a picture of children sitting at home every day, watching TV and playing video games. This child never goes outside to play, but stays cooped up in the house, moving very little. If this sounds like your child, remember that children often need encouragement to get out of the house and play. Encourage them by providing toys that will entice them.. more

The world of pedal car or soapbox racing is the perfect way to introduce your child to racing in an age-appropriate and relatively safe manner. Pedal cars are often recommended for the youngest racers, while soapbox races take place at higher speeds, and are not recommended for young toddlers, but they are perfect for children just a few years older When racing these pedal style cars, you need not worry about your child racing down a track at breakneck speeds in a car.. more

The idea of flying has sparked the imagination of mankind for centuries or even millennia. The first man-made flying objects were not airplanes but kites; records of kite flying date back as early to 200 B.C. in China, and rudimentary hot air balloons were first designed about the same time. Leonardo da Vinci famously designed several aircraft in the fifteenth century, but never tried to construct or fly them. All of the aircraft that were shown to work up to the.. more

Edsel Ford Supports Program Helping JDRF and Honoring 75th Anniversary of Iconic ’32 Ford Ten of the premier hot rod builders in the country are constructing customized pedal cars to be auctioned for charity Funds will be split between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charities chosen by each of the builders The first of the one-off pedal cars, built by Chip Foose, was unveiled May 11, 2006 at the national convention of the Juvenile.. more

Many classic pedal car models are based on hot rod cars. Popular car models, like the ’55 Chevy, have long been turned into child-size pedal car versions. In fact, those based on real cars have stayed the most popular style of pedal car for several generations. Manufacturers discovered that popular cars made for popular toys. Today, adult collectors enjoy these pedal car versions of their favorite hot rod, because these classic cars have never gone out of.. more

One of the most popular pedal car types is the Murray pedal car. Murray Manufacturing was founded in the early 1900’s, with a factory in Ohio to produce pedal cars, bicycles, toys, and automobile parts. In the years prior to World War II, they produced many Steelcraft toys, including smaller metal toys and pull toys. They also produced a few pedal cars under the Steelcraft name during the 1920’s and 1930’s. What they are really known for, however, is.. more

If you’re looking to introduce your child to a world of excitement, consider pedal car or soapbox racing. Both involve the construction of a small car, powered either by pedals or by gravity. If you choose pedal car racing, your child will pedal the car down the raceway. If you choose soapbox racing, the car will coast down the track. Soapbox cars are completely unpowered, relying on aerodynamics to propel them down the course using gravity. Modern cars can reach.. more

Although we don't currently sell any pedal car parts ourselves, we know people who do! I've started making a list in my Favorite Links page, together with some people who specialize in buying, selling and restoring old original pedal cars - those really made 40-60 years ago! Let me tell you, these are beautiful cars but be prepared for the sticker shock. It's not uncommon to see an unrestored original sell for $5,000+ - and I've seen $20,000. Now you see why there is.. more

Restoring a vintage pedal car is a great way to bring your stylish pedal car back to its former glory. It is a time consuming, yet very rewarding, process. Pedal car restoration for collectors can mean everything from replacing a missing hubcap to completely overhauling the entire car. This, of course, will depend on the original condition of the pedal car, and your goals. Here’s a guide to pedal car restoration for collectors: First, find a pedal car to restore... more

Today, pedal cars are loved by children and adults alike. Reproduction metal pedal cars are very durable, so they can be passed from generation to generation. Most replica pedal cars have been built with pedal car safety in mind, but even with these modifications, safety should be your first priority when your children are playing with pedal cars. Keep in mind that even reproduction cars with modern safety features can be dangerous if you’re not aware of the.. more

Though pedal cars have been a popular children's toy for over a century, they have several decidedly modern design features. Pedal cars have a durable design, utilize “green” energy, and focus on children's development rather than strictly on mindless entertainment. These fun and classic toys are sure to please kids and the adults who love them. As so many of today's real car manufacturers are turning their attention to greener fuels for the cars of the.. more

If you have fond memories of the pedal car you had as a child, consider purchasing a pedal car for your own children. These cars, with a stylish and classic look, are loved by every generation to play with them. Metal pedal cars are built to last for generations, so you can even pass them on to your grandkids. Pedal cars for children make a great gift, and they have long been at the top of children’s Christmas wish lists. If you are looking at pedal cars for.. more

For your children or anyone who grew up in the 1950’s or 1960’s, consider buying pedal cars for Christmas. Pedal cars have long been at the top of Christmas toy wish lists, and they make a great gift for the children of any generation. Imagine your children’s delight at finding a pedal car by the tree on Christmas morning. A shiny pedal car with a big red bow tied on the steering wheel will be sure to please! Consider purchasing pedal cars for.. more

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.. more

Pedal cars are a classic ride-on toy. In fact, they have been around for almost a century. While they originally were designed to look like cars that were popular in adult versions, now this is not the case. Today, you can find not only the classic hotrod car, but also many other versions of the classic pedal toy. These include a plane, fire truck, tow truck, tricycle, train, and tractor, among many other versions. These imaginative designs are no longer restricted to.. more

Pedal cars can be a great gift for any child. Not only are they fun, but they are also educational. Playing is an essential part of every child’s development. Fun toys like pedal cars are a great way to aid your child’s development while you get the pleasure of watching them have a lot of fun on their new toy. Ride-on toys provide both physical and mental exercise. Your child will have fun, and his or her thinking and logical capacities will also.. more

Today, retro toys are making a comeback as parents buy the toys they remember from their childhood as gifts for their own children. Retro toys are often purchased because today’s parents remember them from their youth. Classic toys appeal to children and adults alike. Retro and classic toys of decades past can be a great alternative to modern toys. Simpler toys often make a good choice for your children, especially if you want to encourage creativity and exercise.. more

Ride on toys and vehicles for kids have been popular for over a century. Although they have been around for many generations of kids, they became very popular in the first half of the nineteenth century. Classic riding toys include the pedal car and the bicycle. For children too young for a bicycle, wagons and tricycles provided plenty of entertainment. Besides being pure fun, ride on toys provide a way for children to get around the neighborhood and feel grown-up. The.. more

There are many pedal car models that are today regarded as classics and coveted by collectors. Murray is one of the more collectible pedal car manufacturers; countless Murray pedal cars were produced over the years. Among these is the Murray pedal version of the 1948 Pontiac. This was much the same as the later Sad Face model, with the exception of the trademark front end of the Sad Face. However, this model was actually designed after the 1948 model year Pontiac, while.. more

Although drive-in restaurants become quite popular during the 1950s, the idea itself is actually a bit older than this. The first drive-in restaurants opened as early as the 1910’s to capitalize on the new invention, the automobile, which was quickly catching on with the population at large rather than just automobile hobbyists. These early drive-in restaurants are said to be the beginning of the fast food restaurant; they invited customers to pull off the road,.. more

Tricycles are often ridden by young children who haven’t quite gotten the hang of balancing on a bicycle. Similar to a bicycle, except with three wheels instead of two, they may also be used by adults for a variety of reasons, including commercial transportation or by elderly or disabled riders. Like bicycles, the tricycle is generally powered by pedals. In areas where the trike is used for commercial transportation, it may also have a small engine to power the.. more

The history of the automobile did not just begin with Henry Ford and the Model T, as you may believe. In fact, Henry Ford is not even regarded as the inventor of the modern automobile. A German engineer, Carl Benz, is generally considered the inventor of modern automobiles, although his invention used engines and other parts invented by numerous others who were working on the concept at the same time. The automobile was not the creation of a single inventor; the path to.. more

The vintage or classic era of automobiles is generally recognized to be the period between World War I and the beginning of World War II. By the 1920s, cars were widely driven by average people, not just hobbyists. The first luxury cars were made by the 1920s. These highly styled designs were indented for comfortable rides, yet sometimes sacrificed space and other practical matters for style. The modern car, with a front internal combustion engine and geared.. more

World War II greatly impacted nearly every industry in America, not the least of which was the automobile industry. Automobile design finally emerged from wartime with the 1948-1949 model year. General Motors’ Cadillac and Oldsmobile makes were the first to introduce postwar modern designs in America, including the ultra-luxury Cadillac Eldorado, bringing back luxury after a long absence. Elsewhere in the world, Ferrari, Lancia, and others began producing.. more

Today, police cars are a ubiquitous sight across the country, where they aid in police patrols, traffic stops, and other activities in every city. Police cars were developed soon after the advent of automobiles. Before that time, police would patrol their jurisdiction on horseback, or even on foot. The very first police car is said to date to 1899, when an electric car patrolled the streets of Akron, Ohio. It could only go 16 miles per hour, and needed to be recharged.. more

The history of the Mustang begins in 1960 and 1961, when market research indicated that a young, relatively affluent market was ready for a sporty, distinctive car that was affordable and not too extreme. The Mustang 1, or T-5, was introduced in 1962 at the U.S. Grand Prix, where it was taken for a few demonstration laps. The immediate reaction from the racing community was enthusiastic. The car was capable of reaching a top speed of 115 miles per hour. After the.. more

The 1932 Ford ranks as one of the most popular cars in the first fifty years of automobile history, if not in the entire history of the auto. The “Deuce,” as it is popularly known, is regarded as one of the first hot rod cars. The design for the ’32 Ford began as a total revision of the Model A, which was fast becoming obsolete during the early 1930’s. The goals for the 1932 Ford included a powerful engine and sleek art deco styling. Pinstriping,.. more

By: Michael Collins | Ford Communications NetworkIt wasn't long after Henry Ford began mass-producing Model T's at the turn of the century that kids took to sidewalks in miniature pedal cars. The steel covered toys remained high on children's wish-lists until the 70's when the company stopped producing them. Just as the 1965 Mustang was a runaway hit, so was its counterpart pedal car, selling over 93,000 units by Christmas of its first year in production. Four.. more

Kids’ ride on toys are great purchases even if you don’t have any children. These high-quality collectors items can bring a little nostalgia to your life. Adorable cars, they are often modeled after real-life automobiles, yet of course are much less expensive to purchase than their full-sized counterparts. Here’s why you should buy a kids’ pedal car: Usable gifts - If you grew up in the 1950s or 1960s, chances are good that one Christmas, you.. more

Tow trucks have existed in one form or another nearly as long as there have been broken-down cars. In fact, early cars were often unreliable. With rough roads and inexperienced drivers, it is no wonder that the tow truck has been around almost as long as the automobile. Before the first tow trucks were designed, there was the “auto ambulance.” Simply a long iron bar with two wheels at one end and a hitch at the other end, the broken-down end of the car.. more

If you’re in the market for a ride-on toy for your toddler, how do you choose which one to purchase? The choices seem nearly endless, from a battery-powered Barbie Jeep to a vintage-style pedal car with chrome bumpers and bright red paint. When you’re in this predicament, choose the pedal car that is best for your child. This is always the pedal car. Pedals cars provide exercise in a safe manner, and their classic styling will last through generations. Unli.. more