In the past several years, fifties retro clothing has been rising in popularity. Retro dresses are both flattering and popular, with their full skirts and fun polka dot patterns. Other items, like a classic cardigan and kitten heels, are versatile enough to wear everyday without copying a specific 1950’s style. These can be found as reproduction styles, although actual vintage clothing from the fifties is quite popular as well.

Clothing is not the only area to be influenced by retro styles. Home décor and kitchenware styles have recently been following retro fifties trends as well. Retro kitchenware, vintage linens, and chrome appliances can add a fifties touch to your kitchen. Chrome-legged tables and abstract-pattern dishes can complete the look. Meanwhile, kidney-shaped coffee tables and vintage furniture upholstered in abstract barkcloth fabric can add a retro fifties vibe to your living room. Fifties home décor and kitchenware are especially popular among adults who remember these looks from their childhood, and are looking to reproduce them in their own home.

Another interesting area where the vintage style has been making a comeback is in the toy section. Toys today’s parents recognize from their childhood, like the classic pedal car, have lately risen in popularity. Pedal cars, especially, are an essential 1950’s trend that is making a comeback. Not only are the toys themselves a popular 1950’s trend, but so are the hot rods they are modeled after. With their bright paint, chrome accessories, and sleek lines, these classic toys are the quintessential 1950’s toy. These 1950’s versions are highly prized by collectors, and several reproductions of classic fifties versions have also been produced.

Many 1950’s retro items produced today have a nostalgic look on the outside, but are completely modern on the inside. For example, kitchen appliances can be made to modern specifications, with an exterior that looks like they belong in a fifties kitchen. Meanwhile, pedal cars have been redesigned on the inside to be safer for your children to drive, while the exterior retains those classic 1950’s lines. By mixing modern technology with retro styling, you can have the best of both worlds.

In many areas, retro fifties styles are now quite chic. They are a great way to capture the past and get a unique look. To get a retro fifties style, look for things with the classic streamlined 1950’s look, in popular bold colors and shiny chrome. Whether you follow this trend by redecorating your kitchen or living room, wearing fifties-style clothing, or buying classic toys for your children, you are sure to be in style when following mid-century trends.

Be aware that many of our distributors are closed from 24th through to the first week in January, so although you can place orders delivery will be significantly delayed.

To guarantee your order gets there in time for December 25th, please place your orders according to the following schedule:

For delivery to East Coast: place on Dec 15th.
For delivery to Central states: place on Dec 16th.
For delivery to West Coast: place on Dec 17th.

Thank you for your business and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

James and Tara Shaw

It is the parents’ job to get young children the exercise they need. Unlike adults, children are not often interested in many forms of exercise that don’t involve play, like running, lifting weights, or doing aerobics. How to you get children the exercise they need, then? Outdoor toys can provide the motivation to get your child off the couch. While they play with these toys, they will be getting lots of exercise without even realizing it.

For your child, outdoor toys can be a great option to get them off the couch and doing exercise. Anything from bikes and pedal cars to pogo sticks, jumpropes, swingsets and trampolines can get your child’s heart racing. Jumping, pedaling, and other forms of outdoor exercise are a great way to get your child moving and having fun. Outdoor toys will motivate your child to exercise in a fun way. Plus, of course, fresh air is great for everyone. These outdoor toys will help develop your child’s muscles as well as their creativity and motor skills.

If you want your child to be more active, consider outdoor toys. You’ll have fun watching your child have a lot of fun while getting some healthy exercise. Do your child a favor and buy fun outdoor toys like pedal cars, bicycles, pogo sticks, and trampolines so that they will get the exercise they need.

Classic outdoor toys are a great solution if your child needs to get more exercise. Even for those children who get plenty of exercise already, outdoor toys are a fun way to further aid in their development. Investing in a few classic toys to be used outdoors is a great way to get your children excited about playing and exercising outside.

When you think about today’s most popular toys, those that first come to mind are electronic gadgets and video games. Classic outdoor toys, however, make a great choice for getting your child off the couch and getting some fresh air and healthy exercise. If you only give your child indoor toys that do not promote outdoor exercise, your child will be missing out on a lot of fun. These outdoor toys are a much better choice than computer games or other toys that will let your child be sedentary all day long. There is no substitute for getting your child outdoors to burn off some energy and stay fit while having fun.

Keep in mind that even reproduction cars with modern safety features can be dangerous if you’re not aware of the proper pedal car safety precautions. If you have a real vintage pedal car, without modern safety features, pay special attention when your children are playing with it. Here are a few pedal car safety tips to keep in mind:

Lead based paint

If you are buying a pedal car for your children to use, be sure that the one you choose is safe. While real vintage cars can be great collectibles, they may not have modern safety features, and may include lead-based paint. If you are mostly interested in a pedal car for your children, consider a reproduction model with pedal car safety in mind.

Visibility

Pedal cars are, by design, very close to the ground. Be aware of your surroundings, especially vehicles, as they may not be able to see the pedal car, especially when backing up. Make sure your neighbors are aware that there are children playing.

No Brakes!

Pedal cars do not have brakes, so do not play with them on slopes. Although pedal cars are foot-powered, on a hill it is possible to get the car going too fast to stop it safely. Since your child’s legs are the brakes for the pedal car, stay away from hills. Also avoid open bodies of water or any other dangerous areas into which your child could steer the pedal car.

Clothing

Be sure that your child wears appropriate clothing when riding in a pedal car. Helmets and shoes should be worn at all times, and loose clothing should be secured. Pedal cars can tip over, and loose items can get caught in the drive chain, much like pant legs can get caught in the chain of a bicycle. There are no floorboards, and pedal cars are foot powered, so shoes will protect your child’s feet from injury.

Pedal, don't push!

Do not push the pedal car. Because the child’s feet dangle from the chassis of the pedal car, they can get tangled in the pedals if you push the car. The faster the car is moving, the faster the child’s legs must move in order to keep up with the pedals. Avoid pushing the car, so that your child’s feet can keep up with the speed of the pedals.

Pedal cars are a fun classic toy, but be sure your child is safe when playing with them. Always supervise children riding in pedal cars. Pedal cars are great fun for children in every generation. Metal petal cars are designed very well, so they can be passed down to your grandchildren once your children have outgrown them. Please take care when playing with pedal cars, and keep pedal car safety in mind.

If you are looking at pedal cars for children as a collector, you should consider different aspects than if you are considering a pedal car for your own collection, As a collector, you may be drawn to authentic detailing, like welted fenders or white-wall tires. Your children may be more interested in a car in their favorite color, with a working horn. While pedal cars may be nostalgic for you, decide whether you are interested in collector cars or pedal cars for children before purchasing one.

When buying pedal cars for children, there are many styles to choose from. Antique-look pedal cars, racecars, fire engines, police cars, tractors, and airplanes are only a few of the models available. These classic styles are timeless; in fact, many of the styles of metal pedal cars currently available are the same ones sold in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Consider purchasing a reproduction pedal car like the one you had as a child, or choose a unique model that your children will love.

Even your children, who don’t understand the nostalgia of pedal cars, will love the colorful paint jobs of pedal cars. Pedal cars for children are a way for your kids to imagine themselves in the grown-up world. You will have fun watching your kids play with a pedal car just like you had as a child.

Of course, whether you’re buying pedal cars for children or as an adult collector, consider the quality of the car before purchasing it. Metal cars built in the old-fashioned way are meant to last longer than modern plastic ones, and are much more durable. Make sure that the pedal car you choose has updated safety features and lead-free nontoxic paint, if a child will be using it. Try out the steering and pedals to ensure that they work well before deciding on a pedal car for children, and consider one with adjustable pedals so that your children can enjoy the pedal car for several years.

Pedal cars make great gifts, bringing joy to the children of every generation. Your toddler or preschooler will love pedaling around in their car. Good quality pedal cars will last for years, and make a great surprise for any child! Whether you owned a pedal car as a child or always wished you had one, you’ll be reminded of your own childhood when you watch your children pedal down the sidewalk in their own pedal car. If you buy a metal pedal car, you may even be able to watch your grandchildren play in the very same car.

Thanks also to all our customers who are treating their lucky kids to some great pedal cars. Fire trucks continue to be popular, as are pedal planes.

If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate to call us toll-free on 1-800-657-1416.

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.

First, find a pedal car to restore. Of course, you can restore your own childhood plaything. Restoring your childhood pedal car can be a great way to preserve fond memories. However, you can also purchase a vintage pedal car specifically to restore. If you are purchasing a vintage car, look for a few things that will make your pedal car restoration job easier. If the body is straight with no damage, this will save you a lot of work. Consider the amount of restoration needed when buying a pedal car project.

Then, carefully evaluate the condition of your pedal car. Look for areas that are worn or damaged. You should disassemble the car completely so that you can examine the interior parts as well. Make sure that you do not damage any nuts, bolts, or other mounting hardware in the process of disassembling the car.

Pedal car restoration for collectors can range from very simple projects to an elaborate undertaking. If your car is in relatively good condition, you may simply need to do a little work to preserve it. If your car only needs thorough cleaning and minor repairs, your work will be quite simple. Clean each part, make any necessary repairs, and then reassemble your pedal car. However, if your car has rusted spots, worn paint, and missing pieces, you will have quite a lot of work ahead of you if you want to fully restore your pedal car.

Now, find any parts that you need to make your pedal car complete. It will be quite difficult to find the missing pieces of some pedal cars, although if you’re lucky, your model will be one of the more popular ones, and spare parts will be available. There are several online vendors of reproduction parts, or you may be able to find a part from a pedal car that is otherwise in poor condition. If all else fails, you may be able to craft a replacement.

Finally, prepare the car to be rebuilt. Strip and sand old paint and rust from the body, remove dents, weld cracks and holes, and repair rusted areas. Then send it out to be repainted inside and out, and send accessory parts to be chrome plated. Finally, install any replacement parts you have ordered, and put the pedal car back together. Be sure to fit it together once before the final assembly, to make sure that all of the parts will fit together correctly.

Pedal car restoration for collectors involves everything from replacing missing parts to refinishing the chassis or overhauling the drive mechanism. However, try to keep as much of the original equipment as possible, as this will add to the value of your pedal car. Pedal car restoration for collectors is a balance of preserving the original pedal car and improving its display value. Restoring your pedal car can be very rewarding as you watch it turn from a rusty old car to a beautiful, shiny pedal car worthy of display.

The logos are shown below, as they progressed. After much thought we picked #4 although I must admit I preferred #5 - but literally *everyone* who saw them picked #4. I know which battles to pick!

Expect the new classic pedal car web site and logo to be appearing in the next few weeks. We are advertising in the Roswell, GA Savvy Shopper magazine as a trial - never done real-world advertising before, so that will be interesting. I'll post about that as it happens.

Consider purchasing pedal cars for Christmas not only for your children, but also for others who would appreciate them. A restored or reproduction pedal car makes a great gift for anyone who treasured their childhood pedal car. The classic lines, stylish designs, and bright colors are pleasing to adults and children alike. These vintage cars are quite collectible because they were so well-loved by the children who owned them. In fact, if you were a child during the 1950’s and 1960’s, you probably remember the popularity of pedal cars.

When you’re buying pedal cars for Christmas, you’ll be surprised at the different styles from which you can choose. Pedal cars do not just come in classic car models. You can find racecars, fire engines, police cars, tractors, and airplanes, among many other models. You can choose from a faithful reproduction of a vintage pedal car to a classic-style metal pedal car to a modern plastic car. Their authentic details make pedal cars a wonderful gift that will be treasured for years. Keep in mind that the metal ones are much more durable; you may even be able to pass the car on to your grandkids.

When buying pedal cars for Christmas, be sure to choose a high quality car. Metal cars are built very durably, but still make sure that the steering wheel and pedals work well, and that the paint is nontoxic, if you will be giving the pedal car to a child. Find one with adjustable pedals, so that your children will not outgrow it quickly.

Consider pedal cars for Christmas even though your children don’t understand the nostalgia of them. Pedal cars are a lot of fun for kids, who can imagine themselves in the grown-up world and will love the colorful paint jobs. Whether you owned a pedal car as a child or just wished that you had one, you’ll be reminded of bygone days when you watch your children pedal down the sidewalk in their own pedal car. As classic toys, pedal cars just can’t be beat. You’ll have fun watching your kids play with a pedal car just like the one you had when you were a child yourself.

Christmas is the perfect occasion to give a pedal car to a child or someone who would appreciate the nostalgia of a pedal car; of course, pedal cars have been popular toys for decades for a reason. These stylish and classic cars will last for years, making them a great choice as a plaything for your own children. If you have fond memories of the pedal car you had as a child, consider purchasing a pedal car for your own children. Purchase a pedal car to bring back fond memories for anyone who was a child in the 1950’s or 1960’s. This year, consider pedal cars for Christmas.

Ordering

How do I place an order online?

Ordering at Classic Pedal Cars is easy and convenient! Simply select your favorite items, add them to your shopping cart and click "check out" for your order total. The final shipping and local tax will be shown on the order review page before you place the order.

Can I place orders by phone?

We accept phone orders toll-free at (800) 657-1416 . Our customer-care consultants are available 7 days a week 8AM to 9PM EST to answer your questions. We'd love to talk to you!

Can you put a "rush" on my order?

If you need your items before the normal processing and shipping time, please call customer service at (800) 657-1416 during regular business hours any day 8AM to 9PM EST. We will do everything we can to accommodate your request.

What are my payment options?

Orders can be placed online using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. We do not take Discover, sorry. If you'd like to pay by check, your order must be placed by phone. After your order is placed, please send your check to:

ATTN: Customer Service Manager 
Ordering Processing/Check Order
Classic Pedal Cars
922 Highway 81 East
Suite #130
McDonough, GA 30252

Please note that all orders by check or money order will be shipped upon receipt of payment.

Do you charge sales tax?

Sales tax will only be assessed for orders that are shipped within the state of Georgia (7%).

( top of page )

Order Tracking & Updates

How do I check the status of my order?

You have several options for tracking your order:

• Use the tracking link in the email that we sent you when your order was shipped.
  
• Call us toll-free at (800) 657-1416 and we will be happy to update you.
  
• If your order is shipped directly from one of our vendors, please contact our customer-care department at (800) 657-1416 for tracking information. 

Will I get an email confirmation after I place my order?

Yes, you will immediately receive an email confirmation of your order.

How do I make changes or cancel my order?

You may make changes or cancel your order as long as the order has not been processed. We strongly suggest you speak with a customer-care representative as soon as possible with changes or cancellations so we can accommodate your request without any additional charges.

( top of page)

Return Guarantee and Exchanges

What is your return and exchange policy?

We at Classic Pedal Cars pride ourselves on carrying high-quality items, and we hope that you will be pleased with your order. When you receive your order, please inspect it carefully to verify that all items meet your expectations. If, for some reason, you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact our customer-care consultants at (800) 657-1416 for a return authorization within 30 days of receipt of your order. All returns must be approved by our customer-care department.

Read our complete return policy.

How long before I receive my refund?

All refunds are processed upon inspection of items. Once your returned items have been processed, a credit should post to your credit card (minus any shipping and restocking fees you incurred on your original order) within 30 days.

Do you charge a restocking fee?

If the return is a result of a manufacturer error or a shipping error on our part you won't even have to pay the return shipping. If you wait more than 30 days or simply wish to return any items return shipping is your responsibility and a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund to cover our costs. We hope you understand.

What if I received my order, but some items are damaged?

Please inspect all items carefully when you receive your order. If there's any damage, please call our customer-care department at (800) 657-1416 at your earliest convenience, but no later than 7 days after the package was delivered. A customer-care specialist will help you file a claim with UPS.

( top of page )

Shipping

When will my order ship?

Our shipping model is easy to understand! Processing time (pulling and packaging your order) plus shipping time equals delivery time. Each order is processed within three-to-five business days.

To offer you the widest selection of high-quality and unique products, we use additional vendors for some of the items on our Web site.  Because shipping may vary depending on the vendor, please see "item details" for production times. Please note that, in some cases, you may receive multiple packages. 

Do you ship to Post Office Boxes?

Yes, we can ship to PO Boxes with USPS only. UPS and Fedex are required to have a physical address for delivery.

Do you ship to APO/FPO addresses?

Yes. However, we do not guarantee delivery times on these orders.

Do you ship internationally?

Please call us to discuss your order. We will get a shipping quote for you, no matter where you live.

How is shipping calculated?

Shipping is pre-calculated for all our products and is based on the weight and size of the items you selected and the shipping destination. Feel free to call us if you are ordering multiple items because we may be able to bundle some items and save on shipping costs.

What are your shipping options?

We work with USPS, UPS and FedEx and offer regular ground shipping and a variety of expedited options. Please call us toll-free at (800) 657-1416 with your order and we will quote you for expedited shipping.

( top of page )

FAQ's

Do you have a printed catalog?

Unfortunately, we do not offer a printed catalog. You can view our entire collection online.

Do you have an affiliate marketing program?

Yes, for some of our products. Please contact us for more information.

What is your contact information for the press?

All press inquiries can be sent to through our contact page.

I am a vendor. How do I submit my products for consideration?

In our quest for unique products we welcome vendor enquiries. Please email us through our contact page.

( top of page )

Privacy and Security Policy

Are online transactions on your site secure?

All the information you provide, including your credit card information, is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology. We use SSL technology to prevent your information from being intercepted and read as it is transmitted over the Internet. We never store your credit card number.

How do you use my contact information?

We request your email address so that we can email you an order confirmation. We request your phone number to contact you in case we need to give you an order update or if the shipping company needs to contact you. Rest assured, we never rent or sell your contact information to anybody, for anything.

( top of page )

Contact Us

If you have any questions and would like to speak with a Classic Pedal Cars customer-care representative, you can contact us using phone, email or postal mail. Visit our contact page for details or call us toll-free at (800) 657-1416 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm EST.

( top of page )

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 such a demand for our high quality reproductions!

Some people ask if the parts will fit the newer cars - well, obviously it depends. Some reproductions are better quality than the originals in some respects, ball-bearing drive for example, so these parts might not be the same as you can buy for the originals. I would be a lot more confident buying body pieces, wheels, chrome parts - but at the end of the day you can't often buy parts for the newer cars because their price point doesn't warrant it. I'd always take the chance on an old part than let any pedal car fall into disuse!

So, take a visit into our favorite links when you can't find what you are looking for.

Please be quick because at this price we're going to get a lot more sales.

Check out the 75th Anniversary special..

• We pay all shipping and handling costs, so the price listed is all you pay!
• All orders will be shipped FREE in the continental United States!
• Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive to ship pedal cars outside the continental U.S.A. For example Hawaii is over $200, U.K. is over $400 and Australia over $700 for shipping alone.

CUSTOM SHIPPING

• We can often save you money when shipping multiple items together.
• Please contact us before placing your order and you can place your order using our custom shipping quote.

SALES TAX

• You probably won't pay any!
• You'll only pay sales tax if you are shipping to Georgia. All other locations are Tax Free!

Most of these are related to original pedal cars, pedal planes, etc, and parts for them, not the new retro items that we sell. However, we feel that like us once you have bought one from us you will probably get the itching for more!

• Speedway Motors has a good selection of pedal car parts
• Juvenile Automobiles Pedal Car Co. has a great collection of over 300 original pedal cars either before or after restoration.
• Creative Graphics offer a much needed service; they sell graphics for pedal cars and other collectibles.
• Pedal Car News is a non-subscription online publication dedicated solely for the promotion of the Pedal Car Hobby.
• Kidillacs is a manufacturer and distributor of parts and accessories for pedal cars.
• Pedal Car Books will give you a great start in the car collecting hobby. They sell books and have great articles too.
• Buddy K Toys specializes in Buddy "L" and Pressed Steel Antique Toys.

ADULT ASSEMBLY ONLY

1. Install 9" right rear drive wheel on right axle and hammer black snap cap on axle. (fig 1 and fig 2)
2. Install 9" left wheel on left axle and hammer black snap cap on axle.
3. Install 1 steel washer on left front axle and then install 8" front wheel, hammer black snap cap on left axle.
4. Install 1 steel washer on right front axle and then install 8" front wheel, hammer black snap cap on right axel.
5. Install hub caps ( fig 3 )
6. Install windshield
   
7. Install steering wheel

Pink Princess Model

Install spare wheel on rear of car by: installing small plastic washer on bolt, then put the bolt through the hole from the underside of the car. Put the large plastic washer on the bolt and install the wheel. Apply the nut on the bolt and tighten. Install the hub cap.

• 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 Diabetes Research Foundation in Washington, D.C.
• Edsel B. Ford II, great grandson of Henry Ford, member of Ford Motor Company’s board of directors and longtime supporter of the JDRF, is autographing all ten cars
• The hot rod heroes charity pedal car program is part of Ford Motor Company’s activities marking the 2007 75th Anniversary of the 1932 Ford

As part of Ford Motor Company’s anniversary activities marking the 75th Anniversary of the iconic 1932 Ford, ten of today’s premier hot rod builders have been invited to produce pedal car versions of their personal style of hot rod. Each builder is starting with a special edition 75th anniversary pedal car representing the famous 1932 Ford roadster, donated by Warehouse 36. These 10 one-of-kind customized collectables, personally autographed by Edsel B. Ford II, will be auctioned in late 2007, with the proceeds divided between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charity of choice of each builder.

 The first of these hot rod masterpieces has been built by Chip Foose and made its world début at the 2006 JDRF convention in Washington, D.C. Foose has won every major hot rod award in the country – many more than once – and has been inducted into numerous design and automotive halls of fame and is the star of the TLC television series "Overhaulin’."

The other craftsmen constructing custom 1932 Ford pedal cars for charity are Bobby Alloway, Roy Brizio, Boyd Coddington, Pete Chapouris, Jesse Greening, Steve Moal, Rolling Bones, Thom Taylor and Troy Trepanier. The cars will tour the country over the next year and be auctioned in late 2007.

"JDRF is so excited to be connected with the anniversary of the Ford Deuce hot rod. The unveiling of Chip Foose’s 'souped up' pedal car at our JDRF Annual Conference was electric," said Gina Roche-Kelly, JDRF National Manager. "Everyone, and I mean everyone, wants one of their own. JDRF is so appreciative of our partnership with Ford Motor Company and the gracious support from the world’s best hot rod builders."

A display of the 75 most significant ’32 Ford hot rods of all time will kick off next year’s 75th anniversary of the celebrated 1932 Ford, a car known for its innovative engine and bold design. The 75 cars were selected by a blue ribbon panel of authorities after first nominating 474 individual ’32 Ford hot rods for consideration and then conducting two rounds of balloting. The display will be part of the 58th annual Grand National Roadster Show, the nation’s oldest annual car show, held in Pomona, Calif. January 26-28, 2007.

The 1932 Ford was a watershed vehicle for Ford, the automobile industry and American culture. Combining the innovative engineering of Henry Ford, in the form of the first mass-produced V-8 engine, with the design sophistication of his son Edsel, the ’32 Ford brought a new level of performance and flair to the general public. Years after its introduction, the ’32 Ford played a major role in another revolution – the development of the hot rod. Built from cast-off cars in backyards and small garages, and assembled by young enthusiasts with remarkable ingenuity and intuitive engineering, these cars performed far beyond their original capabilities and often rivaled the performance of the best in the world. The hot rod impacted many forms of motorsports and is one of the foundations of today’s $31 billion aftermarket industry.

Numerous events, museum exhibits, several books and wide range other commemorations around the country are being planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Ford’s creation of the Hot Rod Heroes charity pedal car program, the list of "THE 75" Deuces and the planned display of the "75 Most Influential ’32 Ford Hot Rods" are designed to support and integrate with these other efforts. Ford will utilize the anniversary of its iconic 1932 model to celebrate the company’s heritage of engineering innovation, performance and design leadership. Ford Racing Performance Parts, Ford Powertrain and Ford Licensing are among the Ford components participating in the 75th anniversary activities.

It 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 decades later, the pedal-car with the Mustang logo is back and demand extends beyond kids, to their parents and grand-parents as well, some of whom may have owned an original.

"That Mustang became one of the hottest pedal cars of all time," said Mark Bentley, Ford licensing manager "At first they were simply toys, but now adults see them as collectables. It's a nostalgia thing."

Created as a promotion, Mustang Pedal Cars sold in Ford dealerships across the United States for a discount price of $12.95. But plastic gained ground over metal as a material for toys in ensuing years and the Mustang's initial pedal car manufacturer AMF-the same company that makes bowling equipment-sold the tooling to a Mexican company. In the early 80's that company closed, leaving the original equipment in a warehouse, where it remained untouched for nearly 20 years.

Enter Mark Luzaich in 2004. As the owner of Warehouse 36, a small company in Windsor California, Luzaich started importing and producing pedal cars as collectables. Hearing about the original equipment, he flew to Mexico, bought it, and prepared to produce the original Mustang Pedal Car once again. Despite modifications for contemporary safety standards, it would be exactly the same with all-steel construction, adjustable rubber pedals, a clear windshield and authentic Mustang markings.

The biggest difference from the original pedal car is the price. While Ford dealerships sold them at a discount, in stores, they retailed for $25. But just as the cost of the Mustang has increased ten-fold over the last 40 years, so too has the price of the pedal car which now retails for around $250.

"The nice thing is that they're made out of steel, so when kids outgrow them their parents can save them for the grandkids," said Luzaich.

Luzaich contacted the Ford Licensing Office for permission to market the toy as the original Mustang Pedal Car.

"We were excited when they approached us, it was like finding a piece of history and bringing it back to life," said Bentley. "Like the Mustang itself, the pedal car has always been considered an icon"

But the Mustang wasn't the only icon Luzaich wanted to license. Having learned the ropes of the pedal car business, he wanted to try something that hadn't been seen before. Working with toy designer, Graham Metcalfe, they created a 1932 Ford Roadster pedal car based on the lines of what had become known as the original "Deuce Coupe."

"The 32 Roadster is the quintessential hot rod," said Metcalfe. "We worked very hard to make sure the grill and other markings were just right. We wanted it to be very retro."

Metcalfe says not only are a growing number of pedal cars being sold to car enthusiasts and their kids, there's also a growing market for hot rod shops. Hot rod designers are modifying them to look like miniature versions of their vehicles.

Leslie Kendall, a curator at the Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles, says he is not surprised by the rebirth and growing interest in pedal cars.

"People are just as nostalgic about pedal cars as they are the real thing because they bring back fond memories," he said. "Besides, they're easier to maintain, don't require oil changes, and they're decorative."

You've come to the right place.

Hi! I'm James Shaw and my wife Tara and I moved to the States in 1998 from Portsmouth, England. We love it here in Atlanta, what great summers we have!

We're so grateful that we have such a great life in America, and even though I missed out on "playing ball" when I was a kid I feel I have always been American at heart. Films like American Graffiti, Bugsy Malone (great pedal cars!!) and The Sandlot Kids were watched over and over again.

Pedal Cars have always had a special place in my heart. In the photographs here I am at age 4 or 5 sitting in my red pedal car that I loved. I jokingly call the one with the sandwich "My First Drive-in" - something else I missed out on growing up in England. 

Now we're lucky enough to have found a great collection of pedal cars, made the same way as the ones in our memories - strong stamped steel, not the cheap imported  plastic toys that you find at the discount stores.

We prefer quality that will last for years and will be hung in the garage by your children to be passed onto their children.

We pride ourselves on going that extra mile for our customers, giving you piece-of-mind while you purchase great products.

Have fun, give your kids some great memories and have a wonderful life.

James & Tara Shaw
Atlanta, Georgia
March 2008