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 future, the kids' pedal car has always been foot-powered. Though battery-operated versions have been available for the past several decades, it is truly the original, non-motorized version of the pedal toy that has been beloved by generations of children. These cars were 'green' before it was cool. This foot-powered mode of children's transportation presents a valuable lesson for young children about the value of self propulsion.

Many have noted the pedal car's values in early childhood education. Unlike many of today's toys, the pedal toy does not need batteries, and it comes with no prescribed manner of play. There is so much media attention today over video games and other children's toys that do not require any sort of creativity. Pedal cars, on the other hand,  encourage creative play, motor skill development, and other versatile skills that are imperative for children to develop at a young age. Unlike many of today's toys, pedal cars have not only entertainment value, but also educational value. For parents looking to reduce their children's exposure to the commercial world, full of cartoon characters and cheap plastic toys, pedal cars make a sensible, back-to-basics choice.

Today, a backlash is developing against overly-modernized toys that require little thought, if any, from kids, as well as cheap plastic cars that are regarded as completely disposable. Unlike many of today's toys, some of which can't even be passed down to a younger children before they are broken, pedal cars are made in durable steel and meant to last through the generations. Pedal cars, though first made over a century ago, currently remain on the forefront of this revolution towards more wholesome, educational and fun toys for children.

Not only are pedal toys educational, but they are also a great opportunity to get your kids exercising outside. The media is constantly talking about children's lack of exercise, and today more children are overweight than ever before. Toys like pedal cars can help reduce the epidemic of childhood obestity, providing a safe way to exercise that is a lot of fun for your kids. Unlike battery-powered ride on toys and electronic forms of entertainment, such as video games, a pedal car promotes healthy exercise from a young age.

The choices for children's toys seem nearly endless. When toy shopping, look for the toys that are best for your child. Pedal cars provide child-driven exercise, opportunities for creativity and motor skill development, and a less-commercialized style that is built to last. When it comes down to it, why wouldn't you want your child to have a simple, timeless toy that inspires creative play and exercise?

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 should have hours of exercise and play outdoors like you did as a child, here are a few classic outdoor toys:

Swing sets - Are one of the staples of the backyard. This outdoor structure can provide hours of entertainment, and is easily adaptable to grow up with your kids. The many types, from small simple swings to large and elaborate play yards provides plenty of choices, no matter the size of your yard. Metal swingsets are among the strongest toys they are, and should withstand any abuse your children put them through.

Radio Flyer Red Wagons - The classic summertime toy, Radio Flyer red wagons inspire children's creativity as they transform into sailboats, racecars, trains, cars, and even mobile lemonade stands. This fun toy is extremely durable, like all of the toys on this list, and provides countless ways for kids to stay busy this summer.

Pedal Cars - Streets and driveways become your child's road or racetrack with a pedal car. For nearly a hundred years, children have loved driving around in their very own steel pedal car. They come in lots of fun designs, from a classic hot rod to a pink airplane. You probably even remember having miles and miles of summer fun in your own pedal car when you were a young child. Give this joy to today's children; pedal cars can still be found in the very same styles that were popular decades ago.

Pogo Sticks - The pogo stick, a pole with a spring allowing you to hop up and down, was first created  ninety years ago. Since then, this unusual toy has been enjoyed by thousands of children. Though today there are pogo sticks in many different modern styles, the basic design is still recognizable to the parents and even the grandparents of today's children.

Trampolines - Trampolines offer a great aerobic workout, strengthening muscles and improving circulation. Kids love jumping and flipping in the air. Though they've recently come under fire as a safety issue, having a trampoline in the backyard can actually be very safe as long as your children are properly supervised. A safety enclosure can also keep your kids safe while they're bouncing on the trampoline. These enjoyable toys can provide hours of entertainment for kids in a wide age range.

The great variety of outdoor toys will give your kids plenty of opportunities for fun and exercise outdoors. With any of these toys, your children will be developing their skills and getting exercise without even knowing it. Kids who don't have outdoor toys to play with are missing out on one of the greatest treats of childhood. These backyard staples have been enjoyed by generations of kids already, and will surely be enjoyed by today's children as well.

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 early 1900s were a difficult time for motor companies, many of which were running on credit and had not yet turned a profit. Founder William Durant realized that the future lay with cars. This era provided a golden opportunity for Durant, who began buying car manufacturers and those who created car parts and accessories.

The list of companies controlled by GM grew throughout its first few years, until Durant lost control of General Motors in 1910 because of the ever-growing debt needed for constant acquisitions. After Durant left GM, he co-founded Chevrolet in 1911. He returned to head GM by 1916, bringing Chevrolet under the General Motors name, which now included Opel in Europe and Holden in Australia. GM continued to purchase smaller automobile manufacturers throughout the 1910s and 1920s. GM’s brands, especially Chevrolet, were wildly successful during the late teens and 1920s. Auto sales reached the 4.5 million mark as three major competitors, GM, Ford, and Chrysler, fought over the American auto market.

GM finally surpassed the sales of Ford Motor Company, its main competitor, in the late 1920s. While Ford continued to reduce costs through an improved manufacturing process, GM’s strategy was to pay special attention to consumer demands. While Ford focused on producing basic, no-frills cars cheaply, GM offered car buyers style, power, prestige, and comfort, not just a black box.

The five major brands of GM, including Pontiac, Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet, were brought together by the end of the 1920s. At this point in time, each General Motors division targeted specific market segments, each distinguishing itself from the other GM brands through unique styling and technology. This strategy has been credited to Alfred Sloan, head engineer at GM at that time. General Motors also began changing the look and feel of its car models yearly, rather than when the technology became obsolete, as was the practice of GM’s competitors.

Like all major American companies, operations at GM were complicated in the 1940s by World War II. Shortage of parts made car production impossible, and production at GM manufacturing plants instead switched to electrical parts and other products needed for the war effort.

By the 1960s, the lines between GM brands blurred as each make introduced its own compact or intermediate-class car. Many 1950s and 1960s General Motors cars became instant classics. Perhaps its most recognizable model is the Chevrolet Corvette, in production since 1953. Among classic car lovers, the ’55 Chevy is a popular model. General Motors has been a staple of the American and worldwide auto industry for over 100 years, and though times are changing, GM brands remain popular worldwide.

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 era.

First, decide what decade lends itself to creative use in your bathroom. What color are the fixtures? What decade immediately springs to mind when you take a look at your bathroom? Does your bathroom have the bright reds and turquoise blues of the fifties? What about the pale yellows of the early sixties, or the shades of green and peacock blue popular in the seventies? If your fixtures are a neutral color, you can choose nearly any decade for your bathroom makeover. Today, the decade of the fifties is the most popular retro style, though there are certainly other choices.

When it comes to the bathroom, a little bit of retro style can go a long way. Remember, this room is small, so you don’t want your design to be too overbearing. If your fixtures are clearly reminiscent of a certain decade, just add a funky shower curtain and maybe a couple of accessories. You don’t need everything in the room, from the toilet paper holder to the tissue box, to scream “retro.” Go retro with style and class by selecting your bathroom décor carefully.

If you want to go retro without changing out your existing neutral-colored fixtures, paint the wall colors to match your desired decade. Turquoise blue, bright yellow, and red are popular choices for evoking the most popular retro decade, the 1950s, though you can create retro styling using almost any color you desire. Black and white designs are fun and retro, yet also timeless.

If you think you may want to switch out the décor in a few years, stick with neutral shades if you’re selecting new fixtures for the room. Always choose fixtures that you can live with. Though you may be able to find funky vintage fixtures, remember that they were replaced for a reason. Choose a functional style that you can live with and that will last through several bathroom décor changes.

Changing your wall colors, bath mat, artwork, and bath accessories can instantly make the room feel retro. The perfect retro accessories may not be found in just any home décor store. In fact, you may want to shop in vintage stores to find the right accessories for the room. A retro shower curtain adds a fun and stylish flair to your bathroom.

Why not do something different with your bathroom decor? Everyone can have a plain bathroom with white fixtures and a plain shower curtain, but your retro bathroom will show off your personality and add a hip and unique touch to your home. Just like with fashion, home décor choices also repeat history, and today retro is more popular than ever. Whether you’ve inherited a “retro” (to say the least) bathroom, or just love that retro look, a bathroom is a fun and funky space to play up the vintage style.

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, Chevrolet had become a part of the GM name, and Durant was president of General Motors. Though Chevy began as an independent company, the company became part of General Motors in 1916.

Because of Chevrolet’s beginnings, every vehicle, car, or truck, especially in the early years, was based on the original Ford designs, including the Model T. From there, though, two vastly different car companies emerged. In these early years, Chevy was known for technologically innovative designs and unique styling. Entering the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T, Chevrolet and Durant created important models that would become quite important to automobile history. The 1914 “Classic Six” boasted a 4.9 L, 6-cylinder engine, with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. The Model D V8 roadster was introduced in 1918, the first in a long line of Chevy V8 engines.

Chevrolet first used its now-famous “bowtie” logo in 1913; it was said to been inspired by wallpaper Durant saw in a French hotel. The Chevrolet company played an important role in the beginnings of the auto industry in America. Chevy is widely known for some of the most memorable vehicles ever produced, like the Corvette, one of the most recognizable vehicles sold in America.

Chevrolet is especially well known for its influence on American automobiles during the 1950s and 1960s. The story of the Bel Air, Chevrolet’s premium car model, began in 1953. The Bel Air was notable for its use of chrome molding, both inside and out, which would soon be seen on nearly every popular 1950s and 1960s automobile. Many Chevy models of the mid-50s remain wildly popular among car collectors today. Take, for example, the ’55 Chevy, available in convertible, hardtop coupe, and 2- or 4- door sedan versions. At the time, it was said to be far superior in style to any available Ford or Plymouth automobile, particularly due to its chrome accents and classic, refined look. The small-block V8, introduced in 1955, remains in continuous production to this day. Other Chevy innovations of this era included the first fuel-injected engine in 1957.

Chevrolet was the first American automaker to build more than 3 million vehicles in one year, doing so in 1964. In 1966, Chevrolet unveiled its all-new Camaro, which would become a hit during the 1967 model year. By the end of its very first model year, the Camaro had joined the “pony car phenomenon,” and the first Camaro SS version became the pace car at the Indy 500.

Today, both the ’55 Bel Air and the Camaro remain two of the most highly sought after classic cars, not to mention the most recognizable. The Chevy name has earned the loyalty of its owners, and thirty and even forty-year-old Chevy models are very popular both on the roads and in classic car shows, a tribute to their durability and classic appeal.

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 gravitate towards bold primary colors and fruit patterns, replicating the 1940s, or the pink, aqua, chrome, jadeite green, and sunny yellow of the 1950s? Another style would be mod blue, orange, and brown hues from the 1960s and 1970s. Painting the walls one of these retro colors is the easiest way to change the look and feel of a room. Carry around your paint chips whenever you’re shopping so that you know everything will be a perfect match to the retro colors you’ve chosen.

If you have the money for it, a total retro makeover will include stainless steel appliances or those in retro colors like light yellow or bright red. Even toasters and blender come in retro-look stainless steel versions. Reproductions of vintage appliances make a dramatic design statement without sacrificing modern performance and convenience.

Your next step is the furniture and cabinetry. Replace your boring kitchen table with a Formica-top dinette set with chrome legs and vinyl seats. This retro piece will quickly become the centerpiece of your room. If you want to replace the flooring, there are many choices. One of the most popular for that great retro look will always be black and white checkered tile. When it comes to lighting, choose a style that complements your retro décor, but don’t forget that your kitchen must be usable, so make sure that it provides enough light for preparing meals.

You can’t go wrong when adding retro kitchen accessories. Look for vintage kitchen gadgets at antique stores; they’ll look great displayed over the stove even if you never use them. Many have painted wooden handles that will fit right in with your retro color scheme. Glass refrigerator dishes make an excellent way to replace your plastic leftover-keepers while staying in the retro theme. Brightly patterned or green jadeite mixing bowls are another great example of vintage retro kitchenware that can still be used in your kitchen.

Vintage linens, like potholders and tablecloths, are still very affordable, and can be found in nearly any vintage store. These have a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. Don’t forget about vintage curtains for your windows.

Do you have any extra wall space in your kitchen? Use it to display a collection of vintage figurines or salt and pepper shakers, a funky atomic kitchen clock, unique op art pieces, or anything else that just screams “retro’ to you. You can find real vintage pieces, or newer styles designed to look retro.

Retro kitchens are a great option for those who are looking to return to a simpler time, such as that of their childhood. These decorating ideas can make your kitchen easily the coolest room in the house.

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 they can’t control. Soapbox cars coast down the track, while pedal cars can only go as fast as your child’s feet can pedal them. Though modern, well-constructed cars may hit top speeds of 30 miles per hour when going downhill, many cars stay at speeds much lower than this.

The youngest children, or those under about 5 years old, can get involved in the exciting world of racing in pedal cars. Tracks for these cars are generally constructed to be much flatter than those used by soapbox cars, which rely on gravity for propulsion. On this level track, your young child will learn how to steer the car, how to follow the instructions of a race official, and other important details that will be invaluable later on, whether they move up the levels of racing into actual cars with engines or end up leaving the racing world after their pedaling days are over.

If you and your child decide to become involved in this exciting pastime, your first step is to learn the location of your local competitions and the rules for getting involved. Many competitions outline specifications for the car itself, in addition to the rider, the safety equipment worn, and other considerations. Vintage-styled pedal vehicles, with shiny paint and racing stripes, remain a perennial favorite regardless of the underlying design requirements for the race. As the parent, it is your responsibility to help your child follow these rules. If you fail to follow them, your child may receive the upsetting news that they have been disqualified. Some cars must be built by the rider (and supervised by the parents, of course), while other competitions do allow store-bought cars.

When getting involved in racing, try not to be too competitive. Let these young children have fun, and don’t push them to continue on in the racing world as they grow older (unless they want to, of course!). Pedal car racing is a fun adventure whether they continue on to racing powered cars or not. It is also a valuable lesson in sportsmanship that is best taught to your children while they are as young as possible.

The pedal car racing world is focused mainly on local or regional races which can draw dozens or even hundreds of youngsters. The frequency of these races depends on the interest in pedal toy racing in your area. Some are held as children’s activities at larger racing shows or competitions.

Although pedal toy racing might seem like an American pastime, in reality there are racing groups for kids all over the world. Though there are more competitions in some areas than others, no matter where you are in the world you can get your kids involved in regional races. Your children will love their new car, with its shiny racing stripes and aerodynamic styling, both on the race course and off.

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 wished for a shiny new pedal car to appear under the tree. Whether you got your wish or not, wouldn’t you love to give the same thing to your children or grandchildren? Pedal cars make great gifts for the children in your life. Instead of purchasing one of today’s plastic models, buy the kids in your life a real steel pedal car, either a true vintage car or a reproduction. Steel pedal cars will stand the test of time, lasting for generations, unlike today’s plastic styles that break easily.

Nostalgia - Kids’ pedal cars have a rich history dating back almost to the beginning of the automobile industry, though the ones you probably remember are the steel and chrome styles popular during the 1950s and 1960s. These nostalgic toys make great display pieces or gifts for children. If you give your children or grandkids a pedal car, you may experience a great sense of nostalgia watching the new generation ride down the sidewalks in a pedal car, just as you did as a young child. These beautiful toys can take you on a trip down memory lane.

Projects - Are you looking for a fun hobby? Try restoring a pedal car! Pedal car collectors lovingly restore these vintage ride-on toys, installing working horns and lights, repainting the car in its original shiny red, blue, or green finish, and repairing the chrome bumpers. Auto enthusiasts or toy collectors invest hundreds of hours restoring a vintage model. This project will bring back great memories, especially if you choose a style that looks just like the pedal car you had as a child.

Car Enthusiasts - Pedal cars from the 1950s and 1960s were often exact replicas of the full-sized cars these children’s parents were driving. In fact, their detailing was often exact, down to the Mustang emblem on the front grill. If you love the Model T or the 1965 Mustang, why wouldn’t you want a pedal-car version of it? Purchasing the pedal car size of your favorite collector car is a much more affordable purchase than a fully restored vintage car, and you don’t need a full garage space for it, either. You can have a full garage or living room full of your favorite cars for a fraction of the cost of their full-size counterparts.

Collectibles - Restored pedal cars are true collectors items that will only increase in value, year after year. Auto enthusiasts or those who love vintage toys collect vintage pedal cars because they recognize the value in them, both as displays and as an investment. With their exquisite detailing and shiny finish, pedal cars make a great display piece that will increase in value the longer you display it. Did you know that some vintage pedal cars can be worth as much as $2,000 to a collector?

Purchasing a kids’ pedal car is the perfect way to become part of a rich history, whether your pedal car is meant as a nostalgic display or is destined to be a gift for your children or grandchildren. These toys and collectibles can be passed from generation to generation thanks to their durable all-steel construction, so you can witness the joy of several generations riding the same pedal car.

Last night we added over a dozen new pedal cars and trucks to the site, and we're very excited since they are beautiful!

Not only that but most of them fit into our Pedal Cars Under $200 category which nowadays can only be a good thing.

Just in time for Christmas too!

Check these out:

55 Chevy Pedal Cars
1934 Ford Pedal Cars
New Fire Engine Pedal Truck
New Bugatti-style Sporty Pedal Car

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 eighteenth and mid nineteenth centuries were lighter than air, a significant difference from the heavier-than-air aircraft that would be developed in the twentieth century. Important mechanisms that would later be used for propelling and controlling aircraft were developed during this period, even if the overall designs themselves were flawed and unsuccessful.

By the close of the nineteenth century, the idea of flying had captured the attention of the world, and multiple aviation pioneers built various aircraft that managed to become airborne, if even just for a second or two, predating the Wright Brothers’ famous flight by up to 30 years. Multiple pioneers were working on both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aircraft concurrently, using hundreds of imaginative designs with varying degrees of success. Gustave Whitehead, for example, reportedly flew his engine-powered, heavier-than-air design for a distance of 800 meters at 15 meters height as early as 1901 or 1902, preceding the Wright Brothers’ famous flight at Kitty Hawk by more than two years. Other inventors also claimed to have achieved flight between 1900 and 1910. By the early twentieth century, advancements both in engine technology and the understanding of aerodynamics made powered, controllable flight possible.

The Wright Brothers began working with gliders and other unpowered flight methods around the turn of the century, and are widely recognized to have the first sustained, controlled, and powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft flown by a pilot, accomplishing this feat near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. By 1905, their airplane designs could be flown for upwards of 40 minutes or 30 miles in a single flight. The development of aircraft grew exponentially as a response to World War I, during which time aircraft were used for military flights, including both reconnaissance flights and the world’s first fighter planes.

Development of the jet engine began in the 1930s, mainly in Germany and in England. Both countries would have working jet aircraft by the end of World War II. After the war, the aircraft industry turned towards the civilian market, considered the dawn of what would be known as the jet age. The first commercial jet airliners were put into service by the end of the 1940s. Regular jet service was available by the mid 1950s, ushering in the age of mass commercial air travel.

By the start of the 1960s, aircraft were no longer restricted to flights beginning and ending on land, as the first space flights became possible and the space race began. Russia’s Sputnik 1, launched in 1957, started a new era of flight, culminating in the first manned moon landing in 1969.

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.

Unlike battery-powered versions of kids’ ride on toys, a pedal car promotes healthy exercise from a young age. It is much better to teach them to get around using their own foot power than to stick them in a battery-powered car where all they have to do is step on the gas. Even if you’re letting them play with their battery powered car outdoors, they still aren’t getting any healthy exercise. Hours of exercise in their pedal toy will keep your kids fit and tire them out before bedtime.

Vintage-style all-steel pedal cars are much more durable than their modern plastic, battery-powered equivalent. If you leave the plastic pedal car outside for a season, you may find that the sun has created cracks and the ride-on toy is no longer usable. Steel versions, on the other hand, can be passed from generation to generation because they are so durable. Even if your child’s battery powered toy did survive to your grandkids’ generation, it would look hopelessly outdated, and your grandkids would have no idea who the characters featured on the body were. Pedal cars, on the other hand, have classic styling in bright colors that are sure to please children of any generation.

Plus, pedal toys are built with simple mechanics and no harmful equipment that could harm your child. No heat is produced when a child powers their pedal car, unlike with the battery-driven version. Remember that with young children, everything is a potential hazard. Do you want a toy with a relatively large battery positioned very close to your small child for an extended period of time? A pedal car offers much less in the way of hazards that could hurt your child.

Battery-powered ride on toys must be charged for several hours before each use. If your kids already have battery powered toys, then you know how hard it is to keep full batteries in each one. If your child has the energy to play outside and wants to use their ride-on toy, do you want to have to tell them they can’t because the batteries aren’t charged?

When it comes down to it, wouldn’t you want to give your child a simple, classic toy that requires imagination and exercise? Battery-powered toys, like so many toys are today, simply aren’t as authentic as vintage-style playthings like steel pedal toys. If you believe that there is too much technology in our children’s lives, don’t add to the problem by purchasing a battery-powered ride-on toy. Instead, invest in the simplicity of a pedal car. These fun and classic toys are sure to please your kids.

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 automobiles again around the same time.

Ford first produced its wildly popular F-Series truck in 1948, and continuing production of Jeeps, a wartime military creation, for the civilian market. Other companies created competing 4x4 vehicles, although they were generally a bit slower to catch on. The modern SUV styles were first created in the 1960s; the phrase “sport utility vehicle” itself was coined by Toyota in 1960. The Land Rover was first made in 1970.

Engine size and power rose throughout the 1950s, allowing for higher vehicle speeds. Car body designs generally became more artistic rather than simply utilitarian. The most popular cars of this era include the Mini and the Fiat in Europe. Perhaps surprisingly, Germany’s Volkswagen Beetle survived the fall of Nazism, and enjoyed success worldwide, especially in the Americas. Other makes, such as Chevrolet, produced highly successful models during the 1950s. The ’55 Chevy was an especially popular model that is still prized by collectors today.

In the 1960s, the automobile capitol of America, Detroit, began to worry about foreign competition. European automakers were using supreme technology, and new Asian companies, particularly in Japan, were beginning to enter the market as serious competitors. Foreign companies like Suzuki began building autos in the 1950s. General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford all tried producing small cars to compete with these foreign names, but imports swept the nation. The 1969 Datsun 240Z was one of the first Japanese cars to be a hit with the American public. Elsewhere, smaller names were being consolidated into auto conglomerates. Small Italian automakers like Maserati, Ferrari, and Lancia all found themselves under new ownership by the decade’s end, further decreasing the already small field of competition in the auto industry.

The Ford Mustang appeared in 1964, followed by Chevrolet’s competing model the Camaro in 1967. The Mustang would become the best-selling car of the era, and also the most collected by auto enthusiasts. Both models are still popular with collectors today.

In the 1970s, the oil crisis, new emissions rules, imports from Europe and Japan, and a lack of innovation wreaked havoc on American automakers. Small imports outsold American cars throughout the decade, including the Toyota Corolla introduced in 1966, which became the best-selling car of all time.

The style types seen in today’s cars, like the hatchback, minivan, and SUV, are relatively recent concepts. In fact, these designs simply weren’t a part of auto manufacturers’ vocabulary until the past few decades. The SUV didn’t enter automobile terminology until 1960, although the movement grew out of Jeep and other military vehicles developed during World War II for the military.

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 turquoise and chrome. These cars would become so well-loved that they would even inspire pedal-car versions for their owners’ children. Fifties diners incorporated chrome and steel in a “space age” design, and vinyl seats in turquoise, mint green, and cherry red. Over the jukebox played the hottest new rock n’ roll hits as teenagers sipped on milkshakes and families ate hamburgers.

The classic diner in the 1950s was actually built in a factory, and then transported to its location in sections. These midcentury diners were characterized by their counters with tall stools and the booths where countless teenagers visited on date night. Diners were known for large portions, friendly service, and a comfortable and relaxed environment. Fifties-style diners are a uniquely American idea, although the idea of a diner restaurant actually goes back to the nineteenth century, when they were designed after railroad cars, albeit without the chrome and Formica styling of the classic 1950s diner. New materials developed during the World War II timeframe, like stainless steel, gave the fifties diner its unique “modern” appearance.

Unfortunately, this classic dining establishment is slowly disappearing, being replaced by fast food joints and brick-sided restaurants as the “space age” design style used for fifties diners has been overtaken by more current styles. According to one study, today there are only half as many diners in the United States as there were in the 1950s. Those that still exist may not have their original shiny chrome exteriors, vinyl bench seats, and Formica countertops that you remember from diners half a century ago. Unfortunately, like so many classic touches of the 1950s, the diner is no longer as prevalent as it once was, although it is still popular with fans that remember the diner at the height of its popularity or enjoy its now-retro ambience.

The atmosphere in a fifties-style diner today is a throwback to a simpler time; diners from the fifties still operating today are known for their pie and coffee; many still have an old-fashioned jukebox where you can find rock and roll songs from decades past. Today, fifties diners can still be spotted with their original styling both inside and out. Come on in for a traditional meal of coffee, milk shakes, hot food and pie. It sure is a treat, whether you’re old enough to remember diners back in the 1950’s or just love the retro styling. The diner was a popular hangout during the 1950s, and today it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many, just like pedal cars and rock and roll. If you like the retro look, you can even decorate your home with diner-style booths and Formica tables with chrome legs.

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, but did not usually have indoor seating. Most customers ate in their cars before driving away, unlike today’s drive-through restaurants designed for those who want to take the food home with them.

Drive in restaurants could finally reach their height of popularity after World War II, when soldiers returned home, got jobs, and could finally afford their own family cars. This allowed families to travel to restaurants nightly. The transition from traditional sit-down restaurants to these quicker fixes shows just how much the car culture changed life during this time.

The first drive-in restaurants were mom and pop operations, not the large franchises that you’d find today. By the 1960s, however, this all had changed. The “Baby Boomers” generation led to widespread recognition of teenagers as a distinct age group. Many owned their own cars thanks to postwar prosperity. This new group loved to exercise their purchasing power, and had a profound influence on thousands of products, ranging from cars to clothing to fast food.

During the 1950s and early 1960s, families and teenaged couples could be seen getting a bite to eat at a drive in restaurant, where a carhop would serve the guests in their car. The food was meant to be eaten in the car itself; many 1950s vehicles actually had trays built into the glove compartment to hold cups of soda. Although it seems strange today, with the prevalence of fast food restaurants in every city, back then there was no fast way to get restaurant food.

The idea of the drive-in got a boost from this newfound car culture. These hangout spots made popular date spots and family-friendly evenings. Successful drive-ins became franchises, much as drive through fast food restaurants have done today.

The novelty of this new marketing idea, however, began to fade by the mid 1970s. It was quickly replaced with a new idea, the drive-through restaurant. These cut out the carhop, and food is served directly from a window rather than by someone who must come out to your car. New cars no longer come with beverage and meal trays in the glove compartment, but rather with cup-holders in the center console.

There are still drive-in restaurants around, although most have changed into drive-through restaurants or have turned into “nostalgic” style restaurants. Many pine for these “simpler” times in the 1950s and 1960s. These nostalgic feelings have led to a resurgence not only of 1950’s style drive ins, but also pedal cars, 1950s retro-style home décor, and countless other ideas once popular decades ago. As baby boomers grow older, the toys and other pop culture ideas of their youth are making a comeback. If you want to partake in this retro culture, visit a retro drive-in restaurant, buy a pedal car for your children, and add some retro styling to your home.

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 transmission, had already been developed by the 1920s. During this era, fully-closed bodies began to dominate automobile sales, and more cars began to incorporate a storage trunk behind the passenger compartment. By the 1930s most of the mechanics used in today’s cars had already been invented by one of the hundreds of new automobile manufacturers entering the industry, although some were phased out and then “re-invented” in later decades despite use in this early era of automobiles. Examples include air conditioning and power steering, both of which were first invented in the late 1920s but not used widely until the 1950s.

By the 1930s, the auto industry began to consolidate, and many modern automakers appeared. Chrysler came into existence in 1925, and mergers were rampant, including Bentley and Rolls Royce in 1931.

During the 1920s, The Ford Model T was the most widely seen car on the road, selling 15 million from 1908 to 1927. The next car in Ford’s lineup, the Model A, sold more than 4 million cars starting in 1927; it was the best-selling car of that era by far.  The Austin 7, with a production run of 1922 to 1939, was one of the most widely copied body styles ever. The Bugatti Type 35, produced from 1924 to 1929, was the most successful racing car of its era, with over a thousand victories in just five years. The most popular vehicle in the 1930s and 1940s was the 1932-1948 Ford V-8, which set a new standard for high-performance mainstream vehicles and dominated the market during its production run.

Many are surprised to learn that the Volkswagen company started producing the Beetle back in 1938. Volkswagen was developed by the Nazi regime as the Company for the Development of the German People’s Car. Perhaps surprisingly, it outlasted the Nazi regime in Germany. This car was known for its efficient design and low price, and the model persisted until 2003, an amazing production run, with very minimal design change.

Just before World War II, General Motors released its Oldsmobile with the first fully automatic transmission, a feature that was an instant hit. In fact, by the end of a decade nearly all major manufacturers offered automatics.

During the War, the Jeep was designed as a lightweight all-terrain vehicle for the U.S. Army. Over 700,000 of these Jeeps were made from 1941 to 1945. Built by Ford and Willys-Overland, the Jeep went on to experience continued success in the civilian market. In fact, it would be the first of what became the highly popular SUV vehicle type.

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 the modern automobile actually begins centuries ago in theoretical drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Isaac Newton, and their contemporaries.

The first vehicles capable of carrying people were actually steam-powered, and in existence by the beginning of the nineteenth century. It is during this era that hand brakes, transmissions, and steering mechanisms, among other automobile components, were developed. Most of these developments came in the UK, but in response to worries about dangerously high speeds, an 1865 act required such vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot with a flag and a horn. This effectively curtailed automobile development there for several decades.

Other automobiles were developed in Russia and the United States during the early nineteenth century, and many of these attempts were electric. The first car to be produced with an internal combustion engine was the 1885 Benz Motorwagen. However, early internal combustion engine efforts were hindered by a lack of suitable fuel mixtures, as gasoline was not yet perfected. Some early internal combustion engines ran on hydrogen fuel. Siegfried Marcus of Austria advanced knowledge in the area of internal combustion engines, and was the first to use gasoline in the early 1880s.

Karl Benz in Mannheim and Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhem Maybach’s team in Stuttgart almost simultaneously built the first practical automobiles using internal combustion engines powered by gasoline. However, it is important to note that there were dozens of other early pioneers in this era, many of whom have been forgotten to the passage of time.

The first automobile to reach production was designed by Karl Benz in 1888. The first American automobile companies were the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, founded in 1893, followed by the Olds Motor Vehicle Company and Cadillac just after the turn of the century. During this time numerous other small companies sprang up around the globe. In the early era of automobile sales, no clear standards existed, so new components were tried on almost every new model. By 1900, the era of mass production had begun. 1905 is the year in which the majority of sales shifted from hobbyist motorists to the everyday driver. The earliest sports car was made in 1910, and was known as the Mercer Raceabout.

The most widely available vintage car model of the early twentieth model was the Ford Model T, which was produced in an impressive run from 1908 to 1927, and followed by the 1927-1931 Ford Model A. The Ford production line led to the ability to mass-produce large quantities of automobiles, with one car off the assembly line every 15 minutes. It is one of the main reasons why cars were able to become part of American life when they did. The Ford Models T and A remain some of the most recognizable vintage cars produced, and they hold a special place in the hearts of many automobile enthusiasts.

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. Unlike the Big Wheel, these popular pedal cars were not highly stylized and imaginative, but designed to look as realistic as possible.

By the beginning of the 1970s, more pedal cars were being made in plastic than with the traditional all-steel construction. This unfortunate change meant that pedal cars were no longer as strong as they once were. When left in the sun, they often developed cracks in the brittle plastic. Many did not make it past one generation, and the pedal car craze slowly died out during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Today, a brand new generation of all-metal pedal cars is being produced, many from the very same presses used to construct the classic pedal toy styles of decades ago. Since the late 1990s, most pedal car styles have been made in steel, not plastic. You can even find classic steel pedal toys in the most popular styles from the 1950s and 1960s heyday of pedal cars, including hot rods, fire trucks, pedal planes, and many other variations. These pedal toys are designed for children and adult collectors alike, and feature the bright paint and chrome detailing that made the original versions so popular.

Big wheels are another popular ride-on toy from the past. This style of tricycle, made of plastic, was known for its unusually large front wheel and low ride. The Big Wheel was introduced by the Louis Marx Company, maker of many other metal and plastic children’s toys, in 1969. It remained very popular during the 1970s, particularly because its plastic construction made it a much cheaper alternative to other ride-on toys, such as metal, that were then being produced. Its construction, which left the rider very low to the ground, was also said to be safer than the traditional tricycle style, bicycles, or other ride-on toys.

Although Big Wheel was technically a registered trademark of the Marx company, there were many imitators under dozens of brand names. In the early 1970s, Marx sold the name and molds for its Big Wheel to Empire Plastics, which had been Marx’s biggest competitors for the Big Wheel until that point with their Power Cycle brand. Today, the Big Wheel brand is still being offered, albeit under new ownership after Empire went bankrupt in 2001.

Today, both pedal cars and big wheels make a great gift for children. These classic toys are battery free, foot powered, and a great way for young kids to get exercise outside. Seeing your own child riding one of these toys around the neighborhood will bring a big smile to your face and remind you of your own childhood. Both of these classic styles are perfect Christmas gifts.

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 by loudspeakers or by individual speakers designed to be hung from the window of each car. Some drive in movie theaters were set up to broadcast the audio by radio, and could be listened to through the car’s radio system rather than a separate speaker.

Drive in movies always had a concession stand for sodas, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and all of the typical movie concessions still sold in today’s indoor theaters. Some added lawn chairs on patios in addition to the space for drive-in customers. Others offered propane heaters or other systems designed to entice customers to come to their theater, especially during the winter months.

The first drive-in theater had an unusual beginning as the brainchild of Richard M. Hollingshead Jr., whose family owned the R.M. Hollingshead Corporation Chemical Plant. In 1932 he began testing his idea of outdoor theaters in New Jersey, first by setting up a screen in his driveway and using this own Kodak movie projector.

Hollingshead was given a patent for his system in 1933. His first drive-in movie theater opened in Pennsauken, New Jersey, in June of 1933. Even though this first theater was only open three years, this family-friendly concept soon caught on in other locations. Similar theaters opened within two years in Pennsylvania, Galveston, Los Angeles, and Massachusetts. Soon, drive-in theaters were operating in nearly every state. There were about 100 of these theaters nationwide by World War II; as soon as the war ended, there were hundreds more, and the drive-in craze kept expanding.

Drive-in movie theaters were quite popular in part because they welcomed children to the show. In fact, many drive-in movie theaters added playgrounds or other attractions. Parents did not need to worry about their children interrupting the movie, or having to hire a babysitter to get an evening out.

The popularity of the drive-in theater peaked in the early 1960s, with around 4,000 drive-in theaters located across the United States. Drive-in theaters were increasingly being labeled as “immoral” because of the privacy the concept gave moviegoers. During the 1970s some drive-in theaters became less family-friendly, showing films targeted at adult moviegoers, or even pornographic films. In some areas, the land simply became too valuable to use as a drive-in theater, which usually operated only after twilight and only in the summer months. The drive-in theater also succumbed to other technology like color televisions and VCRs which became more popular modes for movie viewing.

Today, there are still a handful of drive-in movie theaters sprinkled throughout the United States. If you’re looking for a nostalgic time, watch a drive-in movie this summer. Today, this method for watching movies is still a great family activity. Many also go to drive-in theaters for the novelty of the experience. For those old enough to remember, and even for a new generation, there’s nothing quite like the drive-in movie experience. Along with other classic 50's entertainment like pedal cars, sock hops, and soda fountains, the drive in theater stuck in people's minds long after its 1950s heyday ended.

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 design. In fact, it is much the same as customizing a real hot rod, except that there are no interior parts that you’ll need to upgrade.

Although pedal cars can be found in many different styles today, some collectors prefer to begin with the plainest model they can find, making it completely their own. One of the most popular customizations, for example, is the addition of flames or other graphics in the paint along the sides and chrome accessories. However, you can also find pedal cars that already have such detailing.

When customizing pedal cars, first you’ll need to decide on a paint color. If the car already has some paint, it will need to be removed. The car can then be painted, and flames, pinstriping, and two-tone paint added, just like if it were a real full-size car. Skilled artists can even create much more complex graphics on the side and front of the pedal car. Some collectors even reshape the fenders or make other body modifications first. Once the exterior is painted, new accessories may be added, and interior will be re-upholstered, sometimes with real automobile upholstery.

Flames, chrome, and other details are also popular additions when restoring a vintage car. Restorations may be done to return the car to its authentic original state, or they may be done to improve its appearance with a unique idea in mind. The choices you’ll make here are very similar to the choices for restoring full-size cars. You can follow the original design of the vintage car you have chosen for restoration, or come up with a plan all your own.

Many of the most well-known pedal car customizations have been done by names that are big in the hot rod world. Pedal cars offer a fun opportunity to use their skills in a new way. The ones most talked about within the pedal car collecting world are often those created to be sold for charity purposes. These may fetch thousands of dollars at auction, and the owner will have a one-of-a-kind, completely unique pedal car. Others are customized as projects created by a group of hot rod club members.

While you may assume that pedal cars are small and simple toys, too simple, in fact, for customizations to be very detailed, this is far from the case. You may be surprised with the wide variety of customized models existing within the collector world. Like real hot rods, there are hundreds of different directions you can go with pedal car customization. Pedal cars are not just for kids, and there is a booming adult market for pedal cars, whether they are vintage or new.

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 nearly every product imaginable, including of course nearly every modern toy on store shelves. The blame for children’s sedentary lifestyle is often placed on television, computers, and video games, but there is something you can do to counteract this: get toys that promote active, outdoor participation.

Classic toys of the 1950’s are a great, classic example of toys that promote just this kind of exercise. They don’t have batteries, meaning that they are completely kid-powered. Plus, they don’t produce the loud noises and blinking lights of many modern toys, making them a good choice for many parents who are seeking to transport their family simpler time before every toy in the toy box made its own flashing lights and sounds.

Jump ropes and sidewalk chalk are two simple and inexpensive ways to get your kids to outside, since there is simply no way to use these in the house. They require creativity and exercise, and can be enjoyed for much less than the battery-powered toys found on modern toy store shelves. Another example of such a toy is the hula hoop, which has been around for decades. There is even a hula hoop mini-game in the video game Wii Fit, if you just can’t get your kids away from their video games but still want to make sure they get enough exercise. One of the greatest things about hula hoops, chalk, and jump ropes is that you can have a wide supply on hand for your kids, unlike many battery-powered toys that are too expensive to buy in multiples.

Pedal cars are another wonderful example of a classic toy that is making a comeback. This entirely child-powered car is a great way to give young children exercise, and they’ll love pedaling on the sidewalks in their very own car. These toys can be especially fun if you owned such a pedal car when you were a child yourself; many of the very same models you may have had as a kid are again available to purchase for your own children. Your young kids will want to spend all of their free time outside with toys like pedal cars or bicycles.

These classic 1950s toys are much simpler than many toys of today, and can be a great alternative if you’re looking for something that lacks batteries and reminds you of a simpler time. Even without batteries, the children of today find these classic toys just as fun as you may have when you were a child yourself, or even as your parents did when they were kids. If you want to make sure that your children develop a creative mind and get plenty of exercise, these 1950s-era toys are among the best you can find.

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 headaches, impotence, and morphine addiction. In face, Coca-Cola was first marketed as a medicine, not as a sugary soft drink.

Early formulas included coca leaf (cocaine), at the rate of about nine milligrams of cocaine in each glass. As the public gradually realized the harmful side of cocaine, the company began reducing the amount of coca leaves used in the recipe to trace amounts, using coca flavoring instead. The coca leaf ingredient wasn’t completely removed from the recipe until 1903. The name “Coca-Cola” comes from the coca leaf and from kola nuts, one of the other main flavoring ingredients.

Three different versions of Coca-Cola were on the market by 1888, produced by three separate companies. The Coca-Cola Company was incorporated in 1892, and started selling bottles of Coca-Cola in 1894 and cans in 1955, with the classic Coke bottle shape that remains recognizable today being released back in 1916. Pemberton designed the script lettering of Coca-Cola that millions are familiar with today, but passed away in 1888, well before his Coca-Cola creation achieved worldwide success.

Early vending machines were only capable of handling bottles, and most sold bottles for a nickel. These bottles would be delivered by a Coca-Cola truck, usually red, which became a common weekly sight in many cities.

The Coca-Cola formula remained much the same from 1903 to 1985, when “New Coke” was introduced. This version lasted less than three months due to consumer backlash, and Coca-Cola quickly switched back to the “Coke Classic” formula. This ill-fated experiment was followed in 2005 with “Diet Coke” and “Coca Cola Zero,” both of which achieved better sales records than New Coke. Since 2005, several other versions have also been produced. Coca-Cola is sold in more than 200 countries around the globe, and is considered one of the leading soft drink brands.

In part because of this worldwide fan base, Coca-Cola collectibles are very popular. These include soda vending machines, coolers, trays, bottle openers, and other advertising memorabilia. These well-known advertising collectibles nearly always feature a red-and-white Coca Cola emblem with script lettering. The most popular items date from the 1930s through the 1950s; these Coca-Cola collectibles feature classic images, and are even reproduced into modern versions for collectors. In fact, many of these older items are very hard-to-find and can bring a pretty penny when sold. The most popular Coca Cola advertising collectibles include the Santa Claus ad campaigns vintage metal trays, vending machines, and even the bottles themselves. A variety of such products are very popular with collectors, who may focus on a particular era or type of item, or may collect anything bearing the famous Coca Cola emblem.

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 top five kids’ ride on vehicles and toys are the bicycle and tricycle, the wagon, the pedal car, the go kart, and the scooter.

The bicycle, and its cousin the tricycle for younger children, will always remain a popular choice. Chances are good that you remember the bicycle you owned as a child. Today, bicycles are available in nearly every style and color imaginable, from classic designs in bright primary colors to bicycles featuring popular kids’ characters. Bicycles first gained popularity towards the end of the nineteenth century, and have not decreased in popularity since then.

Unlike the other toys on this list, a child cannot climb onto a pull-along wagon and steer it while propelling themselves. Still, parents can pull their children around in this classic wheeled toy. The most well-known wagons are Radio Flyer, which became known for its red metal wagons in the 1930s.

Pedal cars were designed almost as early as the first automobiles, although they really became popular first in the 1930s, and later in the 1950s and 1960s when postwar prosperity meant that middle-class workers could afford to buy them for their own kids. Many of these 1950’s and 1960’s ride on toys were designed using the same elements found on the latest automobiles, like streamlined styling or even pedal cars designed to look just like miniature versions of the real thing.

Go karts for children range from the simple, which may be assembled in a parent’s garage, to elaborate contraptions purchased ready-made or assembled from a kit. Go kart racing is even a popular sport for kids. Because these karts are powered rather than pedaled, they can go much faster than any of the other toys on this list. Karts vary widely in speed, with top speeds anywhere from 15 to 100 miles per hour. They were first manufactured in the late 1950s, and caught on very quickly. At first, the engines were adapted from motorcycles, although today there are specialized go kart engines.

The scooter was very popular around the same time as pedal cars and classic “banana seat” bicycles, but in the past decade or so it has been reinvented for a new generation of children, with the lightweight and foldable “Razor” scooter. Scooters have even found an audience with a slightly older crowd who take them to skate parks.

The classic versions of all of these riding toys popular since at least the middle of the twentieth century were made of very sturdy materials, such as steel. Though these vintage toys often didn’t include all of the modern safety features, these toys typically lasted through several generations, unlike many of today’s plastic toys.

Ride-on toys and vehicles make a great gift for today’s children. Their classic style and the creativity, fresh air, and exercise they allow will ensure that these toys remain popular for generations to come. Although most of the classic versions are pushed with the child’s feet, today many versions are motorized, including many miniature cars that are battery powered and large enough for a pre-schooler to drive.

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 wheels.

The first viable tricycle designs were created in the 1890s, just as their two-wheeled cousin the bicycle first became popular. At first, both the bicycle and the tricycle were intended for adult audiences, although soon, of course, that would change. Today, most tricycles are aimed at children between the ages of two and four. After this stage, many kids switch to a bicycle with training wheels.

Classic tricycles of the 1930s through the 1970s were steel with a bright and glossy coat of paint. Often these styles included streamlined designs mimicking automobiles of that time period, and sometimes even white pinstriping. Tricycle design often mimicked pedal cars and other children’s toys, with chrome details and working headlights. These vintage tricycles were sometimes made by the same companies producing bicycles, including such popular brands as Murray and Schwinn. Today, these vintage tricycles are especially prized by bicycle collectors. Some can even be worth thousands of dollars.

These steel toys could be used by several generations of kids before they began to rust. Steel frame tricycles are still quite popular today, although plastic versions are also available. The problem with these plastic toys is that they are more likely to tip, especially with a heavier child. Although they will not rust like steel, they also won’t hold up to years of use, and are likely to develop cracks over time. A Big Wheel is a particular type of plastic tricycle, characterized by a large front wheel, which was very popular during the 1970s. Because it was made of plastic, it could be purchased for a lower cost than steel models. Still, not many of these 1970s originals survive to the present day.

Most children’s tricycles are designed very similarly to single-speed bicycles, except that there are two wheels in the back instead of just one. They do not often have brakes, although some modern tricycles do include brakes. Many of today’s models also include a back rest for support, with a push bar so that parents can push the child up hills or hold the child back when rolling down a hill, in addition to the child’s foot power.

Like pedal cars and other classic riding toys, the vintage-style tricycle is making a comeback in recent years. Red steel tricycles are especially popular. When choosing a tricycle for your children, make sure that the trike is the right size for your kids. A wide wheelbase can keep the tricycle from tipping over, especially if your young child has not yet developed a good sense of balance. Like with other riding toys, such as pedal cars and bicycles, wearing a helmet makes good common sense.

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 1965. All were painted white with blue pinstripes. This super-tuned version of the Mustang was designed to give the Mustang name an image of high performance, and it was very successful at doing exactly that. The car won five of the Sports Car Club of America’s six divisions in its first year, and went on to be the SCCA’s B-production champion for three years in a row. They are said to be as close to a street-legal racing car as has ever been offered by an American motor company.

Differences from the regular Mustang included a pumped up engine and reinforced suspension. Shelby added a big four-barrel carburetor, free-flow exhaust headers, and other high-performance modifications. A rear axle from the Ford Galaxie replaced the stock assembly, along with bigger drum brakes in the rear and new disc brakes in the front. A set of cast-aluminum wheels and high-performance Goodyear tires, as well as a quick-ratio steering box, made the Shelby GT-350 handling much more impressive than that of the standard Mustang, known to have a strong understeer. The Shelby GT-350 had a top speed of 130 miles per hour, and was rated at 306 horsepower versus the 271 horsepower of the standard Mustang. An optional supercharger reportedly boosted the horsepower over 400, cutting the zero to 60 time to just five seconds.

On the exterior, the steel hood was replaced with a fiberglass one with a functional hood scoop. Inside, the Shelby included racing seatbelts and a missing back seat, to qualify the Shelby GT-350 as a sports car under SCCA rules. Though the first 250 or so were white with blue stripes, the last several hundred came in red, blue, green, and black, all with white stripes. Shelby eventually added an optional fold-down rear seat.

While these GT-350 versions were meant for the street, Shelby also designed a GT-350R model, with special features for the track including high-power heads, a stripped interior, and a super-duty suspension, along with other changes, reducing the weight by over 300 pounds.

In all, 562 Shelby GT-350 cars were produced in 1965, with less than thirty of these as GT-350R racers. At an initial price of $4,547, this was several thousand more than a V8 Mustang, and a few hundred more than a Chevy Corvette. Although they were quite expensive when first sold, many critics actually believed that it would not achieve collectible status because too many were produced. Today, the car remains quite popular among collectors. Though it is out of reach for most car enthusiasts, numerous diecast model and pedal car versions satisfy collectors’ appetites for this classic sports car.

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According to Wikipedia, Twitter is:

..a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them (known as followers).

Since tweets are shorter, we tend to twitter more about what's going on here at Classic Pedal Cars, random thoughts and occasionally special offers or short-term deals that we don't post about elsewhere.

Feel free to follow us at http://www.Twitter.com/ClassicPedalCar - we look forward to connecting!