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.

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

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.

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.

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!

The very first police car is said to date to 1899, when an electric car patrolled the streets of Akron, Ohio. It could only go 16 miles per hour, and needed to be recharged every 30 miles, but it was a major development in the history of police forces. Police officers actually used motorcycles far before they used patrol cars, in part because cars were more expensive. The switch to police cars was motivated primarily by the fact that criminals were using cars; chasing a car on foot or on horseback became unrealistic.

Early police cars were often referred to as “squad cars” because they were used to carry a group, or squad, of officers to a crime scene. In the 1920s and 1930s, police cars were driven by one officer, who could cover a much wider area by driving than on horseback, thereby saving the police department money. These cars were generally the same ones driven by civilians with a few modifications, usually just markings and lights.

The 1932 Ford was a particularly popular car offering high power for a low price; as a result, many police cars were adapted from this model. For that time period, the Ford offered much higher power than both Chevy and Dodge. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that major motor companies began offering special police packages; Ford was the first to do so in 1950, followed by Chevy in 1955 and Dodge in 1956.

Although new police cars are not made available to civilians, vintage police cars are very popular for restoration and display. Retired patrol cars can be restored with all of the proper equipment, since much of this is available to the general public. However, it can be difficult to find period-correct parts and accessories for older cars.

Modern police cars come in all shapes and colors, although most are black and white or white and blue, with decals to allow them to be easily identifiable for civilians. They may be called patrol cars, cruisers, or interceptors. Various makes and models have been used throughout the years; most police cars are based on standard models of civilian vehicles. Popular models throughout the years have included the Chrysler Enforcer in the early 1960s, the Mercury Monterey of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Ford Torino and LTD during the 1970s, the Chevy Impala during the late 70’s and early 1980’s, and the Chevrolet Caprice during the late 1980s and 1990s.

Most police cars today are adapted from mainline cars such as Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Germany, or the Chevrolet Caprice and Impala, Ford Focus, Dodge Charger, or other popular models in the United States. Today, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is an extremely popular model designed specifically for police use based on the Crown Victoria civilian car.

Diecast cars, including the popular Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands along with countless others, first gained widespread popularity in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Often the most inexpensive toy cars, they make a wise choice for young children. Their low price also allows collectors to obtain a wide range of different models. The most involved adult collectors often display several thousand diecast toy vehicles. While most diecast cars feature moving wheels but are not motorized, other popular car collectibles are motorized, including wind-up versions.

Pedal cars are another version of children’s toy car that has caught on with adult collectors. Popular since the 1930’s, most of these pedal toys are made of steel. Collectors enjoy vintage models in both their original and restored conditions. Reproductions are available of the most popular models of the 1950’s and 1960’s; original versions of these models can sometimes fetch several thousand dollars, making reproductions a wise choice for most collectors.

Like with most collectibles, condition is everything when collecting vintage toy cars. Look for original paint and accessories in the best condition you can find. Consider avoiding those with dents or other damage unless it is a rare model or you plan to use it for a restoration project. If your toy cars are mainly for display, consider reproductions. These shiny new models will show no wear at all, making them ideal display pieces.

Collectors of vintage toy cars often find that their car collection makes a wise investment. The most popular models are quite hard-to-find, and can appreciate in value as more and more collectors join the world of vintage car toy collectibles. When you first begin collecting toy cars, start with your favorite car models. Decide whether you will focus on a particular type of toy, or collect any model you can find of a specific style of car. You will soon realize that many thousands of adult collectors enjoy vintage toy cars, whether they are interested in diecast models or larger steel car toys.

Today, many adult collectors continue to add on to their childhood collection of toy cars. Each year, new adult collectors begin their own collection. Collecting toy cars is an accessible hobby for many, and allows car enthusiasts to have a representation of their favorite classic, hot-rod cars without having to pay thousands for the real thing. Most collectors of vintage toy cars dream of driving the streets in their own restored hot rod, but for now, collecting toy representations of their favorite car models is the next best thing.

Retro and classic toys of decades past can be a great alternative to modern toys. Simpler toys often make a good choice for your children, especially if you want to encourage creativity and exercise without relying on technology. Toys are very important to young children’s development, and often it is classic toys that do this best. Plus, you’ll get the added enjoyment of watching your children play with the very same toys you enjoyed as a youngster.

Most of these retro toys encourage creative thinking and role playing. Such activities are often missing in today’s battery-operated toys. Classic board games allow family bonding time away from T.V. or other modern distractions. Other games, like Mr. Potato Head and jigsaw puzzles, encourage your children’s creative development in ways that many modern toys simply do not.

Classic outdoor toys, including hula hoops, baseball bats, roller skates, bicycles, and pedal cars, may in fact be more popular than ever. Instead of sitting inside, watching T.V. or playing video games, your child can run and play outside with these fun outdoor toys, built to withstand years of use by young children.

The all-steel pedal cars offered today often use the exact same body styles as those made popular in the 1960s. With just a few safety modifications, today’s children can ride on the sidewalks in the same model of pedal car you may have had as a young child. With classic hot-rod styling, the pedal car will never go out of style. These pedal toys are making a comeback due to their durability, their simplicity, and of course the sheer fun of a young child riding around in their very own car.

Building toys, ranging from Legos and blocks to erector sets and more, stimulate a child’s mind as they learn all of the various ways to fit the pieces together. Unlike modern toys, it is next to impossible to break the pieces of these classics.

Such toys provide much-needed exercise, both mentally and physically, and of course hours of entertainment. Unlike modern plastic toys, these models are built to withstand several generations of children. The exact same types of toys available in the 1950’s and 1960’s are today available again.

Toys of the 1950’s and 1960’s are much simpler than most of today’s toys, and they have a way of transporting us back to simpler times, even for today’s children who don’t remember the original versions of these popular playthings. These toys are just as enjoyable by today’s children as they were a generation or two ago. As time goes on, more types of toys will invariably be added to the definition of “classic toys”, but there is no doubt that these toys, already enjoyed for generations, will remain popular with new generations of children.

For more than 30 years, no steel Mustang pedal toys were being produced. During this time, steel gave way to plastic for the manufacturing of ride-on toys, leading the initial manufacturer, AMF, to sell the tools for making the cars. These newer pedal toys had a cartoon-like aesthetic and were generally designed to be fantasy cars, not modeled after a specific real-life car. They lacked the realistic details of such models as the 1965 Mustang and other popular pedal toys designed after real car models.

The design for the 1965 Mustang pedal car remained unused for over twenty years until it was rediscovered in Mexico in 2004 by Mark Luzaich, owner of pedal car manufacturer Warehouse 36. After re-discovering the original tooling for the AMF Mustang, the original design is again being produced today, over forty years since its original release. This steel car uses the exact same design as the famous 1965 Mustang pedal toy of the 1960’s and early 1970’s, with all of the original tooling, down to the Mustang horse on the front grille. The first cars of this new wave were produced in 2005, timed to coincide with the redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang. Because they are made of steel, not plastic, they are built to withstand generations of children.

These authentic pedal toys are coveted by collectors who can’t get their hands on one of the originals. Not only pedal car collectors, but also fans of the real 1965 Ford Mustang car, enjoy this new version. These attention-getting models also make great gifts for a new generation of children. They are loved by car lovers of all ages, kids and adults alike, who enjoy the styling of this classic car.

Today’s version of the AMF 1965 Mustang features all of the original details, including chromed hubcaps, that made the original version of the ’65 Mustang one of the most popular pedal toys ever. Despite the numerous changes in standards for children’s toys since the 1960, this new version features an identical exterior, with Mustang markings on the body, all-steel construction, and a clear windshield. In fact, many have noted that the only difference between the 1960’s version and today’s version is the price, which has increased due to inflation. Today, these nostalgic cars are produced in red or blue, and are fully licensed by Ford.

The 1948 model was discontinued in 1950 with the introduction of the Champion. The 1950-51 Champion, also known as the “dip side”, was a very popular pedal toy model, with countless variations. In contrast to pedal cars of the 1940’s, including the ’48 Pontiac, the Champion featured straighter sides with fewer curves. The Champion “Straight Side” featured even less curving, particularly around the fenders.

The Murray “Sad Face” car was manufactured from 1950-1951 to 1958, and today remains one of the most popular pedal car lines ever made. These “Sad Face” cars are so named because of the shape of the front of the car, which forms a downward curve. The rounded curves made the Sad Face design a very strong body, so many have survived to the present day.

Originally, the sad face pedal car came in three versions, including a sedan, a fire truck, and a station wagon. Other models included a dump truck and a fire chief’s car. Unlike many other pedal cars of that era, the Sad Face was not designed to replicate any specific real car model. A steel car, this toy also included chrome hood ornaments, chromed hub caps, and other classic details. It is known for its graceful curves and classic look. Today, the classic “Sad Face” design is one of the most popular reproduction models.

The Murray “Flat Face” of the late 1950’s was designed to look more modern than the curved-line versions of the 1940’s, continuing the trend from rounded sides to flat sides. It was made in many different variations, and reminds many of the ’59 Ford.

The “V” Front Murray, first produced in 1960, was named for the design of the front of the car, above the bumper. It was produced in several variations until the line was discontinued in 1967. The “V Front” is one of the last popular all-steel pedal toys produced.

Although these are the most popular Murray pedal cars, there were countless others, including a very unique boat-shaped pedal car variously sold as the Dolphin, the Skipper, and the Jolly Roger. The Three Wheeler, introduced in 1955, had only one front wheel, and was sold in three variations: Airport Jet Service, Radar Patrol, and Good Humor. The Murray Jet, also with one wheel in the front, included versions sold as the Atomic Missile, the Supersonic Jet, and the Sky Rocket.

The Model T was the first car offered to the public. The average person could afford to buy it, unlike the few other cars on the market, which were simply unreachable for the majority of the public. In fact, the price continued to drop each year the Model T was produced, reaching a low of just $260 in 1925. This price was typically less than half of what competitors were charging for similar models.

During its very first production year, the Ford Model T won a cross-country race, showing its endurance. This simple car was known for being practical, not necessary luxurious. Several different body styles were available, though all used the same chassis. The simple Ford four cylinder engine, which produced 20 horsepower, actually made the Model T one of the more powerful cars during the era in which it was driven. The Model T is able to reach a top speed of about 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Unlike today’s cars, the Model T was designed with few luxuries. The earliest years did not even include doors. By the 1915 model, the passenger door was added but the driver’s side had a spare wheel instead of a door. The back seat sits over the rear axle, so that the car has no room for a trunk or other luggage space. Few accessories were included, although leather seats and wood trim were included on all models. No air conditioning or heating system was included; during winter months, the driver’s feet would be heated by the exhaust of the car.

Produced for nineteen years until being replaced by the second Model A in 1928, the Model T enjoyed the longest production run of any car until the Volkswagen Beetle. By the end of its run, there were more Fords on the road than any other car make. Roads were being paved, highways were being constructed, and the automobile age was here to stay. Today, the Model T has come to symbolize the beginnings of the American car market.

2009 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of this iconic car. Because of the Tin Lizzie’s popularity, many today remember their parents or grandparents driving around in one. In part because of this reason, the Ford Model T remains one of the most popular antique cars among automobile enthusiasts.

Thousands of Tin Lizzies have been restored, while others rest in fields and garages, untouched since they were last driven decades ago. Some antique auto enthusiasts even take their Tin Lizzies out for a Sunday drive. If you wish to restore an old Model T, you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you want a project car or running model. Because of their popularity, reproduction parts are readily available for restoring a Model T.

Although pedal cars date to around the time the Murray company was founded, they are not known to have offered a range of pedal toys until 1940. In 1940 and 1941, they produced many different Murray/Steelcraft pedal toys, mainly modeled after Chrysler, Pontiac, and several other actual car makes rather than new designs specifically meant for pedal cars. Because of World War II, the factory was unable to make pedal cars during the mid-1940’s, though production picked up again in 1947 at a rate much higher than before.

During the height of the pedal car craze in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Murray was one of the most well-known manufacturers of these toys. Their famous pedal cars were marked ‘Murray’ or ‘Murray Ohio’ to distinguish these high-quality steel pedal toys from other companies’ toys. Murray pedal cars are most often the type of pedal car that people think of when they think of a classic steel pedal car, with the classic styling of an actual full-sized car model. They produced many different versions, including hot rods, fire trucks, dump trucks, and station wagons. Each of the dozens of different models is known for the Murray trademark detailing, including shiny chrome trim, windshields, working lights, and other features.

By the early 1970s, a declining birth rate and the advent of plastic ride-on toys brought an end to the pedal car craze. This sales decline was enough to take out even the biggest pedal car manufacturers. Murray stopped making these treasured toys altogether, and began manufacturing newly popular power lawn mowers instead. Today, the same Murray company is known for go karts, lawnmowers, and other equipment; currently, no toys such as pedal cars or bicycles are produced by Murray.

Today, these classic Murray pedal cars are prized by collectors, who even snap up reproductions of the original Murray models, some of which the Murray company stopped producing over fifty years ago. Hobbyists are even reproducing parts of these original Murray cars in the hopes of restoring cherished pedal cars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. They are even memorialized in a series of Hallmark ornaments. Restored versions can cost thousands of dollars, depending on rarity. A powder blue Champion sports car built by Murray sold at auction for over seventy thousand dollars, enough to purchase a brand new full-size car.

For a time in the 1970’s and 1980’s, none of these steel toys could be purchased at all, as they had all been replaced by plastic cars. Today, steel pedal cars built just like the classic styles are available for both young children and adult collectors. Other new introductions include a very popular line of Hallmark ornaments designed to look just like these classic toys. This can be a great way to enjoy a collection of pedal cars without having to find a way to display and store several large pedal toys.

Showing off a collection of pedal cars can be quite challenging, especially if you have more than a handful. Most serious collectors end up dedicating a room of their home, or their garage, to the hobby.

Many adult collectors also enjoy collecting the original cars, today up to fifty or sixty years old. Though most show significant wear due to generations of children, restored versions can cost thousands of dollars when sold at auction.

For most collectors, the major decision is whether to focus on vintage cars, restored cars, new models, or a combination. New versions or worn pedal cars that have not yet been refurbished can be quite less expensive than a restored car. When purchasing a vintage pedal toy, the number one determinant of price is condition, although the rarity of the specific model can also affect its desirability. Like most collectibles, being as close to the original condition as possible can increase the price dramatically. Non-restored vintage pedal cars can be found anywhere from a hundred dollars to a thousand dollars depending on the condition and desirability of the model. If you want to be a serious pedal toy collector, research the various popular makers and models, so you know what makes a car desirable in the pedal car collector market.

Some collectors enjoy purchasing vintage pedal cars as restoration projects, using new-old-stock or reproduction parts to bring their cars back to their former glory. On the other hand, purchasing restored versions can offer the best of both worlds: an authentic vintage pedal car, with the shiny paint and exquisite detailing offered by a reproduction version. Professional restorations usually include a new paint job, sometimes much more complicated than the original color scheme.

When collecting pedal toys, some collectors choose to focus on a particular niche, such as fire trucks, airplanes, or hot rod cars. Most collectors simply choose the models that they like, whichever they may be. Although your own preferences will and should influence your choices, remember that collecting pedal cars can also be a wise investment.

In the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s, nearly every pedal car on the market was made of plastic. These cars, usually constructed entirely of plastic, though sometimes with metal components, were meant to last through one generation only, and often cracked or broke. This plastic was typically not molded as finely as the steel versions, making pedal cars of this era look less and less like real cars. However, more durable steel pedal cars were simply unavailable until re-introduced for adult collectors in the late 1990’s. Today, steel pedal cars can be purchased for both children and collectors, although some companies still produce plastic versions of these classic ride-on toys. Other versions can also be found with a fiberglass body, although the underlying workings are the same no matter what the body is made of.

The basic pedal toy construction includes a body piece that gives the car its style, mounted on a frame with a seat and steering wheel. Depending on the intended style of the car, the body may be constructed as a hot rod car, plane, train, truck, or another style. Any accessories, like a horn or lights, are mounted to the body or frame. Underneath the frame are the axles and wheels, usually with rubber tires. Though this may seem similar to a full-size car, the similarities stop there. The space in front of the seat is left open to allow space for pedals.

The pedal toy is driven by the child’s foot power through a simple drive chain mechanism which uses pedals to turn the front axle of the car. Early models were usually belt driven, while models from the 1950’s and newer are usually chain-driven, although there are exceptions. Adjustable pedals, not found on earlier pedal cars, allow the pedal car to be used by children of different ages or sizes. Other new improvements may also include a gear box to allow the car to go in reverse, although this is not common.

As with many toys, the construction methods depend on the sale price of the toy. More expensive pedal toys are often constructed of higher quality materials, with extras ranging from convertible tops and windshields to working lights or horns. A less expensive model will be bare-bones, consisting only of the drive mechanism, the frame, and the body. These variations are all cosmetic; with very little variation, the actual workings of the pedal car have remained the same for decades. These classic toys are constructed in a very simple design, no matter their outward appearance.

The 1955 Chevrolet represented a shift in style and function. The new 265 cubic inch V-8 engine was probably the biggest cause of the popularity of the 1955 Chevrolet, and the option of the “Turbo-Fire” V-8 offered a little extra for auto enthusiasts, with between 162 and 180 horsepower. This small-block V-8 was the first V-8 engine in a Chevrolet since 1918.

The ’55 Chevy was the first Chevrolet to feature “Motoramic” styling. Underneath this now-classic styling sat a new frame, 3 new engine types, new brakes, and a new suspension. Compared to earlier Chevrolets, the 1955 Chevy was both lighter and stiffer, with “glide ride” front suspension offering a smooth ride. As General Motors’ biggest seller, the Chevrolet name was carefully styled ahead of the release of the all-new 1955 design. The eye-catching design was boxy, yet sleeker and more futuristic than the 1953 and 1954 models. The new model was designed to appear longer, lower, and wider than the older model. Nicknamed the “shoebox” design, the 1955 model was the first Chevy to have streamlined rear fenders. Interior innovations included plush upholstery and a fan-shaped instrument cluster, with an optional radio. With a stylish wrap-around windshield, tail fins, and chrome detailing, the 1955 Chevrolet soon became popular with auto enthusiasts as well as everyday drivers.

The 1955 model year included three Chevrolet models: The Bel Air, the 150, and the 210. Available versions included 2-door and 4-door sedans, station wagons, and the sought-after convertible. 14 different solid color options were available for the 1955 Chevy, although most 1955 Chevrolets were sold with one of 23 popular two-tone color combinations.

The best-selling car in 1955, over 1,700,000 Chevrolets were produced that year. As a testament to its popularity, a ’55 Chevy was chosen as the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1955. While in 1954 Ford had dominated the market by selling 47 percent of all low-priced automobiles, the 1955 Chevy was a smashing success, exceeding Chevrolet’s sales record for any previous year. In fact, the 50 millionth GM automobile produced in the United States was a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

The popularity of the 1955 Chevrolet is thanks to its completely transformed look. With better performance and a shiny new look, the ’55 Chevy soon won over the hearts of America. The design introduced in the 1955 Chevrolet existed with minor alterations until the 1958 model year. The 1955 Chevy remains a popular choice more than fifty years after its introduction for car enthusiasts who lovingly restore the cars to their original condition or add modifications according to their personal tastes.

Tow trucks

Before the first tow trucks were designed, there was the “auto ambulance.” Simply a long iron bar with two wheels at one end and a hitch at the other end, the broken-down end of the car would be attached to this simple mechanism. Then the auto ambulance and the automobile would be hitched to a horse or another vehicle.

Gottlieb Daimler, a German automaker, is said to have designed the first tow truck in the late 1890’s, although several other amateur automakers also lay stake to that claim. In America, the first commercially available tow truck is said to be the 1917 Holmes truck. As the legend goes, in 1913 a Cadillac driver helped his friend retrieve a car using three poles, a pulley, and a chain hooked to the frame of his car. This took several hours and caused the Cadillac driver to come up with a better way to tow cars. Ernest Holmes, Sr., the driver of the Cadillac, patented his invention and began manufacturing and selling tow trucks. Today, Holmes remains an important manufacturer of tow trucks, and most modern tow trucks still use Holmes’ basic design.

Another famous manufacturer of tow trucks, Mack Trucks, was founded in 1900 in Brooklyn, New York. Many other manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Diamond T, Dodge, Federal, Ford, GMC, International, Jeep, Nash, Studebaker, and White had a role in the development of early tow trucks. In fact, Ford and several other manufacturers offered “towing packages” as additions to their regular line of vehicles, costing just a little more than their non-towing counterparts. Many other “tow trucks” were improvised designs with towing machinery built on top of passenger cars or trucks.

World War II saw an enormous increase in the number of tow trucks on the road. In fact, the Holmes Company alone supplied over seven thousand tow trucks during the war to Allied troops around the world; many of these same trucks made it back to the homefront where they were used to tow ordinary cars and trucks instead of tanks and armored vehicles. Some of these 1940’s trucks even lasted in daily use as late as the 1970’s before they were replaced with newer trucks.

Like passenger vehicles, early tow trucks lacked the horsepower we would consider adequate today. As the modern tow truck developed, it necessarily became larger and more powerful to handle towing modern vehicles. By the 1940’s, tow trucks were able to pull up to 15 tons. By 1960, a towing capacity of 30 tons became possible. Newer features include hydraulics, first used by Holmes in 1953 on their trucks and soon adapted by other major tow truck manufacturers. Other developments include a swivel mechanism to allow disabled vehicles to be pulled from any angle, making it easier to tow vehicles stuck in tight spots.

Today, tow trucks are a ubiquitous feature on the highway, often passing by unnoticed. Still, early tow trucks remain prized by collectors who restore them to their former glory.

The 1932 Ford roadster was in fact faster, more comfortable, and more refined than its Model A predecessor. There are actually two versions of the ’32 Ford, one with a four-cylinder engine and one with the new V-8 flathead, which offered more power. The four-cylinder model is known as the Model B, while the V-8 engine style earned the name Model 18. The Model 18, in fact, offered the first V8 engine to be commercially successful. This revolutionary engine gave the 1932 Ford immediate popularity with hot rodders in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and in fact this classic car remains popular today.

The basic styles in the 1932 model year included the “5-window” and the rarer “3-window,” which featured front-opening doors. The 1932 Ford came in a total of fourteen different body styles including roadster, cabriolet, coupe, sedan, Victoria, Phaeton, and several others, ranging from $460 to $650. Despite being introduced during the height of the Great Depression, the 1932 Ford brought reliable and affordable transportation to the masses. Known by many names, including the “Baby Lincoln”, the 1932 Ford helped establish the Ford name as a reliable and affordable luxury car make. Both practical and beautiful, the 1932 Ford became popular not only with car enthusiasts and hot rodders, but with everyday drivers.

The 1932 Ford has remained popular with hot rodders since its introduction, when a Deuce roadster could be found relatively inexpensively. Hundreds of these roadsters found their way to dirt oval track racing despite having only 65 horsepower. These simple cars were easily stripped down and modified for racing. Thousands of Deuce hot rods have been built over the years. Even today, the 1932 Ford remains a favorite for modification thanks to its classic lines and well though-out detailing. Today’s collectors enjoy restoring their ’32 Ford to its original condition and adding details in keeping with the design of the original ’32 model.

The popularity of the 1932 Ford, however, was not enough to keep a total revision at bay for the 1933 model year, which featured even sleeker lines and a longer body. Although these 1933 and 1934 models were more powerful and initially sold better than the Deuce, today the popularity of the 1932 Ford is unquestioned. Although in production for only a year, no other car is as popular among hot rodders as the 1932 Ford. Today, reproduction parts and even whole frames and bodies are available for any fan of the ’32 Ford to rebuild this classic car.

By the turn of the century, fire trucks took the form of horse-drawn or automobile versions with hand water pumps mounted on the back. The first fire engine was in fact used by the Cincinnati fire department in the 1850’s. These represented a big shift from earlier methods of fighting fires, including bucket lines. Still, they looked nothing like modern fire trucks or even those that would appear by 1900. Most fire engines of this era were found in urban cities Because of limited demand, fire trucks from 1900-1960 were usually limited to unique designs from local manufacturers.

Not only were there countless fire truck manufacturers, but there were also many competing fire departments in most cities of this early era. Until professional fire departments were developed, these volunteer brigades often fought against each other, trying to outdo each other by obtaining the biggest and best fire engines. Because red was the most expensive paint color, most crews ended up painting their trucks red, a tradition that stuck. The color red was also chosen because of the stark contrast with most early cars, which were black.

By the turn of the century, fire trucks became more and more necessary as many towns switched from volunteer to professional fire departments. Crowded cities required newer technology with efficient water pumps that were more mobile than previous steam-driven fire engines. Still, many smaller fire departments continued to use steam powered fire engines until as late as 1920. In fact, the term “fire truck” did not come to replace the earlier “fire engine” or “fire apparatus” until the 1930’s. However, by 1910 to 1920 motorized fire trucks became commonplace in most cities.

Many small companies still took part in the development of fire trucks once they were no longer steam-powered. By 1913, the Ahrens-Fox Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati became well-known for replacing horse-drawn fire engines with fire trucks. However, perhaps the most famous manufacturer of fire trucks is Mack Trucks, a company that began building fire trucks around 1911. With a characteristic snub-nosed hood, the Mack fire truck earned the name “Bull Dog” for its performance. Mack fire trucks were produced in one form or another all the way until 1990, making them one of the most recognizable types of vintage fire trucks.

By 1960, the roots of the modern fire truck could clearly be seen. 1950’s and 1960’s trucks came standard with modern water pumps. The 1930’s to the 1960’s also saw the development of an aerial ladder for reaching tall buildings. The longest aerial ladders have reached a height of 150 feet, sometimes even requiring their own trucks. Also during the 1960’s, the first diesel fire trucks were developed. Although the firefighters using most early fire trucks sat on the sides of the engines or even on the rear, modernized fire trucks included fully enclosed seats for the crew.

Choosing a pedal toy can help stimulate your child’s imagination. When buying one, don’t just automatically choose the classic hotrod car, although this style remains a very popular choice for good reason. Instead, consider your child’s interests. Would they have more fun with an airplane? How about a farm tractor? By choosing the version your child will be most interested in, you’ll help your creativity grow as they can act out the scenes in their imagination.

Your child will be overjoyed to find that you’ve purchased a pedal toy that exactly suits their interests. If your child is interested in airplanes, fire engines, or other forms of transportation, you can find a pedal car to allow them to act out their fantasies. Your child may prefer one of these styles over the classic car-style pedal car, although many children appreciate its classic hotrod styling. Today’s pedal toys come in many eye-catching styles, offering a complete lineup from which you can choose. Some are designed as small-scale replicas of real models of cars, trucks, planes or other forms of transportation, while others are fantasy designs. There are literally hundreds of different pedal toy versions from which you can choose.

Pedal toys allow young children to feel part of the grown-up world. They can pretend that they are driving to the store, piloting a plane, or hauling cars with their tow truck. These pretend-play activities are great for the development of young children’s minds. These classic toys are a great way to stimulate your child’s creativity. Consider the play activities your child usually enjoys the most, and find a pedal car in a style that will add to the experience. Your child will be able to act out many more scenes from their imagination with a pedal car styled to look like a racecar, plane, tractor, or other form of transportation.

While the first pedal cars were designed for boys and closely resembled their fathers’ cars, today’s pedal toys come in a much wider variety. Today’s ride-on toys are designed to fit every personality and interest. When choosing a pedal toy, one of your most important considerations will be the style of the toy. If you’re considering a pedal toy, make sure the style matches the toys and activities your child enjoys most. Luckily, nearly every style you can think of has been made in a pedal-toy style, making it easier to grant your child’s wish.

Soapbox cars are completely unpowered, relying on aerodynamics to propel them down the course using gravity. Modern cars can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour as they speed down the hill. With soapbox cars, one of the main design considerations is that the car is lightweight with a streamlined design.

Pedal cars have a set of pedals for your child to propel the car. These are typically raced by younger racers, and do not reach the same speeds as soapbox cars. Pedal car tracks do not typically involve the steep hills used to start a soapbox derby race. In both types of races, your child is responsible for steering the car down the course. If you are considering involving your child in soap box derbies, consider a pedal car to teach your young child the skills for soapbox racing. Both pedal car and soapbox racing can be great to prepare your child for other types of racing in the future.

Many children have a lot of fun racing their miniature car. Many cars are designed with sleek lines and detailed paint jobs, reminiscent of 1950’s and 1960’s hot rods and race cars. This streamlined styling can help the car be as fast as possible, but it is also a great stylistic choice. You can paint your car in any color, although classic candy or pearl colors remain the most popular. Bright primary colors have long been a favorite for pedal car and soapbox racing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own custom race car, give your child a chance by building a car for pedal car or soapbox racing. You can purchase them pre-built, or buy a kit for the fun of doing it yourself. Although there are some specifications for the design of the car, many aspects are left open to you, making the cars as varied as the people who design and build them. You can even involve your children in the building process; this can be a great parent-child bonding experience.

The Soap Box Derby youth racing program has been run in the United States since 1934. Pedal car racing began soon after, at the height of pedal car popularity. Both versions were especially popular during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Today, pedal car and soapbox racing competitions are conducted in many local communities, both in the United States and internationally. This can be a fun adventure for many young children, either on their own or as the precursor for other forms of racing. Each year, national championships are also conducted for the local winners. Pedal car racing or soap box derbies can be a great way to introduce your child to the world of racing.

Although pedal cars were first produced as the first real cars were reaching the market, reached their height in popularity in the 1930’s and the 1960’s, exactly when hot rod cars became popular in the car market. The first pedal cars were shaped like the Model T car these children’s fathers drove, and were designed to allow young boys to be able to mimic their dads’ driving. During the height of popularity for both the pedal car and hot rods, designing hot rod pedal cars made sense. Even if their parents could not afford a real hot rod car, they could afford one in pedal car size for their children. As more and more families could afford real automobiles following the World War II, they also purchased pedal car versions for their children. The designs of pedal cars closely followed that of real cars during the decades of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Today, hot rod pedal cars make good sense because their classic styling will always be popular. Since pedal cars are built to withstand generations, these classic models will always seem timely. Pedal cars are still being made in hot rod styles for today’s parents and grandparents to buy, introducing a new generation to the hot rod style. Many of the most popular models from a generation or two ago are even being reproduced, allowing today’s children to enjoy the exact same style of hot rod pedal car their parents may have had as children.

These pedal car versions were produced in a wide array of styles and colors. Many were modeled after real car makes, although a few were fantasy hot-rod style designs. Pedal cars modeled after hot rods don’t just include the car’s sleek lines. These details allow children to pretend that they are driving a real hot rod car. Whether modeled after a specific car or a generic hot-rod type, these child-size cars often include chrome details, special paint like racing stripes or flames, working horns, and side-view mirrors. In classic paint colors, including candies and pearls, these cars are sure to please both children and the adults who remember the real versions of the car.  A distinctive paint scheme, after all, is one of the hallmarks of a classic hot rod car.

Many children of previous generations enjoyed hot rod-style pedal cars because they looked just like their fathers’ cars. While this is not usually the case today, children still enjoy the classic lines of a hot rod pedal car. Their bright colors and sleek designs are sure to please many young children. Although there are many other types of pedal cars available today, the classic hot rod remains the most popular choice.

Toys that stimulate your child’s imagination, like pedal cars, allow your child to pretend that they are in their own world. Helping your child’s imagination develop is an often-overlooked function of many toys. Pedal toys, especially those shaped like tractors, airplanes, or racecars, can help your child’s mind grow as they engage in role-play activities using their own creativity.

Ride-on toys such as these can also help improve your child’s hand-eye coordination as they navigate the sidewalks and driveways in their pedal car. Although we may take these skills for granted, be aware that your young child may not have the hand-eye coordination that many adults expect from them. A pedal car can be a great way to develop these skills.

Plus, your child will learn driving and steering skills which will be useful later in life. They’ll be able to pretend that they are in a grown-up world as they cruise around in their car. Pedal cars are designed to be easy to steer, making it easy for your youngster to learn how to steer it correctly. Your child will need to consider the size and shape of the pedal car in relation to its surroundings as they steer around obstacles. Many even come with accessories to mimic real-life, like a hand brake, horn, or side mirrors.

In the short-term, giving young children a pedal car can help prepare them for learning how to ride a bike. In fact, many parents choose a pedal car for their child because he or she is not quite old enough for a bicycle; pedal cars are a great way to develop your child’s skills in preparation for learning how to ride a bike. If you’ve seen a child struggle while learning how to ride and steer a bicycle, then you will surely understand the importance of giving a young child a ride-on toy to develop these skills early.

Not only will pedal cars help your child’s mental development, but ride-on toys help your child’s physical development as well. They are ideal for youngsters who are quickly developing control over their muscles. Ride-on toys, which are powered by your child’s feet in a similar manner to a bicycle, provide great exercise to develop your child’s muscles.

The ages between 3 and 6, when most children will be the right size for a pedal car, are some of the most important of their developmental years. Because toys are an integral part of a child’s world, be sure that you are choosing educational toys that will aid in their developmental development. It’s important to choose toys that are not only fun, but also functional. Pedal cars are a traditional toy that will empower your child to explore their imaginary worlds while developing important skills. Like many traditional toys, ride-on toys provide a well-rounded play experience, combining fun with critical areas of childhood growth and development.

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