History
Pedal car interest has grown in the past few years to an almost unbelievable
level. It is now one of the most desirable, fastest appreciating collectibles to
be found today. As well as a Childs, it has also now become an adult toy.
There were five well known early manufacturers of pedal cars: American National,
Gendron, Steelcraft, Garton and Toledo wheel. Deluxe pedal cars were bought by
the wealthy in the 1920's and 1930's, making it very difficult to find one in
really good condition. Some full size car collectors, are selling their
collections, and going into pedal car collecting, since there is no maintenance
to pedal cars.
Pedal cars of the 1920's and 1930's era are a big part of our history. They have
moved from sidewalks into our living rooms for decorating, displays etc. They
are nice to admire under the Christmas tree, in the dining room or in the hall.
Wherever you place your car, it will always attract the attention of others, and
become a focal point of conversation.
Of course, the very early models are expensive to buy because of their history,
much the same as any classic car, but there are now many models available in
reproduction format, often built to the exact specification, and quality of
their counterpart models.
Take a look at the following list of some of our distinctive range of pedal
products, which gives you the year when the originals were first available and
current approximate value, (if you can find one).
1. 1940 Silver Pursuit Plane €1800.00
2. 1942 Shark Attack Plane €1950.00
3. 1941 Sports Racer €2400.00
4. 1960 Giordani Racer €3750.00
5.1949 Comet €1350.00
6.1930 Sad Faced Fire Engine €2250.00
7. 1948 Comet (Pink & Blue) €1825.00
8. 1955 Chevrolet €1500.00
9. 1930 Trike €2700.00
10. 1922 Model T Ford €2550.00
The difference of course is the price. What will cost you around one thousand
pounds plus for an original, that may require some work, can now be purchased
for around three to four hundred euros, and of course it comes brand new in the
box. Inevitably, the pedal car of your choice, will appreciate, and eventually
gain the appreciative value of the listed cars above. Hence, the popularity of
pedal cars in the twentieth century. Very little investment, for maximum
inflation values.
Of course, not everyone is buying to collect. Most of our customers are grown
up's buying for their children, wanting a different, stylish and solid all metal
ride on toy for the receiving child. Nowadays, you can buy just about anything
that is powered by batteries, in turn giving the child no exercise, but with
this range available, they have to work a little to get anywhere at all. No harm
in that!!
The manufacture of our range is very meticulous to say the least. All cars have
lead free powder coating to ensure maximum safety standard certificates. The
powder coat is much thicker than cellulose paint, giving longer life in general
to the main body. Heavy gauge steel is used; again you have to hit them hard to
dent the shell. All the chrome is of a very high standard, with no sharp edges.
Tyres are solid rubber duralast effect, once again ensuring longer life. Most of
the cars and planes even have solid and sealed pressed bearings associated with
the running gear for a smooth ride.
The bodies are all "step through", enabling the child to rest his or hers feet
on the ground if necessary, and the paintwork is also to the full underside of
the car. Steering wheels are all chromed metal, and the steering racks are metal
also. Axles are strong, same as the solid disc wheels on all except the Retro
Racer's which are pressed steel wire effect. Turn the car upside down, and there
is a strong chassis, base seat and pedal mechanism. The pedals themselves, apart
from the planes and again the Retro Racer's, are solid rubber ensuring good
grip. The Racer's do not have this effect, because the pedals are designed
slightly differently, just like the originals. Everything is bolted together
with nylon nuts to ensure nothing comes apart. In short, the range is high
quality, all steel, strong and versatile. They are also fun, for the adult or
the child, which is of course most important to any buyer. A little bit of
history, to sit and pedal wherever you choose to display. The photographs
associated with this information page, give you a real insight to how we put the
cars together, and I sincerely hope you find everything contained useful in
helping you to make your final decision.
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