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The Fascination of the Pedal Car Pedal car, juvenile automobiles, pedal cars, peddle cars, play vehicles, wheel goods, and kiddie cars-all are names that have been used to describe a group of pedal powered toy vehicles that were ridden and enjoyed by children, especially in the United States.
A modest number of lucky individuals are lucky enough to remember having a pedal car as a child or playing with pedal cars at a friend’s house. Others can recall merely pressing their noses against a storefront window many years ago to get a better view of a shiny new pedal car.
“Pedal car” usually refers to a child’s toy vehicle with pedals, wheels, tires, axels, body and steering assembly. Pedal cars were designed for heavy play outdoors and many were treated roughly or left to the elements year round, which accounts for the less than pristine condition that most are in today. Scores of pedal cars underwent “backyard restorations” that altered their original appearance.
Geared to children 2-6 years of age, pedal cars were pedaled around on sidewalks, alleys and driveways all across the United States. Prior to 1940, Peddle cars were purchased largely by wealthy parents for their children. These “Rich kids” lived mainly in sprawling homes near large cities. At one time the exclusive subdivisions of Beverly Hills, Long Island, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, and many other cities were pockets of activity for kids and they pedal cars.
Once it was every red-blooded American kid’s dream to have his or her very own pedal car; today many adults have the same desire. Pedal car enthusiasts are of all ages and occupations. Over the past several years, various companies have been formed with the soul purpose of providing parts and restorations for pedal cars.
What makes pedal cars so fascinating to children and adults alike? It may stem from the attraction people have always had to the automobile. This interest in the automobile begins at an early age. As anyone who has raised a child can tell you, babies are very curious about cars. They reach for the keys, try to turn the steering wheel, grab the gearshift lever, and push on the horn button. It’s usually at a slightly older age, between two and three, that many children get their first glimpse of a pedal car. When little children see a pedal car for the first time, they do a double take. Their eyes can not believe what they are seeing – a little car just their size. Next comes a mad dash to climb into this new plaything! Once inside they proceed to try everything out. excerpt from: Pedal Car Restoration and Price Guide by Andrew G. Gurka
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