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1950s Pedal Cars

Pedal cars, or "ride on" cars as they are sometimes known, have been around almost as long as their full-size counterparts. It wasn't until the 1950s, however, that they became widely available at a price that was affordable for the average family. Built from pressed steel, many of these pedal cars had working lights and adjustable windshields, as well as the chrome trim and vibrant enamel paintwork that made automobiles such style icons of the day. The heyday of the steel pedal car lasted until the latter half of the 1960s, when they were gradually phased out in favor of mold-injected plastic models.

Austin (Great Britain)
- In Great Britain, one manufacturer of the mass-produced steel pedal car was Austin Motor Works. Starting in 1950 and continuing in production until 1971, the Austin J40 was built in the Austin Junior Car Factory by disabled miners and exported all around the world. Early examples can be tough pedaling, because they are made from heavy gauge steel (actual offcuts from the A40 Devon saloon.)They also have a somewhat dangerous "Flying A" hood mascot. As well as the J40, Austin made the Pathfinder, a 1930s-inspired single seat racer.
Murray (United States)
- Operating out of Cleveland, Ohio, Murray were a prolific manufacturer of steel pedal cars throughout the 1950s and well into the 1960s. During this time, Murray stayed on trend with changes in the automobile industry, from its curvaceous Buick Torpedo to the progressively straight-lined Champion and Sad Face models of the mid-1950s to the downright angular Flat Face model that ended the decade. Neither the Sad Face nor the Flat Face were made to imitate any specific car. These models came in different versions such as fire truck, station wagon and sedan. Murray also manufactured pedal boats and airplanes. All of the company's post-1948 wares were marked with "Murray" or "Murray, Ohio."
Cyclops (Australia)
- Interest in pedal cars wasn't limited to the United States and Britain. In Australia, where imports were restricted, the firm Cyclops stepped into the breach with a series of U.S.-inspired models, such as the Comet, originally called the Chevrolet, and the Ford Clipper. Cyclops also produced a crash wagon with a crane mounted on the rear.

Collecting Vintage Toys