Home >> Toys >> Toy Vehicles

When Was the Red Radio Flyer Wagon Invented?

Radio Flyer is an American icon, producing classic toys for many years. It was originally called the Liberty Coaster Manufacturing Company, named after the Statue of Liberty. In 1917 Antonio Pasin, who came to America from Venice, began making wooden wagons--the first of which was called the No. 4 Liberty Coaster.

The First Classic Red Radio Flyer Wagon
- The classic red Radio Flyer wagon was first produced in 1930, when the company started using the process of making metal-stamped steel wagons. It sold for less than $3. At that time, the company changed their name to Radio Steel &Manufacturing.
During World War II
- From 1942 to 1945, Radio Flyer stopped production of wagons in order to produce "Blitz Cans" for the war. These were five-gallon containers used to carry fuel and water for the troops.
Additional Products
- As the years went by and their success continued, the company expanded to include additional toys such as scooters, the "Ski Sled," "Big Mag Slicks," the "Motocross" bike (a tricycle) and even wheelbarrows.
Chicago World's Fair
- Radio Steel was invited to participate in the World's Fair "Century in Progress" held in Chicago in 1933. Their exhibit featured a 45-foot-tall Coaster Boy.
Hall of Fame
- The original red Radio Flyer classic wagon is now in The National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play.

Toy Vehicles