Pedal car history goes back to the 1890’s when toy makers took their cue from real cars on the road.
At the turn of the century, the cost meant that these cars were playthings for only wealthy families especially with many families reeling from the financial devastation of The Great Depression.
No pedal cars were produced in the mid-1940’s when all metal production was directed to the World War II effort.
Pedal cars experienced a comeback in the 1950’s to 1960’s with chain-driven models.
With postwar prosperity in the 1950’s, pedal cars grew more popular and were available in all major stores. From the early 1920’s through the late 1960’s, pedal cars, like automobiles, were produced in many different models and colors.
Designed to incorporate the most current trends of the automotive world, some of the best pedal cars featured working lights and horns, moveable windshields and ragtops, chrome detailing and hood ornaments, and white wall tires and custom paint jobs.
For more pedal cars and other cool retro kids Holiday gifts, check out our gift guide!
