The Journey of the Antique Pedal Car
Nick Besson

Defined Tag: Antique Pedal Cars.

Antique pedal cars differ from other antique cars by being more than 25 years old, as they represent some pretty old technology. They are obviously far more costly than usual antique cars, and are often highly sought for their quaintness and rarity. It is generally assumed that appreciation values increase by a factor of 15-20 times per 20 years of age, and also taking into account the model, rarity, and condition.

Let's take a trip in time to the antique pedal car of the 1800's. The pedal car evolved from being built with scraps around the house into a commercially manufactured car to play with. Pedal cars were played with by rich and poor kids, with the difference being in either homemade pedal cars versus high quality manufactured pedal cars.

The design of pedal cars has followed the decades often reflecting the romantic notions of the time about full size cars. The 1920's era saw heavier and larger toy cars. While in the 1940's there were manufacturers that hired regular full size automobile designers for creating pedal car designs that were streamlined and speedy. By the 50's these toy pedal cars were so popular that they were usually visible in some form of advertisement. With sadness though, in the 1970's the ever lasting metal pedal car was replaced by - plastic ones.

Nowadays, antique pedal cars are manufactured again, albeit as full scale replicas made of steel. There are wonderful styles full of detail that match the original pedal cars that are being produced today. They are being made in many forms, and not just as cars.

The nice part about these antique pedal cars is the fact that they bring back evocative memories of yore. Back in the good old 20s to 50s. There are people who still remember what it was like having these cars around. Antique cars like these bring back memories of that first toy car, even though they might have been just toys. As kids now play with modern toy cars, the folks back then played with toy cars that were replicas of the cars back then. These toys were as coveted back then, as they are today. So much so, that people are now buying these sturdy creations for their kids today.

Antique pedal cars as toy replicas

These antique toys are made to last from generation to generation, even as family heirlooms in some cases.From an antique collectors point of view, they can also become substitutes for the real thing since most people would not be able to afford the price of a full scale antique pedal car.

Don't be surprised to know many adults buy such "toy cars." Toy collectors buy them, kids buy them, and some grandpas buy them too. The reason? Sentimental and collectors value. With the fun involved, and the fire truck bells or the fast moving sleek race car, you might find yourself longing for some playtime of your own.

So, if you can't afford a real, full scale antique pedal car, there is always the option of going for a toy replica. Costing just a fraction of the original, they can also appreciate in value, if given enough time, and if they are the "limited edition" models. So why not treat yourself to some good old fashioned antique toy cars instead?

Nick Besson is an antique lover who likes researching and collecting antiques. He has been collecting antiques for a decade now, and also writes articles on antiques for websites.