Measuring in at just over a yard in length, this 1932 Ford Roadster replica pedal-car might be the coolest child’s toy ever, at least based on the cost per square inch. For only $250, your son or daughter can be way more stylish than their peers who are driving around the neighborhood in a Little Tykes Cozy Coupe, or even a Big Wheel, if they still make those. With no electronics, batteries, or computer chips to fail, this is old-school fun that’s unlikely to break down or require much maintenance, and a gift that’s likely to please far beyond the day after Christmas. This novelty can be spotted here on Craigslist in Palm Desert, California, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for his thoughtful tip here!
The seller informs us that this is a Ford-licensed reproduction and says it was purchased at the Street Rod Nationals in Del Mar, California, in 1975. A plaque on the dash also commemorates this event, indicating that production was by the NSRA, the National Street Rod Association. According to the gauges, your child will think they’re traveling at just over 55 MPH down your driveway, with the imaginary engine turning slightly under 2,500 RPM. The entire cabin is only about 18 inches front-to-back, which is sad, because I’d also enjoy getting behind the chrome steering wheel and operating those pedals.
In true ’32 iconic Street Rod fashion, the steel body features colorful flames up front, and the car’s overall condition outside appears quite good, although there are a few light scratches here and there. The louvered hood is also a classy touch, and I believe the “Mr. Big Stuff” painted on the side may be a reference to the song of the same name, a one-hit-wonder by Stax recording artist Jean Knight in 1971.
This one’s probably yard-worthy as is, with the steering reportedly operating properly and the tires stated to be good. It’s fortunate for my wife that this is located nearly 2,000 miles away, as I’d probably be headed to the ATM this morning and bringing it back to take up space in our already crowded garage if it were close. For those near the Golden State, I’m having trouble thinking of very many reasons not to invest $250 to own this 1932 Ford Roadster replica pedal car, for your child, yourself, or both. How about you?
Well, coming from someone who would still prefer 2 tin cans and a string for communication, I can say without reservation, ANY kind would love this. While todays world has destroyed our imagination, but children still possess an innocence, where imagination can still fuel a days worth of fun, and it starts right here. My 1st car was a peddle car, a Murray, I think, that I painted with my hands, or so my mom said. Pedal cars, often smaller cars “just like dads”, had a specific, yet underlying devious purpose from automakers,, get the kid on 4 wheels, PRONTO!!
Any “kid” would like this, possibly showing them how simple life could be, and I realize the irony of the “tin can and string” thing, while typing on a laptop, so don’t bother pointing that out,, :)
Hey Howard, did you catch Non Sequitur in the comics this morning?
My wife and I got our oldest granddaughter a ‘Model T,’ in pink ?!?!? I didn’t choose the color. It didn’t get used a lot because the kids’ driveway was too short and when they moved it was too steep. We eventually got it back and it’s in storage, waiting for another time when we can give it to someone who will really use it…
This is just neat!!! I love it. And if I had a garage, or grandchildren I’d want this. I’m truly hoping some future little motorist will have some fun with this pedal car, as it was intended.
Hmmm….. I wonder if the body is genuine Henry Ford Steel?
And kudos to the seller for a realistic price too. ( At least in my opinion. )
I will stick with my 1986 Ford Escort white hatchback 4 speed, radio delete.
Top speed and quarter mile times are probably quite similar.
Same comment. different day, mr. atlas.
I’m doubtful this is as old as suggested in the ad. The NSRA plaque looks like something that would have been part of an award, that at some point in time was removed at trimmed to fit the dash. There are other wear items that don’t look 50 years old.
If you Google pedal car, there are many of a similar size, including “hot rods” from Summit and Speedway, brand new in the $200-250 range, even FAO Schwartz has a speedster for under $300.
Steve R
If your kid or grandchild likes it, just buy it. I don’t think that are going to worry too much if it is legit or not.
Every ‘32 needs a flathead, in this case I’d install a flathead Briggs & Stratton, hi compression polished head, oversized carb and a glass pack muffler. Maybe a peerless 4 speed transaxle. Haven’t thought about brakes yet.
I thought Florida was the sunshine state
Yes- thanks for the heads-up on that!
Finally a reasonable price for an “antique” car!
I like how the ad states “Odometer broken”.
I know it is sacrilege, but can’t help but think what a cool mailbox it would make. Since my only grandchild is already too big for this.
Put a Chevy 350 in it. Yeah.
Well, Mike, if you wanted this little pedal car, it’s gone. It looks to be snatched up already. Too bad. On the bright side, seeing how fast this little hot rod vanished, anybody with some business sense and metalworking ability might be able to take advantage of what looks to be a market nitche that could be lucrative.
There are several already on the market starting around $200. Google pedal car and you will find them.
Steve R
When I was kid, my Uncle built me a pedal bi-plane to match the actual Steen Sky Bolt bi-plane that he built for himself. I also had a John Deere pedal tractor (made by Ertl, not custom made by my Uncle). I’m 27 now but I still have both of them.