| Classic pedal cars have remained a favorite with | | | | expensive than a restored car. When purchasing a |
| collectors ever since the original craze of the 1950's | | | | vintage pedal toy, the number one determinant of |
| and 1960's. Most of today's collectors remember their | | | | price is condition, although the rarity of the specific |
| own pedal toys from their childhood, and want to | | | | model can also affect its desirability. Like most |
| collect pedal toys to remember their childhood. | | | | collectibles, being as close to the original condition as |
| Others collect pedal toys because they are smaller | | | | possible can increase the price dramatically. |
| and less expensive versions of real classic cars, | | | | Non-restored vintage pedal cars can be found |
| making them easier to collect for car enthusiasts. | | | | anywhere from a hundred dollars to a thousand |
| For a time in the 1970's and 1980's, none of these | | | | dollars depending on the condition and desirability of |
| steel toys could be purchased at all, as they had all | | | | the model. If you want to be a serious pedal toy |
| been replaced by plastic cars. Today, steel pedal toys | | | | collector, research the various popular makers and |
| built just like the classic styles are available for both | | | | models, so you know what makes a car desirable in |
| young children and adult collectors. Other new | | | | the pedal car collector market. |
| introductions include a very popular line of Hallmark | | | | Some collectors enjoy purchasing vintage pedal cars |
| ornaments designed to look just like these classic | | | | as restoration projects, using new-old-stock or |
| toys. This can be a great way to enjoy a collection | | | | reproduction parts to bring their cars back to their |
| without having to find a way to display and store | | | | former glory. On the other hand, purchasing restored |
| several large pedal toys. | | | | versions can offer the best of both worlds: an |
| Showing off a collection can be quite challenging, | | | | authentic vintage pedal car, with the shiny paint and |
| especially if you have more than a handful. Most | | | | exquisite detailing offered by a reproduction version. |
| serious collectors end up dedicating a room of their | | | | Professional restorations usually include a new paint |
| home, or their garage, to the hobby. | | | | job, sometimes much more complicated than the |
| Many adult collectors also enjoy collecting the original | | | | original color scheme. |
| cars, today up to fifty or sixty years old. Though | | | | When collecting pedal toys, some collectors choose |
| most show significant wear due to generations of | | | | to focus on a particular niche, such as fire trucks, |
| children, restored versions can cost thousands of | | | | airplanes, or hot rod cars. Most collectors simply |
| dollars when sold at auction. | | | | choose the models that they like, whichever they |
| For most collectors, the major decision is whether to | | | | may be. Although your own preferences will and |
| focus on vintage cars, restored cars, new models, or | | | | should influence your choices, remember that |
| a combination. New versions or worn pedal cars that | | | | collecting pedal cars can also be a wise investment. |
| have not yet been refurbished can be quite less | | | | |