PEDAL AWAY IN A CLASSIC CAR - 04 December 2002
They may be only 2ft high and travel at 5mph, but an old-fashioned mode of transport is back with a boom.Sports car salesman Richard Adams originally bought the pedal toys to brighten up his forecourt.After being overwhelmed by the interest, he set up the Pedal Car Company in Redfield, Bristol, two months ago.He has already sold an astonishing 800 models.
He believes the success of the mini cars, which date to the early 19th century, is a backlash against cheap and tacky toys. He said: "People are sick of buying plastic goods which fall to pieces."
These will last at least 20 or 30 years. They are very strong with wheels made of steel."
They also provide kids with exercise, which is fairly uncommon with modern toys.
"The toys are based on classic models made in the last century, including Sedans, Jalopies, Roadsters and Model Ts. There is also a range of pedal aeroplanes, such as the Red Baron and Shark Attack.An original model of a Retro Racer, made in 1958, recently sold for £2,400 and Richard believes the new cars could become collectors' items.He said: "The response from customers is delightful."It's not just children either, plenty of adults buy them for themselves. A 60-year-old woman bought one and asked if we could hang it on her wall."
The company is the only importer of the cars in Europe. It buys the models from the US, China and Korea. It has 2,000 on order and 100 pre-booked.Prices range from £139 to £399. For more information telephone 0117 955 8686.
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