Comprehensive Assemblage: October 2018
In the world of children's toys, few have captured the imagination quite like pedal cars. These miniature replicas of real automobiles have been a source of potent allure due to their nostalgia and charm, and now, visitors to the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, Illinois, can experience the magic of pedal cars firsthand with the new "Pedal Power!" exhibit.
The exhibit, located on the third floor of the Dolan-Behr Gallery, is a customized display of pedal cars that span more than a century of history. The collection, which is on exhibit until March 10, 2020, showcases pedal cars from both the United States and the United Kingdom, providing a fascinating look at the evolution of these vehicles and their cultural significance.
Pedal cars first emerged as child-sized replicas of the full-sized cars that were becoming increasingly common in the early 1900s. They served both as toys and as a way for children to develop motor skills and car operation familiarity. Many early pedal cars were modeled after popular automobile brands of the time, reflecting the prominent designs and manufacturers in the automotive industry.
In the United States, the development of pedal cars paralleled the rise of major car manufacturers like Oldsmobile (est. 1897) and the Hudson Motor Car Company (1909–1954). While these companies focused on real automobiles, pedal car manufacturers often took inspiration from their designs. A notable early example is the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, which was the first mass-produced car in America around 1902 and served as a styling influence for many pedal cars.
In the UK, similar trends occurred with pedal cars reflecting local and American automobile styles. The British interest in automobiles, like the Hudson and Essex models introduced to the UK starting in 1911, also influenced children's pedal cars. One of the notable figures contributing indirectly to pedal car-like vehicles was Lawrence Bond, designer of the Mini, who also contributed to lightweight car designs, highlighting British interest in compact and accessible vehicle concepts.
Manufacturers shifted over time from purely pedal-powered models to incorporating battery or electric assist, as seen later with the Sinclair C5, a tiny, electrically assisted pedal tricycle with a plastic single-seat body, designed for short-distance commuting rather than play but reflecting a modern pedal-car-like concept combining pedal power with electric assistance.
Today, vintage pedal cars and replicas are prized by collectors and enthusiasts as nostalgic items that reflect early automotive history and children’s toys. The "Pedal Power!" exhibit at the McLean County Museum of History offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in this rich history and experience the charm of these iconic vehicles.
For more information about the history of pedal cars, visit www.95customs.com/a-brief-history-of-the-pedal-car. The "Pedal Power!" exhibit is reprinted with permission by the McLean County Museum of History. Don't miss your chance to step back in time and explore the world of pedal cars at the McLean County Museum of History. The exhibit is expected to run for a two-year period starting from Saturday.
The "Pedal Power!" exhibit at the McLean County Museum of History offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in more than a century of pedal car history, showcasing how these iconic vehicles have reflected both lifestyle and home-and-garden trends. The collection, which includes vehicles from both the United States and the United Kingdom, showcases how pedal cars have evolved alongside real automobiles, enhancing not only children's playtime but also home decorations.
