Vintage Steelcraft Fire Chief Pedal Car

Vibrant, sleek and full of character, this vintage pedal car was once the prized possession of children all across America. A popular toy since the late 19th century, pedal cars experienced a massive boom in the postwar era, becoming a staple product in the Sears catalog and in toy stores nationwide. This particular pedal car is the 1941 Steelcraft Chrysler "Fire Chief" model. The child-size fire truck was created by the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company, one of the leading manufacturers for pedal cars at the time. Originally founded in 1919 to produce fenders, fuel tanks, and other automobile parts, the company opened a dedicated plant for pedal cars and other steel toys in 1924, which were marketed under the Steelcraft name through the late 1940s.

The small red car is crafted of steel with smooth contours and charming details, including a faux grille and headlights, a windscreen, and a hood ornament of a bell. The wheels are finished with pressed steel hubcaps and solid rubber tires that show some wear. The rear wheels are driven by twin foot pedals, which also provide braking when back-pedaled. With time, this pedal car has developed a worn texture and rich patina, a testament to years of childhood memories.