1935 Steelcraft Pontiac Pedal Car

Knowing the name of the maker of any collectible or antique adds value, but sometimes a name creates a mystery. There are many vintage children's toys marked “Steelcraft,” but books or online searches don't quickly turn up the history of the mark. These toys were made by Murray Ohio Manufacturing Co., a Cleveland firm that opened in 1919 to make parts for that recent invention, the automobile. By 1923, Murray also was making toy cars using the steel and production methods it used to manufacture full-size car parts. The toys were marketed as Steelcraft Wheel Goods. This diversity helped Murray survive the Depression. The company's pedal cars, airplanes, coaster wagons, bicycles and smaller wheeled toys were marked “Steelcraft,” the identification seen by today's collector.

For consignment, a child's toy for the wealthy, now concours restored collectible in the form of a 1935 Steelcraft Pontiac. This wonderful example comes with its matching Mullins utility trailer, a classic fender and running board design, and a wonderfully shiny front waterfall grille. They say the devil is in the details and this example has been painstakingly restored to heavenly standards. The total “set” is available for the playing.

Bolt on fenders with running boards in deep black paint flank a waterfall grille that curves around the front of the top cowl dubbed the “Silver Streak trim” is topped by a 1935 Pontiac Chief hood ornament taking from the newly discovered Art Deco movement which was all the rage in the mid 1930's. Deep maroon paint drapes all the pristine metal laser straight surfaces and has some gold accenting and pinstriping surrounding the chrome bling. The headlights are operating and do so with D cell batteries. Have a gander at the front windshield which has actual glass, is beautifully chromed on the framing, and even sports side glass “wings”. Plenty of horizontal ribbed accenting, just perfect chromed mini bumpers, and red steel wheels with center chromed dog dish styled covers are wrapped in wide whites on all 4 corners. Even an actual convertible top is on this car under the tonneau cover on back. The matching trailer has an aerodynamic design and is a rare accessory with a mere 200 produced between 1935 and 1937. This trailer does not have a straight line on it and is presenting just wonderfully in its concours finish.

Not to be outdone by the exterior the leather stitched tuck and roll pattern seat and tonneau covering are looking very authentic and near perfect. Fronting the unique painted on instrument dash which is brushed stainless is an amazing chromed steering wheel. Just the attention to the detail for the painted on instruments is fascinating and is a tribute to the handmade quality of these pedal car collectibles. The headlight switch is to “peddler's” right. Mechanicals are all buttoned up and show little to absolutely no wear. Another 10 of 10 on the concours judging sheet!

This example is truly the creme de la creme when it comes to the details and all for the sake of childhood enjoyment. The waterfall chromed grille, working headlights and convertible top, actual upholstered seating and glass windshield with wings is simply amazing. This car holds special sentimental value for the consigner as he is a serious Pontiac collector having one of the finest collections of Pontiac Hood ornaments in the country, so this reminds him of his childhood growing up in the motor city. Hail to the Chief!!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.