1965 Mustang Pedal Cars

The 1965 Mustang pedal car is among the most popular pedal cars ever. Originally built by AMF for Ford, the Mustang pedal car was produced from 1965 to 1972. Today, these original models command premium prices, especially in original or restored conditions. Over 93,000 pedal versions of the 1965 Mustang were sold in its first year; the pedal toy was as much of a runaway hit as the real version. Originally designed as an advertising promotion, it was sold in Ford Dealerships around the United States for a discounted price of just $12.95 per car, and in toy stores for $25, about the going price of a pedal car during that era.

For more than 30 years, no steel Mustang pedal toys were being produced. During this time, steel gave way to plastic for the manufacturing of ride-on toys, leading the initial manufacturer, AMF, to sell the tools for making the cars. These newer pedal toys had a cartoon-like aesthetic and were generally designed to be fantasy cars, not modeled after a specific real-life car. They lacked the realistic details of such models as the 1965 Mustang and other popular pedal toys designed after real car models.

The design for the 1965 Mustang pedal toy remained unused for over twenty years until it was rediscovered in Mexico in 2004 by Mark Luzaich, owner of pedal car manufacturer Warehouse 36. After re-discovering the original tooling for the AMF Mustang, the original design is again being produced today, over forty years since its original release. This steel car uses the exact same design as the famous 1965 Mustang pedal toy of the 1960's and early 1970's, with all of the original tooling, down to the Mustang horse on the front grille. The first cars of this new wave were produced in 2005, timed to coincide with the redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang. Because they are made of steel, not plastic, they are built to withstand generations of children.

These authentic pedal toys are coveted by collectors who can't get their hands on one of the originals. Not only pedal car collectors, but also fans of the real 1965 Ford Mustang car, enjoy this new version. These attention-getting models also make great gifts for a new generation of children. They are loved by car lovers of all ages, kids and adults alike, who enjoy the styling of this classic car.

Today's version of the AMF 1965 Mustang features all of the original details, including chromed hubcaps, that made the original version of the '65 Mustang one of the most popular pedal toys ever. Despite the numerous changes in standards for children's toys since the 1960, this new version features an identical exterior, with Mustang markings on the body, all-steel construction, and a clear windshield. In fact, many have noted that the only difference between the 1960's version and today's version is the price, which has increased due to inflation. Today, these nostalgic cars are produced in red or blue, and are fully licensed by Ford.