Remember that age when you weren’t quite old enough to handle a bicycle, but still wanted to cruise around the neighborhood? Well, back in the 70s, kids had two superb forms of tyke-friendly transportation to choose from, and these trusty vehicles served entire generations of children-on-the-go. We thought we would take a look at both of these iconic pedal-powered toys that were once parked in front of millions of houses across the country.
First, we’ll go ahead and tip our hat to Ray Lohr, the creator of the beloved plastic tricycle known as the Big Wheel. Looking like a miniature chopper, the Big Wheel sported high handlebars, complete with streamers, an adjustable seat, and rugged plastic wheels that made an unmistakable sound as they scraped against the pavement. You always knew when a Big Wheel was headed your way. Let’s take a look:
Throughout the first half of the 70s, the Big Wheel stood unchallenged in the plastic vehicle category. Then, in 1975, Marx decided that perhaps their top-selling toy could use a little competition, so they unveiled a lime-green contraption called the Green Machine. Boasting superior maneuverability, the Green Machine became the vehicle of choice for every future daredevil out there. Considerably longer than the Big Wheel, the Green Machine departed from its predecessor’s front-wheel drive, in favor of two big handles that served to control the rear axle. The result was some serious spinning capabilities. Let’s see the Green Machine in action:
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