Vintage 1950’s and 1960s steel pedal Jeeps and military-style toy cars have become increasingly sought-after collectors’ items in New Zealand, appealing to enthusiasts of classic motoring, vintage toys and military memorabilia alike.

Built during an era when children’s toys were made to last, these charming miniature vehicles often featured pressed-steel bodies, simple mechanical steering, pedal-powered drivetrains and styling inspired by the legendary Willys Jeep. Their rugged construction, distinctive appearance and nostalgic appeal make them wonderful reminders of a bygone era, when owning a miniature motor car was the dream of many young children.

Today, surviving examples are priced for their character, originality and historical significance, particularly those retaining their original paintwork, wheels, steering mechanisms and period fittings.

Unlike modern plastic toys, these early steel pedal cars possess a craftsmanship and authenticity that collectors increasingly appreciate. In New Zealand, where relatively few original examples have survived decades of enthusiastic childhood use, well-preserved vehicles can be especially desirable. Whether displayed alongside full-sized classics, incorporated into a motoring collection or simply admired as a nostalgic piece of childhood history, these delightful miniature Jeeps represent a fascinating and increasingly collectible chapter of motoring heritage.

• Era: Circa 1950’s / 1960s – when toys were built from steel, not plastic.

• Body Construction: Traditional pressed-steel bodywork with classic Jeep styling.

• Engine: 100% child-powered – no petrol required!

• Transmission: Pedal-powered, with unlimited enthusiasm recommended.

• Horsepower: Approximately one small child’s worth.

• Top Speed: Dependent on leg strength, determination and whether Mum is watching.

• Fuel Economy: Outstanding – runs entirely on sandwiches and ice cream.

• Steering: Traditional mechanical steering with authentic miniature steering wheel.

• Suspension: Firm and sporty – you’ll feel every bump in the driveway.

• Braking System: Driver-dependent – sensible footwear recommended.

• Wheels: Period-style steel wheels with solid rubber tyres.

• Seating Capacity: One junior commanding officer.

• Body Style: Open-top military-inspired Jeep with fold-down-style windscreen frame.

• Exterior Colour: Traditional red, displaying a wonderful aged patina.

• Interior: Spartan military specification – absolutely no unnecessary luxuries.

• Air Conditioning: Standard open-air ventilation.

• Entertainment System: Driver-supplied engine noises.

• Safety Features: Parental supervision and a healthy dose of common sense.

• Registration & WOF: Not required – although driveway inspections are encouraged.

• Overall Condition: Charming vintage example showing the character and wear associated with decades of history.

• Collectability: A delightful piece of 50’s / 60s childhood and motoring nostalgia, equally at home in a classic car collection or on display in the garage.

The ultimate classic for the young at heart…zero emissions, maximum smiles and guaranteed to turn heads at any age!

Vintage 1960s Steel Pedal Jeep – A Little Classic With Plenty of Character!

Here’s something a little different! A delightful vintage steel pedal Jeep, from the days when toys were made of proper metal, kids played outside, and health and safety hadn’t quite taken over the world!

Finished in bright red and displaying a lovely degree of age-related character, this miniature Jeep is a wonderful reminder of simpler times. With its pressed-steel body, military-inspired styling and good old-fashioned pedal power, it’s the sort of classic that brings a smile to young and old alike. Best of all, it’s in good overall condition and ready to play, although we’re fairly certain the average adult won’t fit behind the wheel!

Now, a Word About the Price…

Before anyone starts sharpening their pencil or practicing their best “What’s your lowest price, mate?” routine, there’s something worth mentioning.

This little Jeep belongs to our niece, and every dollar from its sale is going directly towards her education. Waimak Classic Cars isn’t making a cent out of this one. No commission, no hidden margin, no retirement fund being topped up…just a youngster trying to put a few dollars towards her tuition fees.

So, with all due respect, the price is firm and there’ll be no bargaining on this one. Tyre kickers, bargain hunters and opportunists looking to make a quick quid are warmly invited to try their luck with us another day!

For everyone else, here’s an opportunity to acquire a charming little piece of motoring nostalgia while helping a young Kiwi invest in her future.

A classic Jeep with no petrol bills, no WOF worries and, for once, absolutely no profit for the car dealer. Now there’s something you don’t see every day!

Vintage steel pedal cars have become increasingly collectible, attracting interest from classic motoring enthusiasts, vintage toy collectors and those with an appreciation for nostalgic memorabilia. Military-style Jeeps from the 1960s are particularly appealing, combining distinctive styling with traditional pressed-steel construction and the charm of a bygone era when children’s toys were built to last.

Surviving examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly in New Zealand, where decades of enthusiastic childhood use have taken their toll. Originality, completeness and condition remain important factors influencing value, with examples retaining their original paintwork, wheels and mechanical components generally attracting greater collector interest. Their appeal extends beyond toy collecting, making them desirable display pieces for classic car showrooms, private garages and motoring collections.

The New Zealand market remains relatively specialised, with comparable vintage steel pedal Jeeps generally commanding several hundred dollars, depending on their age, manufacturer and condition. An indicative retail range of $450–$700 is worth considering for a good example, although particularly rare or exceptional models can achieve considerably more internationally. With their nostalgic appeal, diminishing availability and growing recognition as collectible motoring memorabilia, these charming miniature vehicles represent an interesting and affordable entry into the world of classic vehicle collecting.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.