Pedal Car Exhibition Offers Trip Down Memory Lane At Walter P. Chrysler Museum Through Jan. 11, 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 1, 2003 -- A nostalgic trip back to childhood days when people were taller, summers were longer and pedal cars provided travel to adventure is awaiting visitors of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich.

"Metal You Can Pedal: Small Cars for Future Motorists," a special exhibition of 40 original children's pedal cars from 1925 - 1969, runs through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. Featuring vehicles from the private collections of Charles Winekoff and his son-in-law, Greg Gladki, of Westland, Mich., "Metal You Can Pedal" includes:

  *  1925 and 1926 Hudsons;
  *  a 1935 Chrysler Airflow;
  *  a 1937 Dodge Fire Chief;
  *  a 1937 Chrysler Fire Truck;
  *  a 1941 Chrysler;
  *  a 1959 Hamilton Jeep(R);
  *  several specialty vehicles, including a:
     --  1949 Murray Rocket;
     --  1955 Garton Kiddilac;
     --  1959 Hydraulics Weapons Carrier;
     --  1959 Airport Jet Service;
     --  1962 Casey Jones Train;
     --  1965 Tractor Dump Cart;
     --  1967 Murray Boat; and
  *  vehicles representing other auto manufacturers.

The pedal car era began almost as soon as the world embraced the automobile and ended when metal toys gave way to plastic. Reaching the peak of popularity in the late 1920s and early 1930s, pedal cars experienced a resurgence in the '50s - '60s with chain-drive models. No pedal cars were produced in the mid-1940s when all metal production was directed to the World War II effort.

Many of the early pedal cars were patterned after designs by the Big Three automakers. With many families reeling from the financial devastation of The Great Depression, pedal cars were often toys for upper class children. By the early 1970s, those who went without as youngsters began collecting the miniature vintage vehicles at private shows and antique retailers. The Internet revolution has benefited collectors by making pedal cars more easily accessible and reducing the costs, though rare models have been listed as high as $16,000.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children (6 - 12) and seniors (62 and older). Group tours and rates are available.

Rising three stories on DaimlerChrysler's Auburn Hills, Mich. Complex, the 55,000 square foot Walter P. Chrysler Museum features more than 65 production and concept vehicles showcasing the corporation's American heritage. Cars are interspersed with interactive displays and historical exhibits illustrating the automaker's impact on American culture and the industry. The museum also features a 125-seat theater offering three continuously running short movies and a gift shop stocked with exclusive and hard-to-find collectibles.

The museum is located at Featherstone and Squirrel Roads on DaimlerChrysler's Auburn Hills Complex. From I-75, take exit 78 (Chrysler Drive) and follow the signs.

For information, call 888-456-1924 or 248-944-0001 or visit www.chryslerheritage.com .