The first car produced in Australia wasn't a Holden - it was a Cyclops pedal car! Cyclops toys have been a part of growing up in Australia for over eighty years, and during that time millions of Aussie children had their childhood shaped by these innovative playthings. While the Cyclops name has been a steady symbol for much of this century, the company's history has been somewhat turbulent.
This book details the fascinating and tumultuous story behind one of the nation's best-loved brand names. From take-overs and partnerships to buy-outs and offshore production, the research is complemented by over 400 photographs, taken from newspapers, store catalogues, advertisements and the treasured family albums of ordinary Australians who have never forgotten that favourite Dinkie, tricycle or doll's pram.
Many Cyclops products are collectors' items today; in fact, a well restored pedal car could be worth around $2000. The enthusiast will find an indispensable Collector's Guide included in this book, complete with descriptions, dates and pictures to help you work out the value of those wonderful old memories gathering dust in the attic or garage.
This is a celebration of a famous Australian that is all Australian once more, a book for anyone who was ever young.
Author description
Marjory Fainges (née Ratcliffe) (born 15 May 1933) is an Australian researcher and historian on the subject of the Australian Toy Industry over the last 100 years in particular the commercial manufacture of dolls. She has written 16 books and is a doll judge of antique, collectible, modern and artist dolls and she has lectured internationally.
