Radio Flyer

Antonio Pasin (1897-1990) was born into a family of cabinet makers in Venice, Italy in 1898. He learned the craft from his father and grandfather. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. After working at a variety of odd jobs he invested his hard won savings into some wood working tools and rents a small workspace. There he created the very first wagon. It was 1917. He was so inspired at seeing the Statue of Liberty that he named it the 'Liberty Coaster'. He named his new company The Liberty Coaster Company. As we now know, The Liberty Coaster would be the first in a long line of historic wagons to come !

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The Great Depression was a trying time for America but as automation became a new part of industrial growth, Pasin's Liberty Coaster Company pushed forward with his vision, using the automotive industry as inspiration.

Antonio Pasin had a great eye for invention and began using metal-stamping technology to produce steel wagons instead of wooden ones. He incorporated mass-production techniques to his business creating the first wagon, "For every boy. For every girl." Pasin soon was nicknamed "Little Ford" for these innovations.

The Liberty Coaster Line of wagons and scooters was established before the Radio Flyer Line, which produced high quality, affordable wagons.

Here is an old advertisement that will give you a glimpse into the past !

Liberty Coaster Mfg. Company changed its name to Radio Steel & Manufacturing in 1930. It had become the world's biggest producer of toy coaster wagons and advertised with brochures and trade shows.

Antonio Pasin's wagons had captured the imagination of the world and the spirit of the times. He named his first steel wagon the Radio Flyer, after his fascination with the invention of the radio by a fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi; and Flyer, which reflected his wonderment of flight.

In the mid-30's the company introduced the Streak-O-Lite, a coaster wagon that featured sleek styling inspired by the Zephyr streamline trains, complete with control dials and working headlights.

RedWagons.com - The best value online for Radio Flyer wagons, trikes, toddler toys & ride on vehicles. Free Gift with Purchase!

During the time period of 1942-1945 the company ceased production of it's toy line and assisted the war effort by channeling all of its manufacturing efforts into making five-gallon steel "Blitz Cans" for the war. Blitz cans were five-gallon steel containers that were mounted on the backs of jeeps, trucks, and tanks, designed to transport fuel and water to military troops stationed overseas.

During this decade a new bearing for the line was created called the "Congo Thousand Mile Bearing" - because it was guaranteed for a 1000 miles of smooth, quiet riding.

After the war and when prosperity was on the rise and housing began to grow, the Radio Flyer company had embedded itself into the hearts of Americans and the compay's advertising efforts increased to include creative packaging, catalogs and brochures. In 1957 a new kind of garden cart was introduced that would help out with lawn care in the nation's fast-growing suburbs. This revolutionary design made it easier to carry a larger load in a smaller area - its heavy steel construction and baked enamel finish also added to its durability.

1967 was the Golden Anniversary of Radio Steel, and business was stronger than ever. The wagons were still made with the same quality craftsmanship and care that have become trademarks of Radio Flyer, and new technologies allowed for even greater expansion. They used more colorful advertising and created three new company logos.

Radio Flyer introduced the Baby Walker, designed to help small children take their first steps. The Baby Walker could also be used for storage, all types of imaginative play, and exercise. It was a triumph for toddlers everywhere.

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An ever expanding company - Radio Flyer added a few new products to their line. They introduced a ski sled for adults , a Motorcross type of a Trike and the Fireball 2001 Wagon that had big Mag Slicks with speed ball bearings, dragster body design, safety roll bars, and mod colors.
Classic Toys

The Reagan Era saw the Radio Flyer Town & Country Wagon became the best selling wagon of the decade.

Radio Flyer created an outdoor line featuring such items as lawn furniture and industrial grade wheelbarrows to help out with backyard projects. Though these outdoor products were designed for adult tastes, they continued to deliver the same Radio Flyer fun and excitement.

RedWagons.com - The best value online for Radio Flyer wagons, trikes, toddler toys & ride on vehicles. Free Gift with Purchase!


Then the 90's saw an explosion in technology with the internet, personal computers and cell phones. By the mid-1990's, Antonio's grandchildren took leadership of the company, becoming the third generation of Pasin's to nurture the imaginations of children everywhere. Radio Flyer is truly a family business.

In 1997, Radio Flyer celebrated it's 80th Anniversary ! Along came the Mountain Trike with hand brakes and the Quad-Shock Wagon and the Steel and Wood Wagon with it's high wooden stake sides and big, brawney air tires that could handle any terrain.

The #33 Classic Red Tricycle was a multi-award winning retro tricycle that was introduced to much success. The classic "Retro Red" Radio Flyer styling and sturdy steel construction made it an instant classic. "For every boy. For every girl."

Classic Toys


In 1997 Radio Flyer created the gigantic T-Rex of wagons - The World's Largest Wagon to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the company. The wagon itself was 27 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighed 15,000 pounds - making it the biggest wagon in history!

The Hall of Fame commends individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the toy industry.

When the founder, Antonio Pasin, started the Liberty Coaster Wagon Company in 1917, little did he know he would help nurture the imaginations of millions of children.

With every little red wagon, one little boy or girl dreams of being an astronaut, a race car driver, a firefighter%u2026 a hero.

When a toy has had this much influence from one generation to the next, it's destined for special recognition. Sure enough, in 2003, Antonio Pasin was honored by becoming the 44th toy innovator to be inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

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