Not currently on display at the V&A

Pedal Tractor

ca. 1950 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Child's pedal tractor, metal, mounted on three wheels, painted red. A 'T'-bar of tubular steel forms the basis of construction. The main member supports the seat. The 'engine' is moulded to represent the radiator grille and engine box. The words 'TRATOR CONDOR' have been stencilled onto both sides of the engine box. The details of the engine are shown by printed sheets of paper glued onto both sides of a thin metal sheet. A white stripe is painted along the top of the engine box. The shorter member of the T-bar curves down at both ends to the hub of each rear wheel. The three wheels are metal with rubber tyres. The steering wheel directs the single front wheel. The pedals work shafts connected to the rear axle, propelling the rear wheels. The pedals are rubber-covered metal. To propel the tractor, the rider pushes forward one pedal and then the other. This pulls two rods connected to the curved rear axle, thus rotating the wheels. On the 'dashboard' is glued a piece of paper showing gauges - on the left a rev counter graded 10 to 150, in the centre oil (0 to 80), and on the right amperes (35-0-35).

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Painted metal, printed paper, rubber
Brief description
Red-painted metal, mounted on three wheels; Condor brand, probably made in Brazil, ca. 1950
Physical description
Child's pedal tractor, metal, mounted on three wheels, painted red. A 'T'-bar of tubular steel forms the basis of construction. The main member supports the seat. The 'engine' is moulded to represent the radiator grille and engine box. The words 'TRATOR CONDOR' have been stencilled onto both sides of the engine box. The details of the engine are shown by printed sheets of paper glued onto both sides of a thin metal sheet. A white stripe is painted along the top of the engine box. The shorter member of the T-bar curves down at both ends to the hub of each rear wheel. The three wheels are metal with rubber tyres. The steering wheel directs the single front wheel. The pedals work shafts connected to the rear axle, propelling the rear wheels. The pedals are rubber-covered metal. To propel the tractor, the rider pushes forward one pedal and then the other. This pulls two rods connected to the curved rear axle, thus rotating the wheels. On the 'dashboard' is glued a piece of paper showing gauges - on the left a rev counter graded 10 to 150, in the centre oil (0 to 80), and on the right amperes (35-0-35).
Dimensions
  • Length: 99.1cm
  • Height: 68.6cm
  • Front wheel diameter: 22.8cm
  • Rear wheel diameter: 30.5cm
Measurements taken from paper records - not checked on object
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
TRATOR CONDOR PATENTES PENDENTES MOD INDUST. - 64593 MOD UTIL. - 64594 MOD UTIL. - 64595 (on dashboard)
Credit line
Given by Mrs Barber
Object history
Given by Mrs Barber in 1980 [80/781]
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
MISC.86-1980

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Record createdJuly 1, 2009
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