This thing will likely turn more heads than a Lamborghini flagship with its nostalgic styling evoking childhood memories
- The bespoke Radio Flyer Wagon was a retirement project of late aircraft builder and is now being auctioned.
- The two-seater cabin and the rear bed are covered by a red carpet, matching the tub-style bodywork.
- The vehicle is street-legal, being based on the underpinnings of a 1976 Mazda B1600 pickup.
If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising in a street-legal version of the classic Radio Flyer Wagon from your childhood, now’s your chance. A custom-made example is currently available. This unique build is crafted from an old Mazda pickup, boasting a two-seater cabin and a functional bed at the back. And the best part? It’s street legal, so you can make it your daily driver.
The oversized Radio Flyer wagon was constructed in 2010 by Fred Keller, a late aircraft builder, and his wife, Wasilla, as a retirement endeavor. True to the original, the exterior sports a red tub-style body, 13-inch wheels painted in white, and matching graphics. To obtain a roadworthy certificate, the truck underwent modifications, including the addition of headlights, taillights, indicators, rearview mirrors, and a flat windshield.
More: This V8-Powered Radio Flyer Wagon Is For Adults Who Never Grew Up
The interior has two bucket seats, a steering wheel and a few gauges, going for a minimalist look. The rear bed, floor, and hood are covered by a red carpet, with a small vent allowing the engine to breathe. There are no doors, but we suppose that the occupants can easily climb to the fully exposed interior.
The bespoke body sits on the underpinnings of a 1976 Mazda B1600 pickup, using new coil springs over the stock leaf spring suspension. The ladder-frame chassis has been shortened by 2 inches (51 mm) in order for the vehicle to resemble the proportions of the original Radio Flyer wagon. Most of the mechanics have been carried over with the exception of a reworked radiator frame.
Alaska Premier Auctions
Under the hood lies the original 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine of the Mazda, which was good for 94 hp (70 kW /95 PS) back in the day. The mill is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. According to the listing, the vehicle has 57,238 miles (92,116 km) on the odometer which is not much considering the age of the donor car.
The seller suggests that the Mazda-powered Radio Flyer can “comfortably cruise” at 55-60 mph (89-97 km/h), if you’re feeling adventurous, that is. To facilitate easier transportation over longer distances, it comes with an enclosed trailer. Fortunately, the massive wagon handle is removable for transport convenience.
The online auction ends on May 12, with a highest bid of $7,800 at the time of writing. In addition to the Radio Flyer wagon and trailer, the winning bidder will receive a leaflet with photos from the manufacturing process and the original VIN plate of the donor Mazda B1600.