Radio Flyer
Like the Original Red Wagon that lent our company its name, Radio Flyer has become an American Classic. From humble beginnings, Radio Flyer has been rediscovered with each new generation — creating a legacy of toys that continue to spark the imagination.

For over 85 years, millions of children have played with Radio Flyer wagons launching countless voyages of imagination. Their beauty, simplicity, and standards of safety encourage adventure, discovery, and the wonders of childhood.

As the new millennium gains momentum, we’re still in the driver’s seat… Creating tomorrow’s innovative products with the same classic quality and sheer sense of play that have been our trademarks from the beginning.
Radio Flyer wagons are truly icons of Americana.


Born in a small town outside of Venice, 16 year old Antonio Pasin (pictured above) dreamed of a new beginning in America. His family sold their mule to help pay for his voyage, and before long, Pasin made his way to Chicago where he looked for work as a cabinet-maker. Though he was a skilled craftsman like his father and grandfather before him, Pasin had little success finding work, and eventually became a water boy for a sewer digging crew.

He made his way through several jobs, and by 1917 had saved enough money to purchase some used wood working equipment and rented a one-room workshop. In this workshop, Pasin began fashioning wagons by night and selling them during the day.

The roaring twenties was a decade that began with a sense of optimism and a carefree spirit, and ended with the fall of the stock market and the beginning of the Great Depression. But while many had to figure out ways to make-do in a troubled America, Antonio Pasin was on the way to revolutionizing his vision.

Despite the rising pressures of the times, Pasin and the Liberty Coaster Company pushed forward, with the automotive industry as inspiration. Pasin began using metal-stamping technology to produce steel wagons — and with his consistent eye for innovation, applied mass-production techniques to wagon-making, creating the first wagon, "For every boy. For every girl." These innovations earned Pasin the nickname, "Little Ford."

The Liberty Coaster Line was established before the Radio Flyer Line, which produced high quality, affordable wagons. Here is a glimpse into the past with one of the very first advertisements.

As times of the 20's grew tough, America, and American's learned how to make do, or simply do without. But even in tough times they dreamed of a better life for their children, and continued to demand the basic value that Radio Flyer delivered.

This was a decade of unparalleled uncertainty for the entire world. For America, the thirties lasted from the Great Depression's Black Tuesday to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 1930, the company is renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing from Liberty Coaster Manufacturing, Co. and is already the world's largest producer of toy coaster wagons. With new designs for its now classic wagons, Radio Flyer now featured them to the public with a series of brochures and trade shows.

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

Chicago was the host of the World's Fair, Century of Progress, in 1933. Radio Steel was asked to be a part of the celebration. Here are the official seals, a photograph of the World's Fair 45' tall Coaster Boy and an article from the Chicago Tribune. The Coaster Boy was one of the most popular exhibits and offered miniatures for 25 cents.

Here is a glimpse into the past with one of the very first brochures and advertisements featuring the now classic red wagon, and the "Streak-O-Lite", the company's first specialty wagon modeled after the popular Zephyr Train.

These promotional cards offered grocery patrons a discount on the popular wagons when these cards were punched out.

The spectacular World's Fair exhibit made Radio Flyer world famous. But it wasn't the only new idea to come out of the company during the Depression. 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.

In the 1940's, America was at war --- and like many other American manufacturers, Radio Flyer was asked to alter its manufacturing rate. From 1942 to 1945 all wagon production ceased. Radio Flyer focused all of its manufacturing efforts to making five-gallon steel "Blitz Cans" for the war. On July 14, 1945 an Army-Navy "E" award was given to Radio Flyer for high achievement in producing materials needed for the war.

In the factory, production turned to a familiar piece of military equipment, called the "Blitz Can." Blitz Cans (pictured left) were five-gallon, steel containers mounted on the backs of jeeps, trucks, and tanks, designed to transport fuel and water to troops stationed overseas.

At home, Radio Flyer's war efforts sparked a newfound confidence in their line of products. Advertisements began to highlight the classic strength, durability, and the dependability of Radio Flyer wagons, and especially a new bearing for the wheels, called the "Congo Thousand Mile Bearing" — guaranteed for a 1000 miles of smooth, quite riding.

By the fifties, Radio Flyer had secured its name in households across America, rubbing elbows with auto giants such as Ford, Chrysler, and GM. World War II and the Great Depression were now over, affordable homes began to sprout up everywhere, and the baby boom was in full swing — a shift had begun for the country, and for Radio Flyer.

During this time, Radio Flyer began to design specialty wagons inspired by popular movies and TV shows of the time, such as the Mickey Mouse Club and Davy Crockett. With these exciting new wagon designs, came exciting new catalogues, brochures, and packaging. Business was booming.

In 1957, Radio Flyer introduced a line of garden carts to 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.

The Sixties were times of cultural and political revolution — it was the decade that witnessed the Civil Rights movement, listened to groundbreaking music, made strides towards the moon, and entered into the Vietnam War. In this time of rapid change, Radio Flyer forged ahead with innovative products and revolutionary designs, while maintaining their core values.

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. In addition to a number of new products, Radio Flyer designed three new logos.

The Scat Racer (pictured left) became the most innovative racer to date! Its revolutionary new design incorporated additional safety features, while remaining one of the lightest and most compact ride-on toys on the market. The colored discs (pictured left) were featured in the original ad, and showcased all of that the Scat Racer had to offer — but best of all, it was not only safe, it was fun!

Radio Flyer also 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.

To continue to keep pace with the revolutionary times of the sixties, Radio Flyer decided to change their advertising style. More dynamic and colorful illustrations were used, but the message was still simple — Radio Flyer made high quality products "For Every Boy. For Every Girl."

In the seventies, American culture flourished. Many of the "radical" ideas of the sixties had gained wider acceptance, and the decade took on a fast-paced style all its own. To keep up with the fast-paced changes of the time, Radio Flyer made various experimental product changes — from design concepts, to the look and feel of promotional materials, Radio Flyer took on the seventies with full force.

The unique and interesting design of the Ski Sled allowed for edged turns similar to those made in real skiing, and came with a hand brake for increased safety. This was one of the only products designed for adult riders, offering fun and excitement for the entire family.

Big Mag Slicks with speed ball bearings, dragster body design, safety roll bars, and mod colors define the Fireball 2001. This wagon marks Radio Flyer's continuing ability to create new designs for new times — always classic quality, always modern innovation.

Another sleek, and radical, design shift for Radio Flyer, the Motocross bike (pictured right) combined a unique body structure with safety features such as spoke less wheels, hand grips, and a wider wheel base for added stability.

The Eighties, also known as the Reagan Era, witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall and the birth of malls everywhere. It was a time of new technology — from video games to the VCR, and from personal computers to synthesizers in every band, the Eighties were times of rapid change and big hair. But as in past decades, Radio Flyer forged ahead with new products and innovative designs to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of their consumer.

First introduced in the 1960’s, the Radio Flyer Town & Country is a rugged, traditional wood wagon that has a “down-on-the-farm” feel that kids love. Its features put safety right up front, including smooth streamlined corners, a controlled turning radius that guards against tipping, and a quiet ride.

The classic Radio Flyer Row Cart (pictured left) propelled kids forward with its fluid push-pull motion while they steered with their feet. Kids had fun while strengthening their motor skills!

Eye catching promotional items were always in fashion at Radio Flyer. The design work was diverse ranging from beautiful marker renderings to cut outs and rich photographic treatments. Radio Flyer working with other kid friendly entities like Bozo the Clown and Nickelodeon made people take notice.

During the Eighties, Radio Flyer began a line of outdoor products for Flyer Kids that were now all grown up. The outdoor line featured such items as lawn furniture (pictured right), 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.

The 1990’s were truly a decade of technological boon. The internet boomed as dot com companies gained unheard-of ground. The world wide web shot to popularity as the preferred method of communication and learning. Personal computer ownership grew by more than 200% in a few short years, and cell phone sales exploded worldwide.

Back in 1917, Antonio Pasin journeyed from Italy with little more than a pocketful of dreams. Inspired by the welcoming sight of the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Coaster Company was born.
Over the past 85 years the liberty Coaster Company has grown to become what we know today as Radio Flyer the worlds number one wagon maker.

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.

In 1997, Radio Flyer celebrated it’s 80th Anniversary … and the world celebrated with us. Headlines and television programs across America heralded Radio Flyer for outstanding products and community involvement, reaching 150 million people!

Take the #912 Mountain Trike, it was the only tricycle with a real working hand brake plus all the other off-road features that little riders could count on. The groundbreaking #2500 Quad-Shock Wagon was fitted with Monroe approved shock absorbers for a quiet, easy ride, and with it’s high wooden stake sides and big, brawney air tires, the #32 ATW Steel & Wood Wagon could handle any terrain.

In 1992, the silver screen celebrated the limitless qualities of a Little Red Wagon, "powered by the imagination." The feature film, bearing the Radio Flyer name, depicted one of the many ways this simple toy has become extraordinary to children everywhere.

Everyone has a Radio Flyer story. We’ve collected some of the most poignant in My Little Red Wagon, a beautiful book that pays tribute to the American classic that has meant so much to so many.

Radio Flyer creates a new experience in fun with the #2100 Push Pull Wagon. Our very first plastic wagon was created to go from push mode to pull mode in seconds without any hardware. Simply unlatch the handle from the back and attach it to the front. With a huge storage area onboard, the Push Pull Wagon was truly one-of-a-kind.

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

In 1997, Radio Flyer introduced the World's Largest Wagon™ to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the company. The wagon itself is 27 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighs 15,000 pounds — making it the biggest wagon in history!

It’s a new world, and today’s families want safety, comfort and convenience – without fun ever taking a back seat! Today Radio Flyer continues to create new and exciting products that reflect the needs of today’s on-the-go family… Fueled by our imagination and the creative spirit that has propelled us from the very beginning, nearly 90 years of innovation and we’ve only just begun!

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

Everyone at Radio Flyer is proud and honored by this award. Congratulations, Antonio!

Our founder taught us to dream big. And so we have. We’ve completely renovated our corporate offices, and the playful character and color of our brand now surrounds us. We can literally breathe our brand. Step in and take a look for yourself and you will know – we are totally committed to Antonio Pasin’s vision and the spirit of Radio Flyer.

Radio Flyer’s creative wheels never stop turning. Take “bikes for tykes” for example. We asked kids and parents what they really want. Now they’ve got it in the new Twist Trike. Featuring an ergonomic grow-with-me design, the Twist Trike quickly and easily transforms from a traditional tricycle into a chopper-style three wheeler – and back again. It’s two-trikes-in-one –Talk about innovation with a twist!

You know those thoughtful features that make SUV’s so appealing? We’ve put them in our most innovative wagons. The Discovery and Pathfinder. Each boasts major storage capacity, molded cup holders for refreshments, and our exclusive rubber tires to make the going smooth and quiet. The Pathfinder even features seatbelts for safety, plus seats that fold up for a comfy ride, and down to a flatbed for hauling those heavy loads. It’s clear these best selling wagons run on pure ingenuity. (Now what SUV can say that?)

Little ones look so cool on this little red rocket. Spin the rocket’s nose cone and push the lighted buttons to hear realistic mission control sounds and feel the rocket engine rumble. Climb on board and take it for a spin. 3-2-1… blast off!

Families on the go were just who we had in mind when we came up with the Fold 2 Go™ XL Trike. In a snap, it folds up for easy portability and storage. And for beginning riders this one of a kind trike has great features to make the riding fun. A telescoping handle for adult assistance, freewheeling pedals, and steering lock allows riders to coast while an adult pushes. It’s safety, convenience, and fun… all in one.

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