Space Rocket Patrol Car

The Space Rocket Patrol car was manufactured by Courtland sometime in the 1950's. It is 7 inches long and composed of lithographed tin with a plastic top. This is a friction toy, meaning it makes sparks when pushed along the floor.

This car represents the sort of 'retro-futuristic' design sensibility that was prevalent in space toys from the late 1940's to the mid 1950's - soon enough such playthings would take on more realistic designs to draw upon kids' fascination with the nascent space program.

The box for this toy was also red and yellow.

When purchasing a vintage example, make sure the spark-inducing wheel is still operable.