Merry Christmas late 1960's - a New Car!

Merry Christmas!   I was sorting through some old pictures yesterday and I came across pictures of one of my favorite Christmas gifts of all time.  I must've been about 5 at the time, which would place these pictures around 1969.  My folks had to be very careful with money then (at this point they were raising 6 kids) so I'm sure it was a bit of a sacrifice for them to buy this brand-new shiny red pedal car.   But boy, I was both proud and excited when I got to take the Murray Fireball Eight out for its first ride.  I remember thinking I was hot stuff behind the wheel of that baby.   It had fire decals, side exhaust pipes and everything! 

In this second photo, look at me leaning forward, like I'm a seasoned race car driver.  I must've thought I was Mario Andretti or something.  

 

 

As an added treat, here is a picture of my mom on Christmas morning, trying to put the thing together.   My dad was either getting more tools or he had to work Christmas morning...  such is the fate of a radio engineer.   Someone has to make sure "White Christmas" gets enough airplay.   This may be about 45 years late, but thanks Mom and Dad for a great gift!

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After doing a little research, I found that there is a collector's market for these old Murray pedal cars.  Here's a couple of pictures of restored models.   Boy, I wish I had saved mine!

Here's one I found up for auction...  It looks more like the one I had.   Only $200!