It began with a classic story of humble beginnings. Antonio Pasin came to America in 1914 in search of a better life. With a background in designing furniture, Antonio started by building phonograph cabinets in his one-room workshop.

Soon after, he began crafting wooden wagons by hand. He made wagons at night and peddled them during the day, carrying a battered suitcase of small samples. Business grew, and in 1923 he hired a helper and founded the Libert Coaster Wagon Company, which he named after the Statue of Liberty.

Just like our original red wagon, the Radio Flyer brand has become an American icon. Antonio Pasin created a legacy of toys that continue to spark the imagination, as Radio Flyer is rediscovered with each new generation.

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Historic No. 4 Liberty Coaster

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. While many had to figure out ways to make-do in a troubled America, Antonio Pasin was on the way to revolutionizing his vision.

By 1923, Antonio's business grew to include several employees. They became known as the Liberty Coaster Company.

Beginning of an American classic

The Liberty Coaster Line, which later became the Radio Line and Radio Flyer, 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 learned how to make do, or simply do without. Even in those tough times, Americans dreamed of a better life for their children, and continued to demand Antonio's wagons and the basic value they delivered.

1920s Advertisement

Growing Demand

In spite of the rising pressures of the times, Pasin and Radio Steel & Mfg. 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 Antonio the nickname, "Little Ford."

"For every boy. For every girl."

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This was a decade of unparalleled uncertainty for the entire world. For America, the Great Depression's Black Tuesday to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 marked misfortune for many. In 1930, Antonio renamed the company from Liberty Coaster Company to Radio Steel & Manufacturing, and, despite hard times, was already the world's largest producer of toy coaster wagons.

Why Radio Flyer?

Antonio Pasin's wagons captured the spirit of the times. The first steel wagon was named Radio Flyer, by combining his fascination with the invention of the radio – by fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi – and his wonderment of flight.

Looking Forward to the Future

In 1933, Chicago was the host of the World's Fair, Century of Progress, Antonio seized this opportunity to promote his new creation. Antonio recruited the help of a fellow Italian, Alfonso Iannelli, to construct a 45ft Coaster Boy for the fair. This was one of the most popular exhibits on Enchanted Island and offered miniature wagons for 25 cents.

Official World's Fair Seals, 1933

25 cent Miniature Wagons

Streamlined in Style

The spectacular World's Fair exhibit made the Radio Flyer wagon world famous. In fact, during the Depression the company came out with many new ideas to help its popularity. In the mid-30s the company introduced its first specialty wagon, the Streak-O-Lite wagon, which featured streamline train styling, control dials, and working headlights.

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In the 1940's, America was at war – Radio Steel & Manufacturing, and like many other American manufacturers, was asked to alter its production. Pasin joined the call to action, and from 1942 to 1945 all wagon production ceased.

Radio Steel & Mfg. Goes to War

In the factory, all production efforts turned to a 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.

On July 14, 1945 Radio Steel received an Army-Navy "E" award for high achievement in producing materials needed for the war.

Continued Growth After the War

At home, Radio Steel’s war efforts sparked a newfound confidence in their line of products. Advertisements began to highlight the classic strength, durability, and dependability of the Radio Line wagons. A new bearing for the wheels, called "Congo” bearings — guaranteed for 1000 miles of smooth, quiet riding – gained special attention for its longevity.

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By the 1950s, Radio Steel & Manufacturing had secured its name in households across America, rubbing elbows with auto giants such as Ford, Chrysler, and GM. Affordable homes began to sprout up everywhere, and the baby boom was in full swing — a shift had begun for the country, and the company.

Creative Sales Strategies

Radio Steel 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.

A New Kind of Garden Cart

The post-war boom led to a huge growth in suburban America. In 1957, Radio Steel 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.

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The 1960s 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 Steel & Manufacturing 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 of the Radio Line. In addition to a number of new products, three new logos were designed (pictured above).

Rad New Ads

Culture and consumption changed drastically throughout the 1960s. Radio Steel kept pace with the times by deciding to change their advertising style. More dynamic and colorful illustrations were used, but the message was still simple — they made high quality products "For Every Boy. For Every Girl."

One Small Step... for Toddlers

While Neil Armstrong took one small step for man, Radio Flyer introduced a new wagon designed to help small children take their first steps. The Baby Walker provided storage, exercise, and unlimited types of play, for some of the smallest customers.

New Ways to Fly

The 1960 Winter Olympics, the first to be widely televised, and the 1968 Winter Olympics, the first to be broadcast in color, catapulted the popularity of skiing. In 1968, Radio Flyer created the Ski Sled, “the sled that slaloms.” This 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

This 4 minute video shows the features and benefits of the Radio Ski Sled. The video was produced by Warren Miller in 8mm film.

Town & Country

Tiny Tot Wagon

Radio Chief Scooter

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In the 1970s, 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 changes, Radio Steel & Manufacturing made various experimental product changes — from design concepts, to the look and feel of promotional materials, the company took on the seventies with full force.

A New Leader

Along with the changing ads and products, Radio Steel welcomed a new leader, Mario Pasin, founder Antonio Pasin’s son. After graduating from law school in 1954, Mario had come to work at the company and learn the ropes. By the early 1970s, he was ready to take on the responsibility of leadership.

Pint-Sized American Muscle

Radio Steel & Mfg. looked to American muscle cars for inspiration for the Fireball 2000, first debuted in 1970. With a rear spoiler, large back tires, and bright colors, the Fireball 2000 showcased Radio Flyer’s commitment to always classic quality and always modern innovation.

Fireball 2000

Flying Off-Road

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Motocross and other off-road riding sports exploded in popularity in the United States. Another sleek, and radical, design shift for the company was the Motocross Tricycle (pictured right). It combined a unique body structure with safety features such as spoke less wheels, hand grips, and a wider wheel base for added stability.

The Motocross Bike

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The 1980s, 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 personal computers to synthesizers in every band – these were times of swift change and big hair. For Radio Steel and Manufacturing the decade was full of partnerships with kid friendly shows and brands – a Radio Flyer wagon was one of the coveted prizes awarded during Bozo the Clown’s Grand Prize ‘Bucket’ Game.

Best Selling Wagon of the Decade

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.

New Face of Tough

With construction booming, Radio Flyer created its own homage to big yellow construction equipment. The brightly colored Playloader featured construction-styled sides, deep-tread tires, and simulated rear differential and shocks.

Row, Row, Row Your Cart

The Radio Flyer Row Cart was introduced, inspired by the classic, Irish Mail. With a fluid push-pull rowing motion, kids moved forward smoothly while steering with their feet and strengthening their motor skills.

New Dimensions

Radio Flyer began a line of outdoor products for Flyer Kids that were now all grown up. The outdoor line featured lawn furniture including, wood and metal patio tables, chairs, and benches. Though these outdoor products were designed for adult tastes, they continued to echo the classic Radio Flyer style.

Official Name Change!

While Radio Steel and Manufacturing Company had often been commonly referred to as Radio Flyer for decades. It wasn’t until 1987 that the company name was officially changed to Radio Flyer Inc., in honor of the famous “little red wagon™”.

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The 1990’s were truly a decade of technological growth. 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. As previous decades show, the growth of the time was not missed by Radio Flyer.

Big Screen, Little Wagon

In 1992, the movie Radio Flyer celebrated the classic red wagon’s ability to encourage imagination and adventure. The feature film, bearing the Radio Flyer name, depicted one of the many ways this simple toy has become extraordinary to children everywhere. Radio Flyer wagons have appeared in dozens of TV programs and other movies, including E.T., Scent of a Woman, The Prince of Tides, and Waiting to Exhale.

Our First Plastic Wagon

In 1994, Radio Flyer released the company’s first ever plastic wagon, Model #2100 Push Pull Wagon. This new experience in fun was designed to go from push mode to pull mode in seconds without any hardware. With a huge storage area onboard, the Push Pull Wagon was truly one-of-a-kind.

The Push Pull Wagon

Third Generation

By 1997, Antonio Pasin’s grandsons took leadership of the company from Mario, Antonio’s son. They became the third generation of Pasins to lead Radio Flyer.

In 1997, Radio Flyer celebrated its 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!

Robert, Paul and Mario Pasin

World’s Largest Wagon

Radio Flyer introduced the World's Largest Wagon™ to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the company. The wagon itself is 29 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighs 15,000 pounds! Inspired by the popular 45-foot-tall 1933 World’s Fair “Coaster Boy” model, the World’s Largest Wagon™ is nine times larger than the Original Little Red Wagon™.

Classic Red Tricycle

This multi-award winning tricycle was introduced in 1999 to much success. The retro model #33 tricycle mirrored back to the Liberty Coaster era (see the 1920s). With characteristic styling, chrome handlebars, streamers, a big shiny bell, and the sturdy steel construction Radio Flyer is known for, this tricycle is a classic.

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With the new century came a new world. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) grew in popularity for film, while reality TV took off in a way no one had seen before. Video games and portable MP3 players were hot items. With these changes, families wanted more safety, comfort, and convenience – without fun ever taking a back seat. Radio Flyer continued to create new and exciting products that reflected the needs of on-the-go families.

Toy Hall of Fame

When 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. Radio Flyer has influenced generations – of children, their parents, and other toy makers – for decades.

In 2003, Radio Flyer’s pioneering innovator, Antonio Pasin, was recognized for that influence and was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. He was honored by becoming the 44th toy innovator to be inducted. Congratulations, Antonio!

Toy Hall of Fame Certificate

By the early 2000s, Radio Flyer was leading the way in plastic wagon and trike innovation.

Radio Flyer introduced wagons with new versatility like the Pathfinder Wagon®. Sporting foldable seats, cup holders, storage space and rubber tires – this was the first wagon to include seatbelts! The Ultimate Family wagon included a sunshade canopy and the 5-way flip and fold seats. This design ingenuity won it a Chicago Innovation Award in 2007.

Families on the go were in mind when the Deluxe Steer & Stroll® Trike and Fold to Go® Trike were created. The Deluxe Steer & Stroll® Trike allowed adults to turn the front wheel with the rear push handle, while the Fold to Go® Trike’s folding function made storage and portability simpler.

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In today’s world, being eco-friendly and living sustainably is at the forefront of design. The Internet of Things connects our homes and phones, and apps allow us to share car rides. As in years past, Radio Flyer has not sat on the sidelines of the 2010s. Radio Flyer celebrates 100 years of business and looks ahead to the next century of innovation.

Radio Flyer’s Passion for Design began over 100 years ago with the founder, Antonio Pasin. Antonio brought attention to detail, passion for quality, and a love of beautiful design with him from Italy when he arrived to build a better life in Chicago.

That same passion for design permeates everything Radio Flyer does today. Today’s “craftspeople,” designers and engineers, apply Antonio’s attention to detail to a wide variety of materials using the latest manufacturing methods.

In 2017, Radio Flyer celebrated its 100th anniversary with a break-through advertising and PR campaign focused on connecting with parents and inspiring imaginative adventures for children everywhere.

Customize Your Ride

After 100 years of innovation and creativity, Radio Flyer now invites customers to create their own customized, personalized wagons, trikes, and scooters. With an easy interface, web users can now add anything from cushions to canopies, and personalized name plates.

Build-A-Trike

The Tesla Model S for Kids

Meet the newest form of freedom on the open side walk! The Tesla Model S is the latest in a long line of innovative vehicles that inspire exploration, imagination and fun.

The Tesla Model S for Kids reinvents the ride-on category for children’s toys through a partnership with the most advanced and sustainable auto company, Tesla Motors. The first and only ride-on for kids to use Flight Speed™ Lithium Ion Batteries is designed to provide best performance with lower impact on the environment, longest run time and fastest recharge time. The Model S for Kids is the first customizable kids car on the market.

Design your Tesla Model S for Kids here

Taking Flight

Taking Flight is an Emmy Winning short animated film inspired by the life and heritage of Antonio Pasin, inventor of the Radio Flyer wagon. In this fictional tribute to Pasin’s legacy, what begins as a small boy’s over-scheduled, over supervised, boring day with Grandpa turns into a larger-than-life journey, narrowly escaping wild monkeys and battling aliens to save the universe. Through the power of imagination and epic adventure, a boy learns to be a kid, a father learns to be a dad, and a grandfather reminds us all what childhood is about.

Watch the Movie here

Headquarters Renovation

A key part of Radio Flyer’s ability to design & develop awesome kids products that inspire active play is a world-class team and workplace. Through an award-winning renovation of the historic headquarters building, we have created a truly inspiring work environment so that every Flyer can dream big about our future.

The project created the first LEED Platinum certified building in Illinois. LEED is an internationally recognized certification system. It provides third-party verification that a building’s design and construction utilize strategies aimed at improving sustainability. Radio Flyer achieved the certification with features like geo-thermal heating and cooling, water-efficient native landscaping, and day-to-day sustainable practices supported by an internal committee, the EcoFlyers.

Radio Flyer finalized the renovation in 2017 with a beautifully design office space that promotes collaboration and wellness. New open workspaces are equipped with sit-to-stand desks, there is maximum access to natural light, and a gallery display connects today’s new products with the company’s 100 years of history.

Innovative New Products

With the Ziggle and Cyclone ride-on toys, Radio Flyer is bringing 360 degrees of fun to the next generation of riders. Encouraging kids to get into the action by wiggling, twisting and spinning their arms and legs into motion, Radio Flyer continues to move forward in creative new ways.

Radio Flyer products have won countless awards including the TOTY (Toy of the Year) Award and the Chicago Innovation Award. Radio Flyer is consistently recognized as one of the “top patents per capita” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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