Back by Popular Demand: Another Rare 1935 Maytag Toy Racer Hits the Market!

Back by Popular Demand: Another Rare 1935 Maytag Toy Racer Hits the Market!

Edited by: Christian Answini | Senior Fine Art Specialist 

When a 1935 Maytag Toy Racer rolled into our auction this past April, it didn’t just turn heads—it turned into a headline. Bidding was fierce, interest poured in from collectors nationwide, and when the gavel finally fell, it sold for an impressive $18,000. We thought it might be a once-in-a-career consignment. But now, just months later, another remarkable example is revving its tiny engine—and heading straight into our auction lineup. Whether you're a vintage toy enthusiast, a collector of early 20th-century Americana, or a museum curator seeking rare mechanical novelties, this is a moment you won’t want to miss. A second 1935 Maytag Toy Racer—the iconic miniature car that once blurred the line between marketing and childhood dreams—is up for bid, and it’s generating buzz all over again.

What Is the Maytag Toy Racer—and Why Does It Matter?

At first glance, the Maytag Toy Racer might seem like a charming Depression-era pedal car, but it’s much more than that. Produced between 1934 and 1941 by the Maytag Company, these small motorized vehicles were never intended for store shelves. Instead, they were promotional tools, built to showcase the power and portability of Maytag's Multi-Motor washing machine engine. Local Maytag distributors would use the racers in parades, fairs, and public demonstrations to draw crowds and generate excitement for the company’s appliances. They were mechanical billboards, and their futuristic styling, low-slung bodies, and buzzing engines made them irresistible to kids—and memorable to everyone else. Today, they stand as one of the most coveted mechanical toys from the 1930s, combining industrial design, advertising history, and nostalgia into one rare package. Very few were made, and even fewer have survived in good condition. That makes each appearance at auction a special occasion.

Another Maytag model sold for $18,450 in our last Collectors auction - prompting another owner to reach out about selling their Maytag Toy Racer in our current Collectors auction on July 24th at alderferauction.com! 

Rare, Restored, and Revered: The Collector Appeal 

The 1935 model is among the most desirable variants of the Maytag Toy Racer, often distinguished by its sleek frame, spoked wheels, and the distinct Maytag engine mounted behind the driver’s seat. Some were later modified or stripped of parts, making complete or well-restored examples highly collectible. Collectors prize these vehicles not only for their rarity but for what they represent: a creative, playful chapter in American industrial history. Toy car collectors, pedal vehicle enthusiasts, and even motorcycle historians have all taken an interest in Maytag racers for their crossover appeal. The April sale of our previous example drew bidders from across the country, many of whom cited the racer’s originality, condition, and historical significance as major factors. It ended in a spirited bidding war that surpassed expectations. That sale set the tone—and the value—of what’s possible in the Maytag collector market.With another example now up for bid, we expect the momentum to build even further.

#2225 • 1935 Maytag Toy Racer

A Second Chance—and a Rare One

The opportunity to acquire a 1935 Maytag Toy Racer doesn’t come along often. In fact, most years pass without one hitting the open market. The sudden reappearance of a second example within months is practically unheard of—and it presents a unique window for collectors who missed out last time. Whether you're hoping to add to an existing collection or acquire your first high-caliber toy vehicle, this racer checks all the boxes. It speaks to a moment in American ingenuity where even washing machine engines found a second life as promotional tools. It embodies early 20th-century design, hands-on mechanics, and childhood wonder. And it carries with it a growing legacy—one that auction records are beginning to reflect.With widespread interest already brewing, we encourage interested bidders to act quickly. These aren’t just toys—they’re artifacts, and they don’t stay parked for long.

Owner's History - Read the owner's history of the upcoming Maytag Racer here. 

Explore More at Alderfer Auction

This incredible Maytag Toy Racer will be offered in our upcoming "Collectors"  auction at AlderferAuction.com, alongside a diverse selection of collectibles and historic items. Our auctions routinely feature exceptional finds in vintage advertising, mechanical toys, folk art, and more—making them a key destination for serious collectors, museums, and institutions alike. We’re proud to offer this second Maytag Toy Racer to the public—and excited to see where the journey takes it next. Don’t Miss Your Shot - Back by popular demand, this rare 1935 Maytag Toy Racer is more than a novelty—it’s a piece of American history, and it’s once again up for grabs. The previous example set a high bar, but the story is still unfolding. Will you be the next chapter? Visit AlderferAuction.com to view the listing, ask questions, and place your bid. Because when it comes to the Maytag Toy Racer, there’s only one direction left to go: forward.