logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
29m 44s

We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part Two: Ri...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

As the toy car industry exploded, new companies entered the market -- but the Matchbox/Hot Wheels rivalry remained front and center for collectors and distributors alike. In the second part of this special two-part episode, we explore what happened to all those old toy car companies... and why you should always (always!) hold on to your old toys.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Feb 28
CLASSIC: The Statue of Liberty Almost Lived in Egypt
Today the Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States -- but it almost didn't make it to Ellis Island. Join the Ben and Noel as they explore the strange story of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and his quest to build this iconic monument in this week's c ... Show More
33m 54s
Feb 26
Vacuum Cleaners are Ridiculous!
Did you know over 90% of US households own a vacuum cleaner? These handy-dandy descendents of the carpet sweeper revolutionized the cleaning game... but where did they come from? As Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, your humble vacuum is the result of centuries' wort ... Show More
35m 20s
Feb 24
The Ridiculously Adorable, Feminist History of Kewpie Dolls
When illustrator and novelist Rose O'Neill first debuted the Kewpie cartoons in 1909, these loveable little characters took the world by storm. Yet O'Neill didn't stop there. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn the surprisingly inspiring and feminist story of the Kewpie d ... Show More
33m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2015
How Hot Wheels Work
<p>If you're an American who had a childhood, you probably have some nostalgia for Hot Wheels. Get your engines revved for this trip down memory lane as we discuss these fun and iconic toys.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork ... Show More
41m 1s
Dec 2023
Toys R US vs KB Toys | The Comeback Kid, Plus Hot Wheels! | 5
<p>‘Tis the season for toys! First, we’re getting an update on where toy retailers stand today with Forbes Senior Contributor <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/?sh=4f9055117c41" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joan Verdon</a>. She’s covered Toys R Us sinc ... Show More
40m 41s
Jun 2010
Race Car Collections
<p>When it comes to race car collectors, no two individuals are the same. Join Scott and Ben as they explore some of the world's premiere race car collections -- and collectors -- in this episode.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastn ... Show More
29m 7s
Oct 2013
What is the world's oldest (running) car?
<p>With back-to-back seating, a steam-powered engine and no steering wheel, the 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trapardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout doesn't look like it has much in common with the modern automobile. Yet after its discovery and restoration, the world's oldest (running) car ... Show More
34m 31s
Apr 2022
Selects: A Partial History of Action Figures
Action figures have a long and glorious history. From GI Joes to Star Wars figures, these offshoots of dolls came along at just the right time to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Learn all about the partial history of action figures in this classic episode.See ... Show More
1h 13m
Nov 2022
Introducing "Everything 80's"
It was a classic battle between good and evil and it gave us one of the greatest toys of all time. Today, we journey back to revisit the history of the iconic Transformers. From their early days in Japan to dominating TVs and toy shelves in North America, this is another defining ... Show More
28m 44s
Oct 2015
Cars That Never Made It (Part 2)
<p>For every car that makes it to the mainstream market, countless other bizarre experiments never see the light of day. Join Scott and Ben as they explore some of the strangest, most innovative or (in some cases) just plain doomed cars that never made it to the showroom.</p><p> ... Show More
50m 35s
May 2016
The Aerovette: The Rise and Fall of Rotary-powered Corvettes
<p>When Chevy first began experimenting with mid-engine, rotary-powered cars, they fully intended to bring the vehicles into production. So what happened? Tune in to learn more.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https:/ ... Show More
54m 12s
Sep 2010
Screw-drive Vehicles
<p>Screw-drive vehicles are designed to traverse terrain that traditional vehicles find unmanageable. Scott and Ben take a look at how these screw-driven vehicles work and discuss some fascinating examples, from tractors to toys, in this episode.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ... Show More
25m 33s
Aug 2023
Selects: How Toy Testing Works
It's every kid's dream - a job playing with toys that pays in toys. It's a real thing and has been around for a long time. Then there's the other side of the testing process, companies who ensure that toys are safe. It takes both of these testing techniques to successfully bring ... Show More
47m 5s