Who doesn’t have memories of playing with a plastic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe? Whether it was at play school or in the garden, the iconic four-wheeled motor-less kids car was – and I’m sure remains – a key part of childhoods up and down the country.
Popping to the shops would never be the same again in this real life Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.
The red and yellow push-along motor has been in families for 40 years but now big kids can do more than just drive it up and down the garden.
When I saw a Smart ForTwo motor kitted up in Little Tikes colours, listed on AutoTrader my heart was set on giving it a spin.
Remembering the crushing moment I became too big for my sister’s Cozy Coupe, it felt great to sit comfortably behind the wheel again.
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Only this time round there was slightly more to think about than crashing into a football or trampoline.
I was reminded before leaving the forecourt at Bagstone Garage, Gloucestershire, that just like the toy, there were no gears to change.
Luckily the 0.8L diesel engine packs a bit more power than my legs ever managed as a five-year-old.
Former Car owner James Broad, 40, from nearby Rangeworthy gave the car its makeover adding googley eyes and logos to the paint job.
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Before selling the car James told me: “I was at a garage the other day and a woman told me the car had really brightened her day which is a nice feeling.
“I’ve had a really nice email as well from a man who saw the advert, he told me his autistic son has outgrown his Little Tikes car and he’s really upset about it.
“He’s interested in buying this car for his son so he can fit in it and carry on playing in it which is obviously lovely.”
Off I went on the country roads of Wotton-Under-Edge, Glos and though I am no Stig or Lewis Hamilton, cruising at 50mph without a hitch was a blast.
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There is nothing quite like turning heads on the road either as I found out and James re-affirmed.
He said: “I sold a brightly coloured top, top sports car recently but this one definitely got a lot more attention.”
According to Auto Trader’s new Price Indicator tool, at £3,500 the motor is available for just £587 more than the standard version with a similar 49,000 mileage.
Auto Trader’s Rory Reid said: “This car is marked as a ‘high price’ by our new Price Indicator, but the valuation doesn’t account for the uniqueness and quirky nature of this particular find.”
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It was heartbreaking to hand the keys back over to James but great to know someone is set to relive their childhood on the roads.
Not long after a test drive of my own, James sold the car to a woman who is looking to get back on the road after years without driving.
The buyer might think she got a bit of a bargain as the former Mr Universe competitor let his pride and joy go for just £3,350.