Antique Cars – Arrow Development
1964-65 New York Worlds Fair
AVIS Cars[1]
From the very beginning Arrow Development was working on and with cars. One of their first jobs was making hard to find replacement parts for a tiny Fiat Toppolino in 1948. At the same time, Arrow was developing one of its first kiddie rides; a small portable carousel featuring tiny pill bug like cars, a few of which are still running in San Jose’s Alum Rock Park. They weren’t much more than bodies with fixed axels and wheels. The carousel turntable pulled them around and there was no way to steer or brake.
More Details
History
Arrow Developments was a company that specialized in designing and building amusement park rides, especially roller coasters. One of their most popular products was the Antique Cars, a ride that featured vintage-style vehicles that guests could drive along a scenic track.
The Antique Cars were first introduced in 1956 at Knott’s Berry Farm in California, where they were called the Horseless Carriage Ride. The ride was an instant hit with visitors, who enjoyed the nostalgic charm and interactive nature of the cars. The cars were modeled after Ford Model Ts and had gas-powered engines that could reach speeds of up to 10 mph.
Arrow Developments soon began to sell the Antique Cars to other parks across the country, such as Cedar Point, Six Flags, and Disneyland. The company also offered different models and themes for the cars, such as fire trucks, taxis, and police cars. Some parks customized their own cars and tracks to fit their themes and locations.
The Antique Cars remained popular for decades, as they appealed to both children and adults. However, by the late 1990s and early 2000s, many parks began to remove or replace the Antique Cars due to rising maintenance costs, environmental concerns, and changing guest preferences. Some of the remaining Antique Cars have been refurbished or relocated to other parks or museums.
| Ride Information: | Arrow Development Antique Cars Track Car Rides |
| Status: | Discontinued |
| Date: | 1964 |
| Manufacturer: | Arrow Development |
| Known Installs: | 1 |
| Category: | Family Ride – Flat Ride – Track Ride |
Today, the Antique Cars are considered a classic and nostalgic ride that represents a bygone era of amusement park history. They are still enjoyed by many fans and collectors who appreciate their design and craftsmanship. Arrow Developments is no longer in business, but its legacy lives on through its rides, especially the Antique Cars.
Variations
Known Installations
| Name | Amusement Park | Location | Opened | Status | Capacity | Manufactured |
| Antique Cars | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pa | 1989 | Operating | ||
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Gallery
References
[1] Resources, N. V. (n.d.). 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair AVIS Cars. Three Decades of Arrow. Retrieved April 29, 20023, from http://arrowdevelopment.blogspot.com/2017/02/three-decades-of-arrows-cars.html.