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Pedal Power exhibit to debut at Volo Auto Museum

Some of the most captivating vehicles soon to be unveiled at the Volo Auto Museum require no hemis, four-barrels or big blocks to set them in motion; nothing but pure muscle in the form of circling feet.

A pedal car exhibit is the latest display for visitors to see, featuring original, painstakingly restored, high-end toys produced by the Murray Co. and others between 1920 and 1950.

"These things are works of art," said Brian Grams, director of the museum. "Each one is unique. These were definitely rich persons' toys."

Each of the 17 cars on display is meticulously detailed with such amenities as movable throttles and hand brakes, running boards, elaborate grillwork, headlights, hood ornaments, fenders, whitewall tires, windshields and chrome plating. Some have elaborate paint schemes with pin stripes. Others resemble airplanes with pedal-turned propellers.

There's a Duesenberg miniature; a dual-seat Bugatti; a Packard; a firetruck featuring polished wooden ladders; a ringing bell; and a shiny steel water tank with pressure gauge.

"These are rare," Grams said. "They were expensive back then, so very few were ever built. And to restore them was a monumental task. It's not like you can open a catalog and order parts. You'd have to have them made."

The Volo Auto Museum acquired the restored cars through an area contact who knew a collector.

"It's cars. It's history. It's vintage," Grams said. "It's perfect."

The museum also will feature its Princess and Super Heroes kickoff March 24. Children wearing costumes will be admitted free that day. Characters from Costumers with a Cause and Fairytale Princess Co. will entertain and pose with visitors for photos.

For a $5 donation, visitors on March 24 can have their picture taken in the Batmobile, with all proceeds going to the Chicagoland Ronald McDonald House.

The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. It features roughly 400 classic, muscle and Hollywood cars and more. Regular admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and younger.

For other information, call (815) 385-3644, find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook or visit volocars.com.

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