Sold 1960's Paul W. Hawkins Zorro Tornado Horse CoinOperated Children's Ride

[msclassiccars]

1960's Paul W. Hawkins Zorro Tornado Horse CoinOperated Children's Ride

Selling on a Bring a Trailer online auction. View the auction here.

This amazing 1960's Paul W. Hawkins Zorro Tornado Horse Coin-Operated Children's Ride is a one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia. The attention to detail is second to none! The Paul W. Hawkins Manufacturing Company was founded in 1946 and their specialty was producing children's rides. This horse was originally advertised as a Rodeo Pony in the 1960's. It was restored by Jeff Russell of Big Boy Toys in Oklahoma. The theme of the restoration was based on Zorro and his horse Tornado. Zorro is an American action-adventure Western television series produced by Walt Disney Productions. The series is set in Los Angeles of 1820 when it was still part of Spanish California and before Mexican independence. Zorro aids Hispanic settlers and indigenous peoples oppressed by the rulers. Tornado is a horse ridden by the character Zorro in several films and books. Tornado is said to be intelligent and fast. Being as jet-black as Zorro's costume enables horse and rider to more easily elude capture at night. The series premiered on October 10, 1957 and the final broadcast was July 2, 1959. Seventy-eight episodes were produced and four hour long specials were aired between October 30, 1960 and April 2, 1961. The restoration was completed and immediately purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in February of 2024. It's been on display for the last eight months. September of 2024 is the first time it's ever been listed for sale.

This realistic looking piece is in show quality condition and in excellent working order. The original fiberglass body was stripped, prepped and finished with automotive grade paint. The horse was painted in a deep black color which highlights the horse's features including the mane and tail. The hooves were air brushed in a light shade of gray and outfitted with horse shoes for a very realistic appearance. The horse was also outfitted with a new black saddle with stirrups and reins. The saddle is padded on the underside to help with scuffing the body. This model horse has the motor and moving mechanism inside the lower portion of the body. The motor and parts were all gone through during the restoration process. The external parts were repainted black.
The metal base was custom made for a unique appearance. The entire base was prepped and finished with automotive grade paint. The base was painted red and decorated with Zorro and Tornado graphics. The colors of the graphics include black, brown, white and yellow. It was also decorated with 10 cent graphics. All of the graphics were clear-coated over for a realistic appearance. It was outfitted with new rubber steps on both sides and polished
screws throughout. A new 110 volt power cord was added. Red LED lights were also added to the sides that turn on while the machine is operating. A new sound box was installed that plays the classic theme song from the original Zorro show. This piece was outfitted with a new coin-mechanism box that starts with a dime or manually. It was painted black and decorated with decals including the Big Boy Toys Limited.

This piece of memorabilia is over 60 years old. It's been completely restored to high standards. Vintage coin-operated children's rides are becoming highly collectable and make great conversation pieces. This is a great opportunity.