After greeting him in return, I began to looked around. He had a strange dichotomy of household items for sale. The garage was filled with artsy decorative stuff and ugly wood furniture, combined with the common suburban clutter of kid's toys and clothes. But looking past the clutter, my eye caught site of something you just don't see everyday-a beautiful airplane pedal car! Measuring over four feet long with a nice wingspan and big propeller, it screamed high-end toy! The metal plane only needed a little cleaning up and a minor repair to the steering wheel. Although I couldn't place it at the moment, I vaguely recalled seeing the exact model in either the Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware store. Wherever it was purchased, I knew the thing cost big money!
Ready for takeoff! |
The beautiful little airplane looked magnificent in the back of my truck! Pointing backwards as if ready for takeoff, she reminded me of a World War II fighter plane ready to be launched from a ship's flight deck! The silver prop and steering wheel sparkled in the morning sun, attracting the attention of fellow yard salers. One older gentleman even approached me at my next stop and although I don't normally waste time kibitzing, I couldn't help but take time to proudly show off the plane. In fact, the little plane turned so many heads, I thought it best to drive home and offload her before continuing to more garage sales.
Not in any particular hurry to sell it, the plane sat in my garage for a few weeks. Finally, I did some detective work and uncovered the plane's origins. I discovered that Restoration Hardware sells this model, calling it the "Silver Pursuit." This made total sense because about five miles from where Grateful Dead Dad lived, once stood a Restoration Hardware store. Although the store is gone, Restoration Hardware still sells the exact plane on their website for, get this..... $500 dollars! Amazing isn't it? How could someone pay that much money for a cool, unique toy, then sell it for a little more then a twenty dollar bill? But I thank the garage sale gods for those folks...without them I couldn't do what I do!
Bottle cap? Nope, steering wheel cover! |
I posted the plane on Craigslist in early December hoping to capitalize on the Christmas buying season. Beginning with a way-high price, I slowly dropped it after a few weeks with no interest. But about a week before Christmas I finally parted with my beautiful toy plane, selling it to a grandfather for $150 dollars! He bought the plane for his grandson-a better Christmas gift I could not imagine for the lucky grandson!
Everyone was happy with this deal...the seller, me, the grandfather and of course, the grandson. For me, not only was this a profitable flip, but it was just a blast preparing the "Silver Pursuit" for resale! As they say after every successful military flight....mission accomplished!
Ever score a pedal car or similar kid's toy? How about Renovation Hardware or Pottery Barn stuff ? Share your story below.....
Pin It now!