Crusader 101

The Crusader 101 was an electrically operated toy car introduced in 1964 by Deluxe Reading of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and produced until 1966. Designed for sale in discount and grocery stores, it stood out as one of the largest and most detailed toy cars available at the time. The car did not replicate a specific model but incorporated design elements from various vehicles, such as stacked headlights reminiscent of Pontiacs, a grille similar to early 1960s Mercurys, and taillights inspired by 1948-1956 Cadillacs. Its overall styling was akin to the 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible. The toy featured a highly detailed interior with white bucket seats, black inserts, matching door panels, black "carpeting," and a chrome-plated dashboard and console with legible gauges and a radio dial. The exterior included a chrome-plated windshield frame with a green-tinted windshield, adjustable sun visors, and twin radio aerials that could be raised or lowered manually. Measuring about three feet in length, the Crusader 101 allowed for elaborate details, such as a trunk storage space for a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Functional features included a movable steering wheel, turn signal lever, and gear selector. A male driver figure, made of unpainted beige plastic, was included with the car. The toy could be controlled via a remote shaped like an automatic transmission selector. Despite its detail, it had durability issues, including prone-to-breaking front steering knuckles and common electrical problems affecting steering control. Over time, parts like the windshield frame and chrome-plated components would warp or ...