This rare 1963 Barry Toycraft Corvette kids’ car, one of 1,200 made, recalls a unique era of Corvette history.
A rare piece of Chevrolet Corvette history is crossing the block soon, as a 1963 Barry Toycraft Corvette Junior Car is being offered without reserve from The Burnyzz Collection. Built as a promotional item for the launch of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, this battery-powered miniature replica captured the imagination of young car fans in showrooms across the country.
Only 1,200 of these fiberglass-bodied junior cars were produced by Barry Toycraft Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, making them highly sought-after by collectors today. Finished in Riverside Red gelcoat—the same striking color offered on the full-size Corvette—the toy car features molded Corvette-style lines, a split-window rear design, chrome-look trim, and authentic Corvette emblems.
Measuring six feet long and 2.5 feet wide, the kid-sized convertible is powered by a mid-mounted 12-volt electric motor, providing forward and reverse movement at speeds between 3 and 6 mph. Inside, the dashboard is adorned with Corvette-inspired stickers, while a forward/reverse toggle switch provides simple controls.
These cars were originally distributed to Chevrolet dealerships as showroom attention-getters, raffle prizes, and promotional giveaways designed to boost excitement for the debut of the revolutionary 1963 Sting Ray. Some were even retrofitted with working headlights, horns, and radios, although this example remains largely original, retaining its factory-correct features.
The Burnyzz Collection example has been in long-term ownership since 1988 and is described by the consignor as “running smooth and presenting well,” with all-original parts intact, no cracks or structural damage, and only light patina consistent with its age.
As restored examples can command several thousand dollars at auction, this junior Corvette represents not only a collectible slice of Corvette history but also a unique piece of 1960s Americana that bridges childhood nostalgia and muscle car heritage. See it here.
