1925 Strauss, Dizzie Lizzie (Leaping Lena) Automobile in Original Box
Phenomenal example of a scarce, "Dizzie Lizzie" flivver produced by the Ferdinand Strauss Corp. New York, N.Y. 100% lithographed tinplate with clockwork powered engine and separate driver. Even more amazing it comes complete with its rarely found original box! It's the first time I've found the box for this toy. It also works great! The Dizzie Lizzie auto was also known as Leaping Lena for its unique ability to automatically dislocate into two sections. To accomplish this a long notched cam rod located underneath the car connects the two halves together. When extended it allows the hood to separate from the engine cowl. This pushes the rear half upwards forcing 2/3 of the body to lean to a precarious angle of 45°. As the cycle continues the cam rod shortens pulling the two car halves together. This all occurs while the car is still moving forward. The cycle then repeats. Dizzie Lizzie was the first of many American built "jalopy" toy automobiles. It was also the largest. When Louis Marx purchased the Strauss company in 1932 the basic design was incorporated into several Marx toys. This continued well into the 1970's. As you can see the body was covered with "hip" 1920's college lingo including a large dancing stick figure across the roof. It also has a brass plated radiator and hood ornament. The tire rims were lithoed with treads. An earlier version produced in 1919 was identical, but without the graffiti. The two color red and black box was illustrated with a humorous drawing of Dizzie Lizzie barreling down the road completely out of control. It's just knocked down a traffic cop, two lamp posts and a four way stop sign. The cars' occupants yell out the windows while old and young pedestrians run for safety. Even a dog runs for cover. The two other panels show Lizzie propped facing up and facing down at against a billboard-like presentation of the toys name. The end flaps were printed with the name and address of the manufacturer along with their classic "known the world over" logo. The last photo shows the original 1925 Strauss ad for this toy. The illustration infers that the auto stands on end and dances which is just "slightly" stretching the truth. Size: 8" x 4¼" x 3¾. Sold: May 2006
Price Sold: $ 1526
