# Retro Miniature Car Sets Candylab Toys' New Campaign is an Homage to Mid-Century American Autos By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-22 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candylab-toys References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/candylab/midcentury-americana-awesome-wood-toys) & [candylabtoys](http://www.candylabtoys.com/) Candylab Toys' third round of toys yet again hearkens back to a bygone era of automotive design and architecture, giving kids awesome tactile toys while helping Millennial parents connect with a generation that their own parents were a part of. The [wooden toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-moc) are sturdier than most other [plastic toy cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mschfs-hot-wheels) on the market, with smooth and appealing lines that, ironically, reflect society's smoothed over collective imagination of the mid-20th century. There are three new cars being introduced in Candylab Toys' third round. 'The Ace' is a tapered muscle car with a speedy racing stripe down its hood. Another muscle car, 'Blackjack' is an electric green dynamo best suited for the drag circuit. Finally, 'The [Pioneer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pioneer-sphera)' is a family camper that reminds consumers of road trips along California highways with a canoe (included in the set) strapped to the roof and thoughts of river-running awash in familial heads. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mid-century Toy Design Revival:** Opportunity for toy companies to create modern interpretations of nostalgic toys from the mid-20th century. - **Eco-friendly Toy Manufacturing:** Growing demand for sustainable and non-plastic alternatives creates opportunity for wooden toy manufacturers to disrupt the industry. - **Collectible Toy Market Expansion:** Opportunities for toy companies to cater to the growing demand for collectible toys that evoke a sense of nostalgia. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Candylab Toys and other toy companies can continue to innovate and meet consumer demand for sustainable, collectible, and retro-inspired toys. - **Vintage Car Enthusiast Community:** Vintage car communities and events can partner with toy companies to promote nostalgia and interest in mid-century car design. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Opportunity for marketing and advertising companies to tap into the nostalgia trend and create campaigns that appeal to Millennial parents and their children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist SUV-Inspired Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/land-rover-icon-model-01.md) - [Automotive Brand Decor Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rollsroyce-cameo.md) - [Travel-Ready Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-2-fast-card-racers.md) - [Transforming Racetrack Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racetrack-toy.md) - [Geometric Design Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-toy-by-eames-office.md) - [Car-Branded Toy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbase.md) - [Meticulous Electric-Free Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grip-car.md) - [Life-Sized Electric Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-one-max.md) - [Sustainable EV Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-tikes-cozy-coupe.md)