Where to find a travel toy from the 70s?

July 12, 2005 8:06 AM

Please help me find a toy of sorts from the 70s. I think it was called CarTalk -- a handheld flip sign that provided hours of fun while driving the interstates on summer vacations. As I recall, it was an oval-shaped paddle with messages on a spiral binder like: "Hello" and "I think you're cute," as well as some other goofy inspirations for fellow highway travelers. Let me know if you have more information or if you know where to get one.
posted by swamperro to sports, hobbies, & recreation (9 comments total)

is there one that says "You're one of those people who cannot use a cell phone and do other things, like drive, so please stop trying"
posted by striker at 9:08 AM on July 12, 2005

I remember seeing these just a few years back in places like Spencer Gift stores.

OTOH, my Google-fu is returning nothing. I've been using search terms like novelty, book, spiral-bound, phrases, message, car...in all sorts of combinations.
posted by ArsncHeart at 9:17 AM on July 12, 2005

Strange. I was just thinking of these the other day.

The last time I saw one was in a Harriet Carter magazine, though a thorough search of their website returns nothing.

I'm still on the prowl, though - I know it's out there somewhere!
posted by nitsuj at 9:20 AM on July 12, 2005

Alright, this isn't exactly what I was thinking of - but it's pretty much the exact same thing, only an updated, road-rage version.
posted by nitsuj at 9:28 AM on July 12, 2005

I know exactly what you're talking about. Google and ebay, unfortunately, aren't turning anything up. This page calls them "Paddle Talk," but that doesn't ring a bell to me. The description also refers to a green handle, but I'm almost positive the one we had was red.
posted by pardonyou? at 9:48 AM on July 12, 2005

In certain cities, holding up signs with wise-cracking slogans is a good way to get run off the road, shot, or followed and having your ass kicked...etc.

OTOH, if you're prone to performing the above actions, this might be just the thing for you!
posted by catkins at 10:08 AM on July 12, 2005

There's a paper version that comes in the new Cooper Mini owners manual.

But yeah, probably not worth buying a Mini over.
posted by Gucky at 10:46 AM on July 12, 2005

Here's one that says, "You're Cute, Help!, What's Your Number" etc.
posted by Otis at 10:58 AM on July 12, 2005

I remember that--it was called "The Hi Sign" and it also had two blank pages so you could write your own greeting or insult.
posted by fandango_matt at 1:49 PM on July 12, 2005