Lot 113

Hershey 2017

1946 Divco Model U "Rosenberger’s Dairies" Delivery Truck

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$25,300 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
UM36546
  • Beautiful example of America’s most recognizable delivery truck
  • Iconic door-to-door flat-floor design
  • Used to deliver milk for Rosenberger’s Dairies

There is perhaps nothing more reminiscent of America in the post-war years than the image of a smartly uniformed milkman delivering glass jugs of milk to each door along a suburban neighborhood. An essential part of that image is the milk truck, conjuring feelings of nostalgia for all who see one.

A small Midwestern company, Divco soon emerged as the producer of the best delivery vehicles around. Founded in 1925, the Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company reached peak perfection in 1936 with the release of its Model U. Affectionately termed the “snub-nose,” the base of the Model U would remain in production for another 50 years, until Divco closed its doors in 1986. Most famously, Divco popularized the ability to drive the delivery truck from the standing position, allowing drivers to push the seat out of the way in order to quickly hop in and out of either side of the truck for faster deliveries.

Offered here is one such iconic Divco snub-nose delivery truck, resplendent in the cream and red livery of the Hatfield, Pennsylvania, company Rosenberger’s Dairies. Produced after the Divco factory was converted from war-time use, this 1946 example is virtually identical to pre-war models. For the first time in the company’s history annual production reached nearly 7,000 units, proving that Divco had truly conquered the dairy world.

For nostalgic fans of the ’40s and ’50s, or perhaps a collector who loves to make people feel good, this Rosenberger’s Dairies delivery truck is sure to be the center of attention wherever it goes.