A genuine, fully restored, and operational example

135 bhp, 223 cu. in. OHV inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, Twin I-beam independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129 in.

Many people will remember that the original Good Humor man wore all white with a black Sam Brown belt, black shoes, a coin changer, and a police style hat. Apparently the reason for this was to give a sense of safety and cleanliness. There was even a handbook for all drivers on how to dress and act, as all the drivers were employees of Good Humor.

The name Good Humor came from the belief that a person’s “humor” or temperament was related to the humor of one’s taste. To market his Good Humor Bars, Harry Burt sent out a fleet of 12 chauffeur-driven trucks with bells to make door-to-door deliveries, and it was then that the Good Humor Man was born. The trucks were shipped from Ford, with the front end only to Hackney Brothers coachbuilders, who installed everything from the dash back.

The example offered here is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and enjoyable cars from the Cars of Dreams Museum, and we are delighted to present it here for auction. Prior to joining the collection, it was the property of noted Florida and Southern California collectors Celesta Pappas-Boses and Scott Boses, who lovingly restored the whimsical truck to its current show condition. Throughout the restoration process, thorough attention to detail was paid to every component, as the ice cream truck was slated for competitive display at the 2009 “Concours on the Avenue” in Carmel, California, an event held annually and immediately prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. As planned, the ice cream truck was proudly shown at the concours, where it was not only extremely well received but also an award winner and, impressively, found itself with a new owner in Mr. Staluppi by the day’s end.

Notably, the ice cream truck still retains the original, now restored, porcelain signs, the original bells, and a vacuum operated stop sign arm. During the restoration, the cooling system was upgraded to a more modern system, using Freon for easy replacement. While in the Cars of Museum Collection, it has been routinely serviced and maintained in excellent, operational condition.

It is not often that we are given the opportunity to auction a vehicle that can authoritatively guarantee “smiles for miles,” and it is worth mentioning that this is perhaps one of the most rare and popular cars in the collection. That being said, take note, because if attention, satisfaction, and delight are what you desire—then this is the car for you.

While not eligible for the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, with enough active campaigning and free ice cream distributed outside the gates, a “food truck and vending” semi-annual class for competitive judging may just be around the corner, for which this would undoubtedly be a shoe-in and award winner.