On 1 November 1927, Ford Motor Company began production of its all-new motorcar, the Model A—the first since the introduction of the stalwart Model T nearly 20 years earlier. So vastly different was the new car that Ford Motor Company deviated from previous practice in naming the car. Rather than continue to use consecutive letters of the alphabet, the company chose to name it the Model A in honor of its first car.

In naming the new truck, which was introduced concurrently, the designation Model AA was chosen; logical, since the TT moniker had been given to the truck version of the Model T. Like its counterpart TT, the AA was fitted with heavy-duty underpinnings and simple yet sturdy Model A mechanicals. It underpinned countless commercial vehicles, including this Cretors Popcorn truck.

According to Cretors expert and historian Bob Pearson, this vehicle is one of just three produced in 1928 and one of two known to exist today—the other belonging to Hemmings Motor News. It is likely, due to the Depression, to have not been sold until sometime in 1930–31. It was first licensed in Pennsylvania in 1954, and it remained in the western part of the state for the next 34 years. It was then acquired by York County resident and snack-food business owner Jack P. Cook Jr., who anticipated using it in the promotion of the family enterprise. Pearson further authenticates the vehicle retaining its original Cretors roof sign.

Cook commissioned Jeff Hammers of Penn-Dutch Restoration Services of nearby Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, to an open-checkbook nut-and-bolt restoration to original in 1988. Per the consignor, Hammers recalls the vehicle having last been used in the 1960s. He adds that Cook spent $175,000–200,000 with him over the next 10 years to restore the popcorn truck.

Correct new popcorn poppers were installed, along with reproduction beveled glass and an authentic peanut roaster sourced from Pearson, as well as other period items. Everything was returned to original condition and was fully operational at that time. Following the completion of the restoration, the Cretors Popcorn truck was stored in Cook’s warehouse and never used.

Most recently, the Model AA was sent to Precision Motor Cars of Allentown, Pennsylvania, for detailing and servicing prior to being offered for sale. It is described as being in very nice condition with little to no evidence of use since restoration. As intended by the prior owner, it would make for quite the conversation piece at any occasion and a superb opportunity to promote one’s business.