1910 Cretors Popcorn Truck Replica

My truly wonderful Replica 1910 Cretor Model T Popcorn Truck should once again see the light of day and no longer languish in the barn.

By way of background the original owner, the late Pete Cobb, enthusiastically enjoyed owning and working on Model T’s and was driven (no pun intended) to own a Cretors Model T Popcorn Truck. He looked into purchasing a replica, but soon determined that he could build one better, and located an example to precisely measure to use as the basis for this one.

Built in the mid-1980’s using his expert skills supplemented by those of his brother and other members of the Model T Club of Dallas, Mr. Cobb incorporated parts of a 1926 car to the 1910 so that it would be the proper height off the ground for serving and still retain the beautiful brass. He was elated when in 1988 his longtime vision was realized and he was invited to participate as a vendor at the State Fair of Texas. This tradition continued until the conclusion of the 2012 Fair. Yes, it was a great 24 year run.

The truck was trailered to and from its former annual 24-day outing since I purchased the physical vehicle in 2003, as I do not know how to start or drive it. It was running well when I purchased it and its mechanical systems are currently being addressed. While it still looks good when set up and is very serviceable as it is, it does need attention to include replacing the original siding utilized which has not fared as well as Mr. Cobb must have envisioned. (One of the panels has already been replaced with metal by the skillful craftsman/owner of my local body shop.)

The online photographs include Mr. Cobb’s original sign in the window (which was always on display out of respect for his workmanship), examples of the siding and related issues, and the truck at its last outing in the fall of 2012.

The truck is stored in Brownwood, Texas, about an hour south-southeast of Abilene, Texas.