Summary

A spectacular ground-up restoration complete with 3,840 bottles of Coca-Cola, advertising items and delivery hand truck. Tried-and-true 80hp Flathead V8 mated to a 3-speed manual transmission.

Details

This fabulous re-creation of the 50th anniversary delivery truck starts with a correct 1936 Ford Model 51 1-1/2-ton dual-wheel truck. So much more than a pure cosmetic tribute, this is a highly accurate re-creation of a long-lost truck that is both extremely well-executed and highly detailed, with many period-correct accessories. For starters, the quality of the restoration is top-notch. The paint and body present extremely well in correct Coca-Cola Yellow with excellent quality finishes and detailing. As a work truck, it is very basic in terms of equipment and comfort, but what trim can be found is in good order, with some of the basic brightwork showing in very good original condition. The cab is trimmed in black vinyl as per original, with just the basics to keep the driver informed and comfortable - such a pop-out windshield for ventilation and basic instrumentation. Red heavy-duty wheels with period-correct tires and red and green trim on the bed finish out the color scheme. Of course, Coca-Cola logos are prominently displayed all over the truck - adorning the doors, a large sign across the top of the bed and that beautiful 50th-anniversary billboard across the back. All of the lettering is executed beautifully, a celebration of the art of the master sign painter. Under the hood lies a tried-and-true 80hp Flathead V8 mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. To help both acceleration and cruising speeds, especially when loaded to this truck's 10,000-lb capacity, an Eaton 2-speed rear end effectively doubles the available ratios. The undercarriage is appropriately finished in chassis black and appears clean and tidy from front to back. Where this truck truly shines, however, is in the details. The restorer had acquired several original wooden Coca-Cola crates during the restoration process and, using the originals as a template, went on to re-create a staggering 160 wooden cases to fit on the bed of his truck, all finished properly in yellow with correct stenciling on the sides. To top it all off, those 160 cases were filled with 3,840 glass bottles of Coke. A period-correct hand truck and the original cases add yet more detail to the already incredible display. Recently displayed at the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn, IN. The Coca-Cola company itself has even used it as a promotional tool at several national events.