Classic cars and their owners

1959 Commer Karrier BF – Mister Softee Ice Cream Van!

We’re really excited about the awesome restorations we’ve had the chance to profile – in partnership with Car Facts Disc.

Last month, we chronicled Roger’s emphatic tale of a 1977 Triumph Stag – worthy of a Jack Kerouac novel.

This month, we won’t be embarking on another Petrolhead odyssey. We’re going from epic Grand Tourer to the ultimate chill mobile.

Antony Persuto owned a ’59 Commer Karrier ice cream van for 40 years. If you hung around Walsall Market, you probably glimpsed it a fair few times.

When Antony hung up his cones in 2011, Ian Smith of Leeds rescued the van and got to work on a 3-year restoration. Here’s Ian and his Ice Cream Van!

Bring on the sunshine, searing temperatures and a familiar jingle announcing the arrival of a cone and lolly extravaganza…

“Working on Walsall Market 1990”

Scrap metal in Derby

“As purchased in Derby 2010”
“Arrived in Leeds first job was cab removal”
“Engine Overhaul”
“September 2011 engine in place and time to replace braking system and pipes”

Coach-building

“November 2011 now time to start the coach-building. Replacing the hardwood framework”
“December 2011 framework completed”
“Rear doors”
“Aluminium panelling onto framework”
“February 2012 as far as we can go. Its off to Whitby Morrison to complete”
“Off to www.whitbymorrison.com

Repaint and completion

“Repaint”
“Completed March 2014”

Onward

Light and simple. Like vanilla ice cream on a cone – this was an enjoyable restoration, and continues to serve the worthwhile cause of making kids, adults and kidults smile.

Such stories are made more accessible with Car Facts Disc. So if you’ve got a story to tell, do the automotive world a favour and get yourself one!

Until the next time, this is Classic Cars and their Owners. Sayonara folks.

Enjoyed the read? Check out Mikaniki’s Fun Corner. We’ve got some interesting pieces coming up, so watch this space!

Nikhil L

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Nikhil L
Tags: 1959 Commer Karrier

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