As we turn over our calendars to the year of 2023, we take a look at a vintage vehicle (with a modern twist) that is closing in on 100 years of age!
This Ford Model A Huckster originally rolled off of the production line back in 1929, just as the Roaring Twenties was coming to a close.
Whilst the decade known as the Jazz Age would culminate in the beginning of The Great Depression, the preceding ten years had been a time of post-WWI economic prosperity, technological innovation, and cultural and social advancement.
The Ford Motor Company took a seat at the forefront of these changes.
Their mass-produced automotive models made what was once a high-priced luxury good now accessible to the general population.
Travel was easier and Ford cars selling in the millions influenced the expansion of cities, highways and housing projects.
A century on, Antique Brew Trucks owner William Clark has continued the early Ford legacy of innovation, everyday luxury and pioneering American industry.
"It was built to be used for business in 1929 and we wanted to revive that spirit."
Whereas some might see his ’29 Model A as a museum piece, William sees a capable tool of work.
A vehicle that once hauled, transported and inspired.
William's aim is for it to continue to do just that, for many more years to come.
Only this time the old Ford will be carrying beer, wine, soda and even cold brew coffee to its patrons, all on tap.
"The company consists of myself, my wife and our two dogs,” William told us.
"We love old cars, motorcycles and traveling. We wanted to restore this car but also make it something that people could enjoy outside of a car show.
It was built to be used for business in 1929 and we wanted to revive that spirit."
We caught up with William, who is based in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to dig deeper into the origins of this unique blend of modern and vintage, and find out how his mobile bar business came to be.
Hey William, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us today. What's your background and who or what inspired you to initially start Antique Brew Trucks?
I’m a mechanic by trade but currently I teach commercial truck repair at a tech school. I also enjoy brewing beer as a hobby. My uncle owned the truck and was looking to sell it. It needed a lot of work, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to take on that big of a restoration.
Then a friend said to me, "I bet you could make a lot of money selling beer out of that thing."
And so, the idea was born!
Amazing. What was the process like turning a vintage Model A Huckster into a bar on wheels?
The restoration of the truck took roughly a year.
All the wood was sanded stained and sealed. Some of the veneer on the panels had to be replaced. Luckily the paint was workable with detailing and some touch up.
After tearing down the engine it was found to be not salvageable, so it got a new engine and rebuilt transmission. The brakes and wheel ends were also in bad shape and needed full rebuilds.
The only update I made was the addition of turn signals, otherwise it's true to how it worked in 1929.
Once the truck was restored the draft system was designed and installed. My wife and I performed all the work ourselves except for the wheels which we sent out to be powder coated by RiMZCoat and the engine was built by Automotive and Industrial Machining Co..
What have you enjoyed most about running the business? Do you have any favorite milestones or steps of the journey so far?
We have not been in business long and unfortunately started at the end of good weather season.
However, the few events we were able to fit in were a blast!
I always get a kick out of seeing people’s reactions to the bar and all the questions it generates.
Also, building the truck was a lot of fun.
I would love to have my own little fleet one day.
"The only update I made was the addition of turn signals, otherwise it's true to how it worked in 1929."
What has been your biggest challenge in launching and running your business?
Our biggest problem was insurance.
Apparently, most companies have an age cutoff for commercial vehicle policies.
That caused about a 6-month delay.
Now it's just a matter of getting our name out there and hoping for a busy 2023!
What are your upcoming plans for the business and what are you most looking forward to this year?
We are hoping to partner with some breweries next year, along with servicing some parties and weddings.
I'm really hoping this takes off and I can build another truck!
We are open for 2023 bookings so if you're interested, drop us a line!
"Building the truck was a lot of fun. I would love to have my own little fleet one day."
Ironically, for a vehicle originally created during the Prohibition era, where the sale of alcohol was illegal, William sees the burgeoning craft beer and micro-brewery industry of modern-day America as a potential partner market for his antique alcohol wagons.
He hopes to help businesses stand out from the crowd by providing their customers with a unique and memorable method of drinks service.
So if you're a brewery looking for something a little different to complement your products, or if you’re interested in having an event catered by a slice of American automotive and cultural history, you can contact Antique Brew Trucks via their Roll To profile, here.
The crew serve at events in and around Chester County, PA.
Thanks so much to William for speaking with us, and congratulations on such an impressive build!
We’re looking forward to seeing more antique trucks added to the collection soon!