Vehicle Description
The Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company was born in the mid-1920s
when engineer George Bacon, then working for the Detroit Electric
Vehicle Company, came up with an idea for a milk truck that could
be driven from multiple positions, allowing drivers to more quickly
hop on/off the vehicle for more efficient deliveries. But electric
technology was not yet up to the rigors of hauling heavy loads for
a full day's shift, especially in the cold winters of Detroit, and
Bacon's bosses rejected the idea of a gasoline-powered vehicle, so
he set out on his own to found DIVCO, which began production in
1926. The Divco company went through multiple iterations and
partnerships - no fewer than eight in sixty years. Various designs
for the 'multi-stop vehicle' were tried, though the 'Snub-Nose'
Model U of 1937 became the company's mainstay for the remainder of
its existence. The Model U was purpose-built for the abuses of
stop-start deliveries and needed to be robust and maneuverable,
with the ability to carry heavy payloads of milk, newspapers, or
the like. The distinct sloping nose afforded excellent visibility,
and Divco trucks were built to be driven while standing up, with
easy accessibility to grab and go. An ingenious combination
clutch/safety brake allowed the driver to leave the vehicle running
and in gear, hop out to make his delivery, then release the brake
for a quick, smooth departure to his next stop. Divco made many
refinements through production, but the fundamental design of the
Model U remained unchanged from 1937 until the last trucks left the
works in 1986. This fabulous 1948 Divco Model UM is a wonderfully
restored example of America's most beloved milk truck. Between 2005
and 2008, it was restored by brothers Nick and Gary Tisch in honor
of their father. Nicholas Tisch, Sr., was a milkman for Twin Pines
Farm Dairy of Warren, Michigan, from 1959 to 1973. The Tisch boys
fondly recalled riding along with their dad and being put to work
whenever they had days off from school, often dashing into
customers' homes to put milk directly in the fridge! Recreating his
milk truck seemed like the perfect way to honor his life and
unwavering work ethic. Once the Tisch brothers found a suitable
donor to restore, they set about recreating their father's Divco as
accurately as possible. The ensuing project consumed more than
3,000 hours, and while Nick restored the truck, Gary scoured
antique malls, flea markets, and tag sales for original Twin Pines
memorabilia and merchandise to complete the display. Sadly, their
father passed before they finished the project, but the restoration
continued as a fitting tribute to their hard-working dad. Nick
completed the truck in August 2008, just in time to debut it at the
Woodward Dream Cruise, where the locals gave it a warm reception.
It later won its class at the famous Detroit Autorama. Nick and
Gary sold the Divco to a collector in 2011, and it has been in the
care of that same fastidious owner ever since. Wonderfully
presented in the authentic Twin Pines livery of green and cream,
the Divco is superbly detailed inside and out. The paintwork is
excellent, with beautiful, accurately reproduced lettering. The
truck rides on the correct-type heavy-duty wheels with period-style
Firestone tires. Inside, a uniform light gray finish covers all
metal surfaces, which helped keep it cool inside, and provided a
durable finish that was easy to touch up over years of service. A
highlight of this restoration is the incredible assemblage of
genuine Twin Pines Dairy products filling the cargo hold. There are
also original period delivery ledgers, service manuals, and more on
file. While the fundamental design of the Model U barely changed in
50 years, many different engines were used depending on the era.
Continental, Hercules, Nash, Detroit-Diesel, and Ford all supplied
engines to Divco. Most early trucks, including this one, used
Continental's robust and efficient L-head four-cylinder engines.
The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission with an
ultra-low 1st gear. The Continental was no powerhouse, but it could
push the Model U to 40 mph depending on payload. Divco's heyday was
in the 1950s as vibrant city neighborhoods made for easy home
delivery. But as neighborhoods sprawled further from city centers
and supermarkets took shape, small dairies couldn't keep up, and
Divco sales slowed. The last Snub-Nose Divco left the factory in
1986, yet the distinctive trucks bring a warm sense of nostalgia to
millions of Americans. That nostalgia brought two brothers to honor
their father with this magnificent, eminently charming vehicle,
which is sure to stand out in any collection. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7164-1948-divco-model-um-milk-truck/
