TWIN COACH MILK DELIVERY TRUCK
The Twin Coach Company of Kent, Ohio built transit buses, small delivery vehicles and trolley buses from 1927 to 1955. Co-founder William Fageol patented the concept of a vehicle body becoming the frame and being powered by two engines – called a twin engine – to allow for larger loads. Thus, the birth of a Twin Coach, giving the company its name.
The innovative design of this coach made it popular for delivery trucks of this era. The driver could operate the vehicle in a standing position or sit on a fold-away upright seat, which enabled easy exit and entry on a busy delivery route.
This interesting and well-maintained Twin Coach vehicle was configured as a milk truck and is the last known example from the Ferguson Dairy fleet in Columbiana, Ohio. It’s easy to imagine it delivering milk, cottage cheese, eggs and butter when new nearly nine decades ago!
Fully restored, this timeless classic is completely hand-painted (no decals here!).
Behind the driver are raised platforms on each side of the truck to hold original stacked Cream Crest wooden milk crates. Metal runners keep the crates in place. Included are original milk bottles, wire bottle carriers and several vintage milk cans. There are also several antique galvanized milk boxes that would have sat on the porch, where customers put their used glass bottles and received full ones from the milkman.
Ample windows surround the entire truck, and there are sliding doors on each side. The unique flip-up rear door offers easy access to the dairy goods.
The truck’s Hercules 199 cubic inch four-cylinder flathead engine is located in front of the driver and is accessible for servicing through a panel between the driver and the windshield.
Sadly, these vehicles finally met their demise when modern supermarkets replaced home deliveries.
This true masterpiece is of show quality. It’s guaranteed to be a truly fascinating entry at any car show and will bring back memories for many admirers. Where else would you find this unique piece of history, complete with period glass milk bottles, cans, wire carrying racks and wooden bottle crates?
Not only is it a fun driver but it’s also perfect for a museum display.
