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Ice-creams vans are synonymous with sunshine, long days and the
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summer. Being that time of year when the weather is hot, we thought we'd delve into the secretive sector of ice-cream vans.
Remember the
overwhelming euphoria, and slight panic, when hearing the Greensleeves or the Teddy Bear's Picnic theme tune back in your formative years? Yes, the ice-cream van was in town and from then on it was a mad dash to gather a couple of pennies (more like pounds nowadays) and flag down the van with its Mickey Mouse decals and noisy generator and get yourself a soft-serve -perhaps even with a Flake or wafer if you were lucky.
Believe it or not, ice-cream vans are light commercial vehicles too and begin life on the same production line as all the other Vail, you 5ee on the UK's roads (cue soh violin music).
Who makes them?
The Whitby Morrison group is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of bespoke ice-cream vehicles and was established by Bryan Whitby in 1962. The company manufactures all its Whitby and Cummins branded products at a purpose-built facility in Crewe, where all the vehicles are moulded, fabricated. painted and finished.
Primarily, the coachbuilder uses Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis for the various Mr Whippys and Super Softees that frequent our parks and avenues.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Whitby Mon,li a I k based on the current-generation Mercedes Sprinter chassis and it can be fully customisable. Starting at the front, it's typically Mercedes, but if you look at the rear, the Mondial has a modified bumper with the taillights moulded within the bodywork for that svelte appearance.
However, it's the serving hatch that's the most important part of any ice-cream van.The standard fit is a four-piece window pane with a smaller rear frame to conceal the rearmost interior work surface, but Whitby says that it can be tailored to suit specific requests Inside, the Mondial is fitted with a one-piece glassreinforced plastic cabinet that can be adapted to accommodate sinks, cupboards.shelving or extra freezers.* Then there's the second model in the line-up called the Cummins Mondial. Like the Whitby model, the Cummins Mondial is underpinned by a Sprinter chassis, but this particular version is a "perfect example of traditional styling presented in a modern way". The crowned roof above the cab is typically old-school as is the full-length window by the serving hatch.
Ilbe interior is fitted with laminate and stainless steel fixtures and there's plenty storage space for everythinE from serviettes to King Con *Ice-cream caramel dip a; sugar cone not included.
Ford Transit
The first of two Transit-base models featured is the Whit Millennium.
This particular one-piece body is practical and versati and the design allows custo to lit a rear compartment le condensing units or extra pt packs, plus it's also big enot to fit access doors:There's e an extra storage cupboard ii compartment above the cat What about the business Well, in the back you get ful moulded worktops, and everything from roller draw to storage tubs can be speci in the build.
Second, it's the Cummins MK25.This particular modi boasts a lightweight fihregh body for ultimate vending performance. Massive wind apertures ensure the childn can grab their ice-creams with ease.
One of Whitby Morrison's creations featured on tt recent BBC Three show Eddie Izzarth Marathon Ma The show followed the British comedian running 43 marathons in 51 days around the UK raising money charity, Throughout the show, lizard is followed by h very own Ford Transit ice-cream van. •