This super cool vintage food truck attracts attention everywhere it goes.
Tasty Conversion
Over the past few years, we've begun to see more and more old Ford trucks used as food trucks, and the pairing just makes sense. After all, there's nothing more charming than a vintage Blue Oval hauler, which is guaranteed to attract more attention than some giant, boring box truck. Case in point - this 1929 Ford Model AA, which was restored and converted into a food truck by Robert Rowley, a process he recently discussed with the Amarillo Globe-News.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
Cool Origins
This particular Model AA has lived an interesting life that began with it being used as a popcorn truck in the 1930s. Rowley obtained the truck from Michigan, then spent a whopping two years restoring it and turning it into Pappy's Soda Jerk, which sells New York-style hot dogs and old-fashioned hamburgers.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
Keeping It Original
"I've tried to keep it as close to the original as possible," Rowley said. "Everything that I've taken out of the truck, I've put back into the truck. I worked really closely with the Amarillo Fire Department and Amarillo (Public) Health Department to put it together, one so we don't burn down a piece of history, also to ensure that we are food safe. So some of the modern things in the vehicle are there just to make sure that we are up to code and as safe as possible."
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
Modern Upgrades
Even the old-fashioned cash register remains intact, along with most of everything else that came with Rowely's purchase. However, he did make a few modern upgrades to make it a bit easier to live with, including ventilation, refrigeration, night lights, and a sound system.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
Truly Unique
Rowley said that his Model AA is one of just two in the U.S. with a functioning, wood-burning cast-iron stove, and the other is in a museum in New York. Even if there are more out there in the world, that number can't be too high at this point, making this food truck truly unique.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
Future Upgrades
Rowley isn't quite finished with this masterpiece, however, and plans on eventually selling ice cream and root beer floats to his menu, as well as installing a movie projector so patrons can scope out period movies while they order and eat.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
One Downside
There's only one real downside to choosing a 1929 Ford Model AA as a food truck - it isn't particularly fast, or even really capable of keeping up with modern traffic. "It's my dream, and it was a lot of work. But I just want to apologize now to anyone who gets stuck behind me while driving, because its top speed is 20 mph in town, maybe 30 mph on the highway," Rowley said. At least he looks cool while holding up traffic.
Photos: Shaie Williams for the Amarillo Globe-News
>>Join the conversation about this 1929 Ford food truck right here in the forum.
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