Few vehicles capture the charm of mid-century delivery like the Divco Milk Truck, and restoring one (from its original to a customized version) is as rewarding as it is challenging. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Over a 60-year run, this iconic Divco Milk Truck built a fascinating history. But did you know this truck is one of the most sought-after classic overhaul projects among hot rodders?
This story could have started years ago, when watching a milkman run door-to-door delivering milk or bread to your house. Or it could have begun more recently, like at a spring classic car event in Rockton, Ontario. (2026 Ad)
- As difficult as it was to decide where to begin, it makes sense to start with a little background on the famous Divco Milk Truck, then ease into what hot rodders are doing with them today.
I’ll quote a few paragraphs from “A History of the Divco Truck and Company” by Robert R. Ebert and John S. Rienzo Jr.:
I’ll quote a few paragraphs from “A History of the Divco Truck and Company” by Robert R. Ebert and John S. Rienzo Jr.:
The brand name “Divco” was a survivor. For 60 years, Divco endured the trials and turmoil of the Depression, a world war, numerous mergers and acquisitions, and a dramatically changing environment for its product, multi-stop delivery trucks.
Once the last major domain of the urban workhorse, retail milk delivery began transitioning after World War I, with battery-powered trucks playing an important role. However, with the arrival of the specially designed Divco motor truck in 1927, the shift from horse-drawn delivery to motor vehicles accelerated.
By the mid-1930s, the short-nosed Divco had become a familiar sight in nearly every American and Canadian city. In its streamlined version, introduced just before World War II, the Divco became recognized as America’s quintessential milk-delivery truck.
With its unmistakable forward-control design, sliding doors, and step-in convenience, the Divco wasn’t just a workhorse; it was a daily presence in neighbourhoods. A symbol of reliability in a slower, more personal era of service.
Through all the ups and downs of corporate ownership and market changes, the Divco truck maintained a loyal following that persists to this day, however, “only in a different way.”
After all those years, Divco production ended in early 1986, a result of changing times.
But in one sense, even at the end, Divco remained a survivor because it was still a profitable product for its builder. The Divco story is one of trucks, people, and a changing economy.
**** Today, bringing one of these vintage trucks with its distinguishable front end back to life means more than just turning wrenches and straightening out body panels. It’s about preserving a piece of history, solving mechanical puzzles from another generation, and rediscovering the craftsmanship that defined an entire industry.
So in the end, few vehicles captured the charm of mid-century delivery like the ‘Divco Milk Truck,’ and restoring one is as rewarding as it is challenging.
So now, back to this custom Divco milk truck that’s got my mojo working in overdrive.
At a season’s first car show, I’m walking up to the gates, paying my entry fee, and getting the traditional happy-face stamp on my hand before heading inside. Normally, I’m vending at these events, and I rarely have time to sightsee. But this time, I’m here to browse—maybe pick up a few collectibles like a rare 1930 GM bowtie, or snap some photos for future articles.
As I cleared the gates and stepped onto the field of dreams, I looked to my right, and there it was.
A beautifully customized 1960s Divco milk truck, slammed low to the ground with a paint job you couldn’t ignore.
Of course, it’s not really a milk truck anymore—and I should warn you, some owners don’t appreciate that comparison. And that’s fair enough. But with this wild paint scheme and low-rider stance, they may be right.
Still … there’s no mistaking that iconic feature, the distinctive “snub-nose front end.” So I don’t mind admitting, the sight of that truck sent me straight down memory lane.
However, I’ve seen these trucks before, but only in my younger days.
But it made me wonder: … why does a “Divco Milk Truck” still impress me after all these years? Maybe it’s as simple as this: I’m in the market for an overhaul project. I’m retired and now just an opinionated blogger/storyteller, but I miss the hands-on work, twisting wrenches and hammering out dents.
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So when you hear someone say, “That guy’s going through his second childhood,” they might be right? There’s a little voice in all of us saying, *“When I get older, I’m going to do a frame-off restoration to the first car I used to own.
Call it a guy thing, if you want. But in my case, the Divco Milk Truck carries a different kind of nostalgia, a symbol of the fun and simpler days of my youth. Partly drawn from my childhood days to … seeing a customized Divco Truck at a Classic Show and Shine event that got my mojo working.
Estimated Cost of Overhauling a Classic Car Project. “CLICK HERE”
Give a little credit where credit is due; maybe even reading a copy of “DIVCO: A History of the Truck and Company” by Robert R. Ebert and John S. Rienzo Jr. had a direct influence on this article.
To learn more about Divco Milk Truck, I highly recommend this unique book. And if you prefer an online resource, the ‘Divco Club of America.’ They can answer just about any question you might have on this unique truck with the iconic “Snub Nose.”
Let’s be honest folks, “They still look Coooool, eh!”
COMMENTS FROM READERS
** I have this 1938 Divco Delivery Truck…”Dinky The Divco” Now this 38 Divco Delivery isn’t just any old milk or bread truck…It is now a very cool Custom Street Truck— No fancy paint here just what looks like real deal patina, I can’t believe that is true for the whole body?
** You can’t tell were the real deal mother nature patina and the potential man made starts…It rides on air so it was laying on the ground at the 2022 NSRA Street Rod Nationals…
** So it had the perfect stance IMHO…Now the interior is where this 1938 Divco Delivery Custom Street Truck from the 2022 National Street Rod Association Street Rod Nationals really gets cool…It’s all bare aluminum that has been turned into a incredible work of art that will
** Tricky Controls: Some models featured a unique pedal system where the clutch and brake were on the same pedal—halfway down was the clutch, and all the way down was the brake.
Engine and Speed: They often used four-cylinder Continental engines, top speed was typically governed around 30-35 mph, making them perfect for residential routes rather than highway driving. The Sound: People often remember the distinct noise of the engine, the rattle of glass milk bottles, and the sliding metal doors.
** Many of these trucks are now prized collector items, often restored or converted into unique food trucks or hot rods.
Hope you enjoyed my story.
“Written by Dave Wettlaufer, a once truck driver, a heavy equipment, truck and coach and everything in-between mechanic, bodyman. Now turned, opinionated Blogger.
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