The British ice cream van is one of the most iconic vehicles around. From the distinctive chimes to the colourful branding, it never fails to conjure fond memories and stir up nostalgia. But how exactly did it gain such revered status?
From early mobile sellers to traditional Bedford vans to retro Ford Transits and modern Mercedes models, ice cream vans have come in various models.
Let’s take a look at their rich history, up to their latest role as promotional vehicles.
The first taste of mobile ice cream
Street sellers would often find ways to bring frozen treats to customers. And while rumours suggest Emperor Nero sent his servants to collect snow from the Apennine mountains, Britain's ice cream van history begins in Victorian times.
Here, ice cream was often served in small glass dishes called ‘penny licks’, which customers could enjoy before handing the empty glass back. Vendors also used handcarts and horse-drawn carriages to sell ice cream – often decorating them to catch attention while out and about.
These early sellers established the idea of bringing ice cream to the masses, rather than asking them to visit a fixed shop.
The rise of traditional ice cream vans
In the 1920s, Wall’s introduced ice cream tricycles with a famous ‘Stop Me and Buy One’ slogan, but it wasn’t long before motorised vehicles became widely used. The 1950s marked a big change, with the Morris J-Type becoming popular among sellers.
Soft-serve ice cream also helped transform the industry, with brands like Mr Whippy and Mister Softee hitting the road with purpose-built ice cream vans – complete with refrigeration and ice cream makers on board. The familiar chimes also arrived around this time, letting everyone know that a van was heading their way.
Check out From Classic whips to Artisan Scoops for the treats typically offered by today's promotional ice cream vans.
The classic Bedford ice cream van
Few vehicles have sparked the imagination quite like the 50s Bedford ice cream van.
The Bedford CA (produced from 1952-1969) and the later CF (1969-1987) were massively popular. Large production runs allowed companies to buy fleets at affordable prices, while their more ‘rugged’ mechanics made them workhorses of Britain’s roads.
These Bedfords were also ambulances and campers, but it’s their role as ice cream trucks that people remember. Style, reliability, and a boxy design made them UK favourites, and even today, a vintage Bedford brings traditional charm to all kinds of events and brand activations.
Interested in having a classic Bedford ice cream van for your event or campaign? Get the scoop with our complete guide to branded ice cream van hire.
A fresh scoop of progress
Ice cream vans evolved to feature different layouts, styles and sizes.
Image: My Money Matters provides ice cream to encourage conversations.
One popular vehicle was the Ford Transit. Introduced in 1965, it featured a wide body and high storage capacity that made it perfect for ice cream service. The Ford Transit became known throughout the 80s and 90s for its ‘short cowl’ design, with various iterations (like the Mk2 and Mk3) produced by Whitby Morrison.
The ‘Smiley Face Transit’ became a popular nickname, while the manufacturer’s partnership with Carpigiani delivered the ultimate soft-serve ice cream.
If you’re looking at ice cream van hire options and want to know what a Ford Transit can achieve, see My Money Matters’ sweet journey to success.
The modern ice cream van
While classic Bedfords and Ford Transit ice cream vans are less common today, modern vehicles draw on the familiar features that have made them so timeless. From colourful branding and traditional serving hatches to the cheerful look and feel, they can still lift moods and get children excited.
Above: A Mercedes ice cream truck for Whitby Morrison.
These familiar touches can be applied to modern vehicle designs. A great example is the Mercedes ice cream van, which is taller, wider and longer than previous models – for a mobile serving space with a modern feel. Modern vans also tend to feature modern equipment, making it easier to serve high a lot of ice cream more efficiently.
Visit the British Airways Centenary case study to see what a Mercedes can do!
From summer icon to sampling favourite
With around 2,500 ice cream vans in the UK (down from over 20,000 in the 90s), these vehicles have only become more sought after.
In essence, scarcity has turned them into nostalgic powerhouses, able to turn heads and encourage people to grab a cone, film content, and then share the experience online.
Above: McCain hands out ice cream and fries for a promotional campaign.
That’s made promotional ice cream vans hugely popular with brands and marketing agencies, all looking to serve up a joyful dose of customer engagement.
They now act as the chilled centre of all kinds of brand experiences, from product sampling events to launches, pop-ups and photoshoots. Find out what brands are doing to elevate these experiences, with bold flavours, influencers and more.
Looking to hire a promotional ice cream van?
Whether you prefer the traditional charm of a Bedford, the retro appeal of a Ford Transit or the distinctly modern look of a Mercedes, we have an ice cream van for you.
It all starts with an estimate for vehicle hire, including the cost of the wrap and basic logistics – and we make that as easy as possible.
Simply click below to try our pricing calculator and get an instant price on screen. From there, get in touch so we can help bring your ice cream campaign to life!
