St. Louis Car Museum & Sales
1575 Woodson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63114
Few names are as synonymous with the popcorn industry as Cretors, a firm whose innovations helped transform a simple snack into a cornerstone of American leisure culture. Founded in the late 19th century by Charles Cretors in Chicago, the company revolutionized street concessions with the introduction of the first commercially successful steam-powered popcorn machine. By the early 1900s, Cretors wagons had become fixtures at fairs, parks, and city streets nationwide, drawing crowds with the irresistible aroma and theatrical appeal of freshly popped corn.
The Model C represented one of the firm's more substantial and visually engaging offerings of the period, combining ornate craftsmanship with reliable steam-powered operation. The present example, dating to 1916, retains its original steam power plant and popper pans, an increasingly rare level of authenticity among surviving wagons. Its polished metalwork, glass panels, and period detailing reflect the golden age of mobile concessions, when presentation was as important as product.
This wagon benefits from an older restoration that has mellowed gracefully, continuing to present with strong visual appeal while retaining a sense of authenticity appropriate to its age. It has been preserved in indoor conditions, remaining on display at the St. Louis Car Museum since August 2017.
Accompanied by a significant collection of ownership history and provenance, the wagon is known to have operated for many years in Southern California, an environment closely associated with the rise of cinema culture, where popcorn became an enduring staple. Restoration documentation is included, further supporting its history and care over time.
Offered on a bill of sale, the wagon is accompanied by an optional faux horse, providing an evocative and complete period display suitable for exhibition or presentation.
Now celebrating an impressive 110 years since its construction, this 1916 Cretors Model C stands as a rare and charismatic artifact of early American entrepreneurship and entertainment culture, an opportunity to acquire a fully realized example from the very company that defined an industry.
| Year: | 1916 |
| Make: | Cretors |
| Model: | Model C Popcorn Wagon |
| Mileage: | |
| Exterior Color: | Red |
| Interior Color: | |
| Trim: | |
| Body: | |
| Stock: | 3290 |
| Engine Size: | |
| Transmission: | |
| Vin: | 9385 |
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Since 1994, St. Louis Car Museum & Sales has provided quality special interest vehicles, motorcycles, boats and aircraft for collectors around the globe. Our variety of inventory is a testament to our passion for all things motor-related and allows our staff to cater to a wide range of automotive enthusiasts.
Here at the St Louis Car Museum we actively buy, sell, consign, and trade everything from sought after antique cars to highly collectible muscle and European sports models. Our experienced staff also works closely with specialty motorcycles, vintage boats, and automobilia. All items are expertly displayed in our climate-controlled, 85,000+ sq. ft. facility, complete with premiere Swisstrax Tile Flooring to ensure each vehicle is properly preserved.
Our packed classic car showroom is a “Go-To” destination for car club members, Route 66 tours, as well as, St. Louis groups searching for a family-friendly location. In addition to the museum, we also provide an in house repair shop that specializes in the preservation and maintenance of all Hummer models. If you're in need of servicing your Hummer, please visit HummerService.com!
The St. Louis Car Museum is located only 10 minutes from Lambert International airport, making our showroom a convenient destination for St. Louis visitors as well as prospective clients seeking a seamless car buying experience. Our staff encourages prospective buyers to schedule an appointment prior to any visit to ensure vehicle availability by calling (800)957-5707 or emailing [email protected].
Have you found the perfect collector vehicle on All Collector Cars? Before you make any decisions, we recommend that you take some time now to read the full description and review all the pictures with the listing. It’s important to do as much due diligence as you can before you contact the seller so that you’re prepared to ask about any flaws you see—and perhaps ones you don’t.
All Collector Cars allows our sellers to post unlimited vehicle pictures and descriptions, which gives you, the buyer, more control and information. In addition, our Buyers Resource section offers advice and vendor recommendations to guide you through the buying process, from classic car financing & insurance to collector vehicle shipping & restoration.
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