St. Louis Car Museum & Sales
1575 Woodson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63114
"Few artifacts capture the spectacle and entrepreneurial spirit of early American amusements as vividly as a Dunbar popcorn wagon. Built at the height of roadside commerce and traveling entertainment, the Model 4 represented one of the firm's most ambitious and visually striking designs-combining ornate craftsmanship with practical, revenue-generating function.
Manufactured by Dunbar & Company, a leading name in the production of concession wagons during the early 20th century, this Model 4 example was delivered new in June 1930 to Roy Ruttler. By December of that same year, it had passed to brothers F. James and Ferdinand Thompson, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in American small-business history. From their base in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the Thompson family would operate the wagon as the cornerstone of their amusement enterprise for the next five decades.
Originally mounted on a 1930 Chevrolet 1½-ton commercial chassis, the wagon was thoughtfully updated in the early 1950s with a 1947 Chevrolet platform, ensuring continued usability while preserving its distinctive Dunbar-built superstructure. This sympathetic evolution reflects the practical realities of a working commercial vehicle, one that remained not merely preserved, but actively employed.
By 1963, stewardship passed to the youngest Thompson brother, Leo, who maintained its operation into the 1970s. Its final caretaker, grandson Ferd ""Jim"" Thompson, relocated the wagon to Sarasota, where it continued to delight crowds in full working order, an increasingly rare distinction among surviving examples.
Acquired by the St. Louis Car Museum in October 2021, this extraordinary popcorn wagon stands today as both a functional artifact and a deeply personal heirloom. Its 91-year continuous family ownership, coupled with decades of documented operation, sets it apart from restored or static examples.
An emblem of American ingenuity, showmanship, and small enterprise, this 1930 Dunbar Model 4 Popcorn Wagon offers a rare opportunity to acquire a centerpiece-quality concession vehicle, equally suited for museum display, private collection, or continued exhibition use, infused with a story as rich and enduring as the traditions it once served.
"
| Year: | 1947 |
| Make: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | 3100 |
| Mileage: | |
| Exterior Color: | Red/Black |
| Interior Color: | |
| Trim: | Dunbar Popcorn Wagon |
| Body: | |
| Stock: | S3746 |
| Engine Size: | 235ci Inline 6 |
| Transmission: | 3 Speed Manual |
| Vin: | 14F5A1098 |
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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.
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