(October 15, 2023) Coca-Cola introduced its first automatic fountain dispenser at the 1933 Chicago Century of Progress Exposition. Then to promote the machine, Coca-Cola commissioned coachbuilders H. McFarlane & Company of Chicago to build "sampling" trucks.



The "fountain truck" was built using a 1934 Dodge KH-23 truck chassis. A number of the special-purpose trucks were then sent out to communities around the country to offer complimentary fountain-dispensed Cokes.

The photo above from 1934 shows a fountain truck in an unidentified neighborhood. A 1/43 diecast model of the truck can be purchased on line.