RUBY73 - The ice cream truck made for dreams
RUBY73 - The ice cream truck made for dreams
When the heat of the sun’s rays beat down on a hot Queensland summer day, there’s only one crimson four-wheeled hero that can save us all from melting.
Found nestled between streets where tourists flock, filled with the noisy sounds of summer, this holiday hero proudly bears the personalised plates RUBY 73.
For owner Sam Coco, the Prestige black and white plates proudly stand out against the truck’s rich red, which is sweetly named ‘Ruby’- The Little Red Ice Cream Van.
“This is my dream job. It is such a happy experience each time I serve an ice cream to a customer and watch their face light up.”
Sam’s extensive experience spans over a decade making ice cream as a Gelato Production Manager for a Brisbane Factory.
“[I grew] bored with being stuck inside 4 walls and then happened upon the cutest little van ever.”
Sam purchased his van in 2014 and quickly snapped up the combination RUBY 73 on the PPQ website shortly after.
Ruby isn’t just any ordinary ice cream truck, she is an original purpose built English ice cream van manufactured in Southampton, England in 1973.
“It was a straightforward online ordering process, and we were able to get these straight away.” Everyone who saw the plates loved them because they look old school and remind them of the 70s' era.”
Flown all the way to Brisbane, Ruby has been serving sweet swirls of ice cream for over 40 years.
Since 2014, extensive work has been done to the van to restore its classic elements and features.
“She has undergone major work since arriving on our shores including a complete internal fit out (which we kept as original as possible).”
“Because of Ruby's traditional and unique look, she does a lot of promotional events, corporate catering, weddings, school fetes and community events.”
Sam finished extensive restoration on the van in 2015, and shortly after Ruby was on the road serving the QLD public.
Offering a variety of soft serve cones all free of preservatives and artificial colours, as well as Italian gelato and sorbets for the traditionalists, Sam says he caters for all tastes.
For this passionate icecreamprenuer, RUBY 73 is more than just a plate.
“Ruby is an integral part of our family and not just a small business. Her plates have formed part of her and the business' identity.”
“We would never sell Ruby's plates - they are a part of her now.”
Sam’s RUBY 73 plates are part of PPQ’s 4-6 Character Prestige Plate Range.