1959 Ford P400 Truck. Unique Baggage Truck-Pony Scooter Hauler w 6 Scooters

1959 Ford P400 Truck Additional Info:

The SS Aquarama was built as Marine Star, one of five breakbulk cargo ships of the United States Maritime Commission (USMC) type C4-S-B5 having that C4 design variant. The ship was delivered to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) for operation in July 1945 just before the end of World War II and was operated until August 1946 by WSA's agent American Hawaiian SS Company. From September 1947 the ship was laid up except for brief periods in the James River.

In 1952 the ship was converted into the largest passenger ship ever to operate in the Great Lakes. Aquarama began operation in 1956 by touring various Great Lakes ports. In 1957 the Michigan-Ohio Navigation Company, began service from Detroit to Cleveland, carrying automobiles and passengers. Once in service, the ship was able to transport its passengers and their automobiles from Detroit to Cleveland in under six hours.

Although the ship was immensely popular, it never generated enough revenue to be self-supporting; On September 4, 1962 the ship made its last trip, laying up at the Mart Dock in Muskegon, Michigan. As a cruise liner, Aquarama was able to carry 2,500 passengers and 160 automobiles. Some of the ship's safety features included its all-steel construction, the smoke detection system, four 135-passenger lifeboats, the latest in radar, and closed circuit television for viewing the stern.

On the ship there were numerous sources of entertainment for the passengers. Among many other things there was a "carnival room" that had a gift shop, games, and a photo booth. Two television theaters were available to be used for conferences or special programs. Along with the theaters, the ship contained two dance floors that were accompanied by a stage for an orchestra, or other performances. For those traveling with their families, there were even baby-sitting services available. People had the choice of four different types of restaurants that varied in style and price. Along with the restaurants, there was a main cafeteria that was able to fit nearly 300 people,

This truck was commissioned in 1959 for use on the Aquarama as a luggage truck, and was used until the ship ceased operations in 1962. The truck had only covered 149 miles up to this point since it simply went from the Boat to the Dock Terminal and back. The Truck was purchased by the Hawk Tool and Engineering Company of Clarkston, MI when the assets of the Ship were sold. This company started a new venture building the Pony Scooter, and converted this truck to handle transportation of the Scooters and vintage tools required for their maintenance, and to promote the new brand. Hawk Tool customized the truck to include a lounge, storage, and plenty of room for the Scooters. The Truck opens on both sides functioning as a workshop and display room on wheels. The Truck and Scooters were displayed all over the country, the truck has now racked up nearly 17,000 miles. The Truck runs and drives great with all original drivetrain. There has been some paint work over the years, but it still shows a lot of the original finish.

This is an interesting relic of both Great Lakes Maritime History as well as the very limited production Pony Scooter. 6 Prototype Pony Scooters are included.