An Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was donated to the Wisconsin Historical Society to be restored and altered into a safe and accessible museum exhibit. The body has been repaired, but the gas tank, transmission, brake lines and side view mirrors have been removed, the hatches have been sealed, and the tires have been filled with a hardening foam to prevent flats. This model, built in 1969, is affectionately called “Old Number 7.” At 23 feet long, it’s too big to be inside the museum. It’s meant to be kid-friendly – visitors young and old will be able to sit inside the front half.
The Wienermobile looks like a huge hot dog on a bun and it gathers a crowd wherever it goes. The first Wienermobile was made and driven around the country in 1936. Thirteen different models have since been built on Dodge, Jeep and Chevy chassis. There is even a version on a Mini Cooper chassis. The Wienermobile was retired in 1976, but it was brought back in 1987 and six are still traveling the country. (Photo by Picsunday.com)
Had the pleasure of working where it was serviced…Martin Chevrolet in Torrance, CA. We were able to go inside, got whistles and other Oscar Myers trinkets . My daughter was even able to tour it! What a treat for 2 generations!
As a kid in 50’s we learned that Wienermobile and the famous person that portrayed Oscar Meyer on TV was appearing at our local market. He was the little person named George Molchan who played Oscar for 36 years. He died on April 19, 2005 at 82 in New York. His appearance and handshake was the most exciting thing ever!
Growing up in the early 1960s, we kids would hear ads for Oscar Mayer on TV, noting the Wienermobile would be somewhere in the vicinity. Not only did Mom not wanna take us to see it but she would never buy the products. Kids who saw it had bragging rights. I finally saw the late 80s version and it was thrilling, like seeing the Batmobile. So glad it’s found a good home.
I have the wienermobile whistle. Would you happen to know if it’s worth anything ?