Did someone say world record and ice cream vans? Yes that’s correct. Super Whippy Ice Cream was proud to take part in the Guinness World record attempt organised by Guinness World records and Whitby Morrison (ice cream vehicle manufacturers).
In order to set a new world record, a minimum of 50 ice cream vans, old and new, had to travel a minimum of 2 miles without leaving a gap of 10 metres.
The date was set
You can’t imagine this world record attempt taking place in the heat wave of 2018 can you? Absolutely not!
On 16 October 2018 we travelled with two vehicles from our fleets, one of our classic vintage Bedford CF from the 1990’s, and a Mercedes Sprinter. We arrived bright and early and were handed position 80 and 84 of a total of 87 ice cream vans from all over the country. The excitement of seeing so many ice cream vans attracted the attention of locals and the media.
Following a briefing from the organisers, the vans were ready to set off at 9:30. The attempt started promptly, but it never goes to plan does it? 87 ice cream vans, within 10 metres of each other. It wasn’t going to work? Or was it?
Everything seemed to be going to plan, but then disaster struck….with all the excitement in place the ice cream vans forgot to stick to the rules of staying within 10 metres of each other.
Take two!
Records are made to be broken. So after a quick pit stop and some re jigging, all the ice cream vans went back to the start line for take two. Drivers were reminded of the 10 metre rule, and everything was going smoothly for 10 minutes – an ice cream van broke down. But the rules stated that if a van broke down, the ice cream vans behind the broken down vehicle were allowed to take over and catch up to the vehicle in front and keeping in line with the 10 metre rule.
After a tense 25 minutes the finishing line inched closer as the impossible seemed possible.
Quick, Quick – We want our celebratory flake 99!
Was the record broken? Did we make it? Did we stay within ten metres? Was the speed appropriate? These where a few questions been asked.
All 86 vehicle crossed the finishing line, but it was a tense wait for the adjudicators to review the attempt. After a long wait the results were in…. A new world record was set!
The Guinness World Record was set for the ‘longest parade of Ice Cream Vans’.
Super Whippy Ice Cream was proud to take part in a historical event and enjoyed every minute of it. Why not hire a record breaking ice cream van for your event, promotion or wedding. Contact us via email or give us a call.
