The Purple People Eater A.P.B Truck Info Wanted!!!

By Mookie (and e-mailer Ed Sokol)
From time to time through this blogging business, we come across some interesting comments and requests. This past weekend, I received and e-mail from a gentleman named Ed Sokol, who is seeking information about a particualr vehicle.
This is a cool story. We need your help to complete this. It is somewhat of a mystery, but we are trying to trace the history of Ford truck that was made in 1971. Apparently, the vehicle, as pictured throughout this article, was called the "Purple People Eater," and all we know so far is that:
1. It was made in the Ford Plant here in Minnesota, (the DSO Number of the vehicle is 581600) in November 1971. The # 58 means it was created in the Twin Cities.
2. The truck was made in 1971, (we have found a source who remembers painting the vehicle in November).
3. The Vehicle was only made for 1-month.
4. There is a Purple People Eater sticker on the truck, the truck is in all original condition.
5. We are guessing that this truck was special ordered, but by whom we are not sure. We are thinking the Vikings as they were in the playoffs in 1972.

Here's what we are hoping to find out:
Who had this truck special ordered? What purpose was this vehicle to serve? Who was the original owner?
 The only guy that remembers the truck is the ford painter. Hopefully a Purple People Eater will remember the truck and how it was promoted and for whom. It is a great piece of Vikings History.
ar of the truck is 1972.

By all accounts, the the truck seams to be a 1 still around.
 
If you know any details, or are able to help us trace the history of this vehicle, please e-mail mookie@vikingstailgate.com