McDonald’s had a ‘legendary’ mascot before Ronald — but he disappeared in the 60s

McDonald’s has created several iconic characters over the years – from Grimace to the Hamburglar.

But, the one we all instantly recognise, is Ronald McDonald, the fast food chain’s famous clown mascot.

Ronald has been around since 1963, when he was first introduced in television adverts, portrayed by Willard Scott.

However, it turns out that Maccies actually had a very different mascot when it first launched – and the character even predates the iconic Golden Arches.

The forgotten icon is known as Speedee and he was the original logo for McDonald’s.

Speedee, is named after McDonald’s original ‘Speedee Service System’, which McDonald’s describes as a ‘revolutionary way to make burgers faster and tastier every time’.

The ‘legendary’ character features a man’s body, with a hamburger head, topped with a chef’s hat. 

He was introduced in the early 50s and featured on everything from packaging and signs, to commercials.

Tragically the character ‘clocked out’ from his role and disappeared in the early 60s, later being replaced by Ronald.

But he’s not completely gone for good, as some restaurants across the US still feature Speedee on their retro signs.

McDonald’s in the UK recently shared a look at the character on social media, as part of a promotion for their new collectors card game.

The chain has made a card featuring Speedee, as a ‘tribute’ to the ‘legend’ who started it all.

There are 24 limited-edition cards available in total, and as well as Speedee, several other nostalgic card designs have been revealed including the Apple Pie Tree, Coin Spin, and Fry Scoop. 

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A Ronald McDonald card will also be available, plus one for the Golden Arches, another showing Fry Girl, as well as the Cheeseburger Chair and Milkshake Dip.

From March 17, customers will be able to order Card Meals, which feature favourites such as the Big Mac, McNuggets or the McPlant, and come with a pack of four cards.

Each pack will include a card that earns customers a selected free food item, although it’s not yet been revealed exactly what this will include.

And McDonald’s says the other cards will also provide an opportunity to win additional prizes when you collect in the app.

Prices for the Card Meals start from £7.39 for a medium 9 McNugget meal, and go up to £9.49 for a large Big Mac meal.

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