The more than 100-year-old business was sold before Christmas and its new owners are in expansion mode. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Christchurch institution Ice Cream Charlie officially opened its brand new, custom-designed ice cream cart 'Peggy' on Sunday.

The new cart replaces the original pink and white vanilla Ice Cream Charlie cart, which was built 75 years ago.

To celebrate 'Peggy's' unveiling, Ice Cream Charlie gave away 1000 Vanilla Ice’s.

Tim McIsaac. Photo: Geoff Sloan

General manager Tim McIsaac, who is a part owner of the business with his family said: “Ice Cream Charlie’s new cart may be brand new, but our Vanilla Ice recipe is exactly the same and still made by the same ice cream maker as the previous owner.

The company is also considering plans of taking Ice Cream Charlie nationwide.

Ice Cream Charlie is located on Victoria Square (Armagh St) and is open 11am-4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting).

The old and new ice cream carts. Photo: Geoff Sloan