Related Articles

Vintage Coca-Cola machines are valued by many Coke memorabilia collectors, and many even want an old Coca-Cola machine that will actually vend the drinks. Fortunately, many of these machines have survived and there are many dealers who sell them, restore them and provide parts for repairs and do-it-yourself restorations.

Often, some of the most antique Coca-Cola machines are not much more than a metal box with the recognizable Coca-Cola script logo emblazoned across it. Essentially these were ice boxes designed specifically to be stocked with bottles of Coke and ice. Glascock was one manufacturer of such early vending units.

The next stage in the progress of a device to serve Coke to the public was similar to the first type, but this next vintage Coca-Cola machine was refrigerated and did not require any ice. It was less messy and required no steady supply of ice, but of course had to be near a source of electricity and could need expensive repairs. These seem to be harder to find than the non-refrigerated models because they likely broke down and were discarded.

Coin operated vending machines came next in common use and popularity, although some were seen as early as the end of the 19th Century. The history of coin operated machines actually goes back to the 1st Century when a coin resulted in vending holy water. One type of coin operated machine had a glass door through which bottles were seen and, after a coin was provided, a customer could pull out one bottle. If you weren't careful, you might not pull properly and would lose your coin.

The next type of machine dispensed the bottles one by one and was less likely to jam or malfunction. A popular maker of the early vintage Coca-Cola machine was Vendorlator in California. In the mid 20th Century they had a large market share. The Vendorlator 33 had a strange top opening and was quite small holding only 33 bottles. Other models were bigger than refrigerators. Vendorlator made machines for Pepsi as well, but rival Vendo made only Coca-Cola machines.

The majority of early coin-operated Coke vending machines required nickels and exact change. In time, with more refinements, came the ability to give change back as needed. The price of the Coke bottles themselves was always a constant in this era.

Glass bottle vending came to an end by the 1960's when canned soda pop became available. This new container provided several advantages including less breakage, quicker cooling, and no need for bottle cap openers/receptacles. Glass bottle machines had all but disappeared by the end of the 20th century, except as collectibles and curiosities. Newer vending machines now dipense plastic bottles, but there was just something magical about getting an actual glass bottle of Coca-Cola out of machine. For those craving to relive this experience (or perhaps delight in it for the first time), all it takes is a little browsing until you find the perfect old Coke machine for your kitchen or game room. And as you and your guests gulp down a cold bottle from your antique Coke machine, you're sure to realize the other benefit to owning one of these treasures of Americana...they make great conversation pieces!

Come see our online superstore where we showcase hundreds of vintage Coca-Cola machines. The ultimate site for old Coca-Cola vending machines of every type!