Coca-Cola Vending Machine Manufacturers (1929–1970s)
This page summarizes the history, notable models, and legacy of each major Coca-Cola bottle-vending manufacturer.
Vendo (1937–1970s → Sanden Vendo)
History: Founded in Kansas City (1937); merged with Vendorlator (1956); later became Sanden Vendo.
Notable Models
- Vendo 23 / 39 / 44 / 56 / 81 series / 110 / 126 / 165
Why it matters: Defined the “classic Coke machine” look, globally scaled.
Cavalier (1930s–1970s)
History: Chattanooga-based; stylish designs and smooth bottle-to-can transition.
Notable Models
- C-27 / C-51 / CS-64C / C-96 / C-151 / C-246
Why it matters: Aesthetically iconic Coke vendors.
Vendorlator (VMC) (1940s–1956)
History: California manufacturer, merged with Vendo in 1956.
Notable Models
- VMC 27 / 44 / 56 / 81 / 110 / 126
Why it matters: Introduced compact upright vending, influencing Vendo.
Westinghouse (1930s–1960s)
History: Electrical firm; built Coke chest coolers and upright machines.
Notable Models
- Master Chests / WC-42 / WC-81 / Select-O-Matic
Why it matters: Brought refrigeration durability and multi-select innovation.
Ideal (1930s–1960s)
History: Known for slider coolers—coin + slide rack vending.
Notable Models
- Ideal 55 Slider / 70 / 85 / 96 / 110
Why it matters: Affordable, rugged machines for small shops.
Jacobs (1930s–1950s)
History: Built the first upright coin-operated Coke vendor (1937).
Notable Models
- Jacobs 26 / 35 / 45 / 75 / 90 / 110
Why it matters: Early pioneer; defined the upright format.
Mills (1940s–1950s)
History: Slot machine company that built Coke vendors during WWII and postwar years.
Notable Models
- Mills 45 / 47 / 65 / 120 / 180
Why it matters: Bridged amusement engineering with beverage vending.
Victor (1920s–1960s)
History: Maryland company specializing in C-series counter coolers.
Notable Models
- C-18 / C-45 / C-60 / C-81 / C-110 / C-31
Why it matters: Popularized countertop/under-counter vending for service counters.
Dixie-Narco (1960s–1970s)
History: Major late bottle- and can-era maker; later merged into Crane.
Notable Models
- DN 300 / 350 / 360 / 400 / 500
Why it matters: Defined post-1960s soft-drink vending, shifted into can systems.
Glascock (1929–1940s)
History: Built Coca-Cola’s first standardized coolers in 1929.
Notable Models
- Junior (1929) / Standard / Giant / Master / Double
Why it matters: Pioneered branded Coke coolers before electric vending.