Cavalier Corporation

Cavalier Corporation

Brief History

• Began in 1865 as a furniture maker in Chattanooga, TN; began producing soda coolers by the 1930s, officially rebranding to Cavalier Corporation in 1938 Finding Aids.

• In the 1920s, Cavalier started a longstanding partnership with Coca-Cola and became a major manufacturer of vending machines Metriclabs.

• Launched “firsts” in vending tech, including combined bottle-and-can dispensers. Acquired by Seeburg Corporation in the 1960s; Cavalier filed for bankruptcy and was spun off as employee-owned in 1987, ultimately closing around 2000 Finding AidsMetriclabs.

Notable Coca-Cola Models

• C-27, C-51 (1940s–’50s): Basic single-select uprights, model number indicates bottle capacity Grand America Jukebox.

• CS-64 C (1960): A compact slanted-shelf multi-selection with light-up signage and visual appeal; evolved into CSS-64 (1962) and later USS-64 (1970s) to vend cans Fun-Tronics, LLC.

• C-124 (early 1950s): One of the largest Cavalier models, with a massive capacity of up to 124 bottles and electric push-button selection—meant for busy venues Fun-Tronics, LLC.

Why Cavalier Matters
They were early leaders in blending refrigeration and vending, consistently innovating mechanical selection systems, aesthetic cabinet designs, and transitioning smoothly from bottles to cans.