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In the days of the old coke machine, a bottle of ice cold soda only cost five or ten cents. The vintage coke machine worked similar to the machines we use today. The customer would walk up to the red refrigeration system, insert his nickel or dime, and receive his ice cold soda. Some old models vend sodas from the top instead of the bottom.

Many of these retro machines were produced by a company that was founded in 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri. Before these vending machines began being sold, soda was often sold in buckets filled with ice. In many cases, customers were trusted to put their money in a box or can that was left beside the sodas. This was not an effective way of selling soda.

The old coke machine only sold bottles, not cans like today's machines often do. These bottles could range from 6.5 ounces to 12 ounces. A common sized bottle was the 8 ounce bottle. The bottles were made out of glass, not plastic like they are now.

Vintage Coke machines are hot collectibles these days. Many people will refurbish the old machines with new paint and/or stickers, new coin receivers, and/or new refrigeration equipment. Once restored, they often realize a nice profit on their handiwork.

You can purchase one of these machines from many places, including a number of online sites run by people who refurbish the machines. Some of these old machines even come with a parts warranty. These lovely machines are wonderful decoration. Your guests will love buying drinks from them, although the refurbished machines often vend sodas for free. A vintage coke machine in your house would allow you to own a little piece of history.