Yesteryear Collection

The COCA-COLA Collection: The Vintage Vending Machine Edition

Since it was concocted in 1886 by John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, COCA-COLA has become one of the most popular drinks in the world. Indeed, COCA-COLA is the most recognized brand in the world today.

One reason why COCA-COLA is ingrained in our collective conciousness is the way the company has imaginatively merchandised its product over the years. Long before the massive refrigerators we now find in convenience stores, COCA-COLA came in interesting vending machines. Ranging in scope from old-fashioned "ice boxes" with no refrigeration to machines that mixed the syrup and carbonated soda water and dispensed COCA-COLA, these units are sought after by collectors and often command prices of $10,000 or more because of their rarity.

One such device was the Model CD12, a Master Electric Cooler made by the Cavalier Company in the late '30s and '40s. It held 10 cases of COKE, enough to satisfy a stream of thirsty customers coming through a corner store on the hottest summer day.

Now, this authentic piece of the COCA-COLA heritage appears on the sides of a 1948 GMC COE delivery truck with the familiar slogan of the times: "What You Want is COKE." This nostalgic die-cast replica is produced by Matchbox Collectibles.