Vendo 81A
Manufactured by the Vendo company Kansas between 1955 and 1958, it was one of the first multi selection models offering an option of more than just a ice cold Coke.
This model holds 81 bottles on nine separate shelves, giving the operator a choice of different flavoured beverages. The light in the bottle door would illuminate caps of the bottles showing behind the bottle gate.
To operate the machine simply insert $.10, crank the lever, open the door and pull out a bottle. The bottle gate holding the bottles is linked so only one bottle will be able to be pulled out each time. On the front of the machine there is also a bottle opener and a cap Catcher inside of the small door.
Vendo 81B
This machine was made by the Vendo company Kansas from 1956 to 1959.
It's a restyled version of the 81A. Main differences include two-tone paint job with the top 12 inches in white, separated by chrome trim.
This model holds 81 bottles on nine separate shelves, giving the operator a choice of different flavoured beverages. The light in the bottle door would illuminate caps of the bottles showing behind the bottle gate.
To operate the machine simply insert $.10, crank the lever, open the door and pull out a bottle. The bottle gate holding the bottles is linked so only one bottle will be able to be pulled out each time. On the front of the machine there is also a bottle opener and a cap Catcher inside of the small door.
Vendo 39
One of the most popular early machines housing 39 bottles and pre-cools a further 20. Manufactured between 1949 and 1957.
The bottles are loaded into a large cylindrical drum which relies on gravity to rotate as bottles are removed.
Each bottle is loaded in a specific order and only one bottle can be removed at a time, through the door in the middle of the machine. Once you have your ice cold bottle there is a bottle opener on the front. The bottle cap will fall into the cap catcher inside the machine.
When the machine is empty there is a little flag near the coin mechanism and when the last bottle is removed the flag will switch from “Insert coin” to “Empty” This then means if you try to insert a coin it will automatically be rejected by the coin mechanism and sent to the coin return shoot.
Vendo V80
One of the first electronically operated machines by the Vendo company. Featuring the two tone paint, the optional extra shoulders and a chromed coin entry plate.
This machine holds 80 bottles in four vertical columns with bottles stacked at 45°. Four connected rollers slide back and forth releasing one bottle at a time. This machine has an electronic coin mechanism, now capable of splitting a quarter or two times depending on what price was set and featuring illuminated “Sold Out” and “No Change Given” lights.
The customer simply inserts a coin and the bottle is released dropping through the flap in the middle of the machine.
