Coca-Cola Vendo 44 Soda Vending Machine
The most desirable Coca-Cola soda machine ever made, the Vendo 44 was produced exclusively for the Coca-Cola Company from 1956 to 1959. The very narrow width of this machine has made it a highly collectible machine for both the veteran collector as well as newcomers to the hobby. These machines, when new, were very popular with storeowners because they didn’t take up a lot of floor space. They were always painted what has become the classic Coca-Cola red and white. It can vend 44 8-ounce bottles, and pre-cools 9. The Vendo 44 that appears here is a machine that we restored at Vintage Vending.
Every soda machine we restored at Vintage Vending followed the same process. First the machine was completely disassembled and all painted parts were sandblasted. All other parts were re-chromed, powder-coated, repainted or cleaned. The coin mechanism was re-plated and rebuilt. Automotive bodywork was performed on all of the sandblasted parts. The machine was painted with PPG automotive paint. Then the machine was reassembled with a new refrigeration compressor and all electrical was replaced. Also, this machine has been modified to vend 12-ounce cans in addition to bottles.
Dimensions:
57 1/2” high x 16” wide x 15 1/2” deep
Weight: 225 lbs.
Manufactured by:
The Vendo Company
Kansas City, Missouri
This item is not for sale. We show restored items in this blog to encourage discussion, prompt questions and further the hobby.
To view more pictures of the completed restoration visit the RetroPlanet.com Museum.
44 responses so far ↓
1 steve // Oct 8, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I have a coca cola 44 machine in working original condition.I was wondering what the paint colors where that you usedand where I can get parts? Thanks for any reply steve
2 paul tadey // Oct 13, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I have a soda cooler from the Vendorlator mfg. co. model vf-55f-b serial #609059438 and was wondering what type of cooling fluid/gas is used? There is a distinct smell that emanates from the machine.
3 Cristal Hernandez // Oct 23, 2008 at 8:23 am
My dad has an old Coca Cola machine in his basement that still works. It was my grandfather’s and we would like to know how much it is worth. It looks very similar to the one in the picture.
4 DENNIS SILVER // Dec 4, 2008 at 3:45 am
I HAVE A VENDO 44 UNRESTORED, WHAT IS THE VALUE,I MIGHT WANT TO SELL THS MACHINE
5 Mike Bufis // Jan 4, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I have a Vendo 44 which is still in it’s original condition and works also. Could someone tell me what it’s worth. I maybe willing to sell.
6 s SAWYER // Jan 6, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I also have a vendo 44 unrestored and would be interested in the value – am interested in selling it but have no idea where to start or who to contact.
7 cheryl // Feb 6, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I have an model 45 that is in mint condition, can you tell me what it might be worth?
8 Keith // Feb 6, 2009 at 7:32 pm
If you keep an eye on ebay you will see Vendo 44’s come up for sale or at auction. This will give you a general idea what they are currently selling for.
9 Keith // Feb 6, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Paint color
When we restored machines we used PPG Dodge Red DCC70002 and Linen White DCC2185. Keep in mind these are what we liked and are not the official paint color that was called for back when they where originally manufactured.
10 Trent // Feb 18, 2009 at 3:01 am
I paid $2000 for my Vendo 44 just last year, unrestored original, complete and works good. As for value I have seen them for between $1600 and $3500
11 Wayne Higman // Mar 7, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I have a vendo-44 that came out of my mothers dress shop. It is in pristine condition. These machines are very cool.
12 sarita smith // Mar 10, 2009 at 10:53 am
My Vendo 44 has no metal incert for the bottles. How can I get one?
13 sarita smith // Mar 19, 2009 at 11:39 am
I am sorry. My machine is a vmc 88. I would like to find a metal insert to store and drop the bottles down. I would also like to put a new coin dispenser in. Do you sell parts?
14 vintagevending // Mar 23, 2009 at 3:08 pm
We no longer do soda machine restorations, and we are not in the business of selling parts. We recommend you check out Fun-Tronics LLC. for soda machine restoration parts. They have a good variety of quality parts.
15 aaron T. neal // Mar 28, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I am interested in buying one of these machines…any websites to check for the actual original?
16 david // Apr 21, 2009 at 12:39 pm
i have a vendo 110 with no temp- control button. i have two wire ends and a round metal wire which i think controls the temp. i looked at pic of vendo 110 and i see they can a control button where these two wires are sticking out next to this round wire which i think is a thermostat. please help me 805-953-4703. david
17 jeff // May 12, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I have a vendo 44 vending machine in good working condition unrestored and would be interested in selling for the right price.
18 Doug // May 21, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I have a vendo 44 to sell. 1956 model. Works perfectly. compressor is good. Cools well.
Contact em to talk.
dbeck316@aol.com
19 Ardiss // Jun 27, 2009 at 3:53 pm
As well as many other people on this blog, I also have a vendo 44 cooler. It was bought brand new for my parents shop and after they retired it came to me, I have kept many a beverage ice cold in it and have the key to lock it still…..
As well I am interested in selling , it is in perfect working condition, the paint is still vivid red with the drink coca cola in raised letters on the front, anyone interested in purchasing it feel free to email me……….
ardissh@hotmail.com
20 wayne warner // Sep 7, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I have a 1956 44 vendo which I restored- and must sell 613 9665170 – perfect condition
21 Eddie // Sep 13, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I also have v44 mint condition compressor good. Only need cosmetic work. Please contact me edwardf@bellsouth.net
ASAP. Ready to SELL…SELL…SELL
22 Cheri DeMonico // Oct 3, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I have a vintage Vendo 44 for Sale and still works in great condition, and would like to sell it. Did not want to go through the hastle of listing it on E-bay.. Would you or anyone be interested in buying it? I live in Pompano Beach\Fort Lauderdale Florida Area. Please call me at 954 295-7110 or 754 214 8999 or 239 775 2361 Thank you. Please ask for Bob Prawdzik
23 Michael // Oct 10, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Hi–I have a vendo 4 coke machine, recently restored, but the coin mechanism was damaged in shipping–and the coin vending doesn’t work–any restorers/vending mechanics nearby? I live in Boston, MA. Looking for someone who can make the trip. Thanks for your help in advance. Email me at mdalessa117@yahoo.com
24 nona // Oct 26, 2009 at 9:00 am
I need part WD 14 for my coke machine. Anybody know where I can find this part? Thanks!
25 vintagevending // Oct 26, 2009 at 9:56 am
Nona,
Try fun-tronicsllc.com (217) 857-1759. They have many parts for all kinds of different machines.
26 Don // Jan 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I have a 1956 Vendo 44 in original condition, still runs, great shape, for sale. Located in Southern Indiana.
e-mail stands@blueriver.net
27 Dan // Jan 26, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Hello I have a vendo 44 Lock # PR506 Need a key any ideas
Thanks Dan
28 vintagevending // Jan 26, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Dan,
For lost keys, you can either try to purchase a key that matches the lock number on your machine, or you can replace the lock mechanism. This requires drilling the lock, turning it with a flat head screwdriver to open it, removing the lock, and replacing it.
29 Ben Terral // Feb 14, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I have a Vendo 23 coke machine for sale. if you are intrested please contact me. This machine workes perfectly.
30 Danny // Feb 19, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I stumbled across a vendo 44 in an estate cleanout. The coin door and insert is missing but the outer shell is in solid shape (no rust). Not sure if I want to restore or sell as is. So if there is interest, give send me an email. DMejias@comcast.net
31 jeff // Feb 21, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Does anyone know a soda machine restoration buiness on the west coast of Florida.
32 les // Feb 22, 2010 at 8:34 pm
interested in your vendo 23 please email me a picture, what are you asking? Thanks
33 vintagevending // Feb 23, 2010 at 11:28 am
Les,
Our machine is not for sale, but there are other people who commented looking to sell, so you can try contacting them.
34 Jeff // Mar 5, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I have a vendolator MFG model# VF56BK pepsi machine for sale if anyone is interested please contact me at poolplayer399@yahoo.com it is in decent shape all the refrigeration system is intact. Needs coin mech.
35 George // Mar 17, 2010 at 10:04 am
I have a vendo 44 coke machine I may be interested in selling. I have had it app. 25 years. Its unrestored but still looks good. e mail me if interested @ joepa6046@yahoo.com
36 Deborah Wright // Jun 15, 2010 at 8:41 pm
I have a vendo 44 coke macine, was wondering where can you get the drinks for that machine. Let me know please.
37 vintagevending // Jun 18, 2010 at 11:45 am
Deborah,
You need 6.5 oz bottles which are no longer produced. I did find some on eBay – http://inlandempire.ebayclassifieds.com/collectibles/fontana/6-5oz-coke-bottles/?ad=3312099
38 Sofia // Jun 29, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Hi! I´m interested in buying a Vendo 44 so anyone trying to sell please contact me.
thanks.
seim.0409@hotmail.com
39 Sandy // Jul 5, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I have a Vendo44 that I would like to have restored .I live in the New Orleans area. Does anyone know of someone in this area who can help?
40 Mike // Aug 3, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Every now and then, local Coke bottlers will make limited production runs of the small bottles. I ran across cases of them in Georgia several years ago, and here in Reno, they make them every year to commemorate Hot August Nights ( an annual celebratation of old cars and music of the 50’s and 60’s. I collect the empties whenever I can, and plan on re-filling them with my own “brew”.
41 Keith McClelland // Aug 5, 2010 at 9:02 am
Where do I find the model number of my old vendo coke machine?
42 Pete // Aug 11, 2010 at 10:31 am
I have a Vendo 44 all original for sale.
Everything works. Contact me by email if you are interested. pd705@sbcglobal.net
43 Mike // Aug 11, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Keith.
There should be a plate on the side, or possibly rear, of the machine. They’re usually pretty obvious, so if you’re asking, it’s probably been removed. Check out pictures on line to get an idea of what it might be.
44 che // Aug 13, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hi there, anyone know where I can get replacement inner racks for my Vendo #44? Thanks!
cherienyc@hotmail.com
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