The Vendo V-81’s and VMC-81 Soda Machines, Similarities & Differences
The Vendo Company eventually merged with its rival, the Vendorlator Manufacturing Company in 1956, but originally they were two separate entities building some very similar soda machines. In the mid 1950’s the Vendo Company was manufacturing the Vendo 81 exclusively for The Coca-Cola Company, and the Vendorlator Manufacturing Co. was making VMC-81’s for competing brands like Pepsi, 7-Up, Dr. Pepper and Royal Crown. Once the two companies merged, they continued to make machines under the two product names as before, making The Vendo Company the primary supplier to of the soft drink market.
There were three V-81 models manufactured by the Vendo Company from the mid to the late 1950’s. There was the Vendo V-81A, V-81B and V-81D. Up until 1956, Coca-Cola machines were painted a solid red, like the Vendo V-81A. Beginning in 1956 with the V-81B, The Coca-Cola company painted their machines red and white to emphasize Coke’s “clean and refreshing” image. The “Coca-Cola” logo that had been smaller and positioned closer to the bottle door was repositioned to be centered on the space to the right of the bottle door and the logo was enlarged. The logo was also made more prominent by being embossed in red on a white background, instead of in white on a red background.
The Vendorlator Manufacturing Company’s competing soda machine was the VMC 81. The Vendo 81 and the VMC-81 both held a total of 81 bottles for vending. Space inside the machine allowed for the pre-cooling of 17 additional bottles. Both machines had nine interior shelves, allowing them to vend up to nine different soda flavors. They used “slant shelves” that could be adjusted to accommodate different bottle sizes ranging from 6 ½ to 12 ounces. That flexibility makes these machines very popular today, since you are able to fill them with almost any soda, beer or wine coolers. These soda machines have the classic upright, “round-cornered” cabinet design of the 1950’s. Both the V-81A and V-81B are referred to as “small door” models, and the V-81D is called the “large door” model. This came about because the V-81D had a different coin mechanism that necessitated a larger door. The coin mechanism was redesigned to give change back, where previously the coin boxes only took nickels. The bottle doors in both the Vendo and VMC-81’s had lights placed within them to illuminate the bottles.
1958 was the last year of production for round-cornered soda machines made by The Vendo Company, with the exception of the Vendo 44. All of the Coca-Cola Company Vendo 81’s and the various brands of VMC-81’s are very collectible today. The Vendo 81’s are the most desirable of all the different models of Coke machines manufactured throughout the 1950’s. Fewer VMC-81’s were produced than Vendo 81’s, and of all the brands embossed on the VMC-81’s, Royal Crown soda machines are the most rare and collectible with the 7-Up machines close behind. Any of these soda machines would be quite a statement in any gameroom, den or office.
Dimensions: 53.75 in. high x 25 in. wide x 17.5 in. deep
Weight: 286 lbs.
Please blog in and tell us about your soda machine collection. We’d love to hear about your acquisition and restoration stories. If you have questions about your restoration, blog in and ask us as we’ve done many ourselves and would enjoy being of help to you.
40 responses so far ↓
1 TOBI BRASHER // Jul 21, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I HAVE A VENDORLATOR MODEL VMC 149, SERIAL # 149-13984. I AM LOOKING FOR ANY INFO YOU CAN GIVE OR DIRECT ME TO THE RIGHT PLACE TO GET IT. THANKS
2 MISSY // Sep 4, 2008 at 3:21 am
WHAT WOULD A 1941 WORKING MENT CONDITION COKE MACHINE WITH FULL COKE BOTTLES IN IT LOG OF MONEY TAKEN IN EACH YEAR KEYS ALL LIKE IT WAS MADE YESTERDAY BE WORTH
3 Darren // Nov 21, 2008 at 11:26 am
picking up a cola machine; vendo VT3, model F1100T. I am picking it up in the USA and bringing it back to Canada and need a value for the border people. Any sites I could track down such info?
Thanks
4 Boley Andrews // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:26 pm
How did you get the color pictures of the
production line in the No. 1 Vendo plant
Kansas City, MO? Do you have any of the
workers or engineers? I worked for Vendo.
My dad was the guy who invented much
of the Vendo systems and machines from
1939 to 1988.
5 Sally Meredith // Jan 1, 2009 at 9:46 pm
We purchased a Vendorlator soda vending machine, model VF56F-H, for our son who collects anything coca cola . We would like to restore it, but haven’t been able to find this model to get any further information, such as a year. Can anyone give us any information, or point us in the right direction?
6 Larry Turner // Jan 26, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Attn: Boley Andrews, I live about 6 blocks from the old KC plant. I worked there in 64, 65, dept 28. My dad also worked in the research dept. He had 25 years at Vendo. His name was Jim Turner.
7 tommy // Mar 7, 2009 at 9:00 pm
i got a old pepsi meachine looks like the vendo44 that works great would love to know the value of it thanks
8 Dave Rogers // Apr 26, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Larry or Boley, what all brands of these machines were actually produced? Since you know people who actually made them, I would love hear directly what companies the 81’s were actually made for.
9 Lori // May 2, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I am wondering what the year would be on the picture you have posted, I have one of the VMC 81 Pepsi machines and just wondered what the year would be. It is still in working condition and will only take old silver dimes to dispense the bottles. The light is still working on the door as well. Just curious.
Thanks
10 vintagevending // May 4, 2009 at 10:00 am
We aren’t able to give estimates on the value of an item. If you keep an eye on Ebay or maybe Craig’s List, your item is sure to be listed at some point. That may give you a rough idea of it’s value, and will provide more information on the specific model, and most likely the year it was produced. You can also contact fun-tronicsllc.com for more specific information on machines.
11 vintagevending // May 5, 2009 at 11:14 am
Lori,
The picture we posted of the Pepsi machine is from a restoration we did. It is from the mid to late 1950s, and there really is no way of knowing exactly what year it was made.
It sounds like you have a very nice machine!
12 John Avary // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:03 am
I just bought an Orange Crush VMC 81 completely restored. Is there any documentation that they did or did not build any of these? How can I tell if it is the real deal? Is there any documentation as to how many RC machines were built(VMC 81)? Thanks
13 Keith // Jun 3, 2009 at 3:12 pm
This Orange Crush soda machine and other alleged embossed VMC’s 81‘s made the rounds years ago at different collectors shows. They were always sold by the same dealer who claimed to have found a warehouse with all these never before seen embossed VMC machines. Now I suppose anything is possible but the dealer never would produce any evidence about the originality of these machine like unrestored photos. He also never produced photos of the insides of the doors when they had been taken apart which would have proved they were stamped from the factory.
At the time the hard core collectors and soda machine junkies were very skeptical to say the least. But like I said anything is possible.
The only way you will know if it is original is by taking the liner off the front door and removing all of the insulation. This will expose the back side of the embossing and if original you will see the reverse of what is stamped into the front of the machine. The area around the embossing should be nice and clean, you should also not see any indication that the embossing was added like welding lines, bondo or excessive sandblasting that might be trying to cover something up.
As far as your question on the RC 81’s I know of no actual documentation on how many were produced but it is widely accepted that very few were.
14 Dave Rogers // Jun 21, 2009 at 8:38 am
John, just curious if you bought the machine thinking it was “real” or if you bought it knowing it probably wasn’t. How was it represented to you? The dealer Keith is referring to is still making the rounds, and I have seen numerous other brands he is selling. Vernors, Barqs, Grapettes, and a few others. Still always has Crush also. These machines always have hefty price tags for not being able to prove that they are real. Did you buy the machine from this dealer ? or from someone else who probably did once upon a time?
15 Jake Kerr // Jul 13, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I have a Coke Machine a Vendo 39 and I was wondering if anyone knew how to clean it up with out taking the paint off?
16 Valerie // Jul 29, 2009 at 7:29 pm
i have a vendo 81d–i’d like to find a restorer nearby–i’m on the maine/nh border..any ideas? thanks
17 ron // Sep 3, 2009 at 11:32 am
hi would like to have my vendo coke machine restored paid 100.00 for it i think its a vendo81 pleas if anyone knows where i can get mine restored pleas contack me my email is rlp0528@aol.com
18 M // Sep 13, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Looking for coke vendo 216 pics of exterior and interior,also any other info.(this machine that I have can’t be used as a pop machine anymore(modified) so I don’t intend to pay for service manual if no service is required)It’s basically info.
thanks
19 Chill // Oct 4, 2009 at 7:18 am
Growing up at my grandparents’ house in the 1950’s..there was a gas staion across the street with a coke machine like the one’s pictured on this page..my friends and I, all around 10-12 years old..would go after the staion closed late at night,, get a tin bucket,,two-three guys would tip the machine foward,,I would open the side
door,,pop off the bottle cap, one at a time and pour the soda water into the bucket..
I own a Coke machine similar like the ones on this page, but I think it is a newser model..takes dimes, has the side door and handles the small coke bottles only..
20 Gary // Jan 5, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I have a Pepsi Vendo 81 for sale, in working order & condition is good to very good. Pictures available, contact me at: gary_mazzochi@yahoo.com
21 Tom Tracy // Jan 10, 2010 at 11:08 pm
I have a 1957 Vendo 81D Coke machine. The coin mechanism is missing, but you can still deliver the bottle by pressing the lever. I would like to replace the missing parts. Any Idea where I can obtain the Coin Mech?
22 vintagevending // Jan 11, 2010 at 10:28 am
Tom,
Try sodajerkworks.com. They have coin mechs for sale, as well as parts for machines. Also good is fun-tronicsllc.com.
23 Pat // Jan 20, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I got a coca cola glass bottle dispenser machine that cost of a soda was 20 cents. I’d like to know the year it was made. I have a model number c56-64fs and I’d like to know the value of this dispenser machine. It looks like your 10 cent machines but this one is all square.
24 Larry D. Houdek // Jan 22, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I have a Vendo Coke machine in original condition. The number on the key slot is R509. Model H81A Serial Number H-506-5932 I need a key to open the machine as I do not want to drill out the existing lock. Can anybody help me?
25 vintagevending // Jan 22, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Pat, do you have a photo you can send us? That might help us date it.
questions@vintagevending.com
26 bob // Jan 30, 2010 at 9:30 pm
I am new to this world just bought a soda machine model # VF567-J , it is missing coin mech. anyone know i should start looking?
Bob
27 vintagevending // Feb 1, 2010 at 9:10 am
Bob,
Try fun-tronicsllc.com. They have them for sale for different types of machines.
28 Cokecolaman // Feb 5, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Larry,
I think I have the key for you…email me at “cokecolaman@comcast.net”
29 Dave Earlston // Mar 4, 2010 at 1:56 am
I have a 7-hole coke machine and the model# is 56A 7827A56A and currently has a small water fountain on the side of this machine. I would like some info on this machine or who might be able to help me. Thank you very much.
30 Sean // Mar 13, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I have a VMC 81 Dr. Pepper I would like to sell. My dad bought it for $35 in 1962. It was in his Barber Shop for most of its life. email me if you’re interested.
gradtry@hotmail.com
31 Marcela Puentes // Mar 19, 2010 at 11:09 am
I have a refigeration V216 model manufactured by the Vendo Company, and i need a photografy about that, because my refigeration is older and i want to pain and decored, but i don´t know What was it?? please help me¡¡¡ it`s very important for me. Thanks
32 vintagevending // Mar 22, 2010 at 8:10 am
Marcela,
There is parts and information at this link:
http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=324
33 Barry Jolin // Mar 29, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I have a Vendo model # H81 D and serial # 705 23991 and it is not restored but in excellent condition with original motor and in working condition. I am looking to sell it please e-mail me with your offer’s etc.
barry_jolin@hotmail.com
34 lauren // Apr 20, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Hello!
I have a WORKING, spotless Vendo model that I am looking to sell. If you’re interested shoot me an email. Thanks! lochobbs@gmail.com
Here is the info on my machine:
model: xh81b
serial: xh60314030
35 Dean // Apr 25, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Hi,
I’m looking to purchase a Pepsi V-81 or VMC-81. Even if you have a Vendo 56 I would be interested. It must be the 1950 rounded top version. Please email me info including price, location and pictures.
Thanks
Dean
magnum4469@yahoo.com
36 Chance N // Jun 11, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hey,
I have a working Vendo 81B Coke machine that has been restored and was in a retail store for many years in perfect condition. As we were moving it out of the store, the dispensing lever will turn clockwise to dispense when coins are put in. The problem is the lever will now for some reason not turn counter-clockwise, and I am unable to open the outer panel to get to the release to open the machine.
I do not have the key but the key mechanism was removed. I can move the outer panel until it hits the lever.
Is there an easy way or something I can try to get that lever to turn counterclockwise so I can get into the machine?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Chance
37 Tere // Aug 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I am looking to purchase an old vendo 81 or any round corner machine you might have. My email is tereandjoey@yahoo.com
Thank you
38 Rockon // Aug 4, 2010 at 6:41 am
I think I have the key for you…
39 Michael Testa // Aug 11, 2010 at 8:01 pm
I have a Pepsi-Cola VMC 81 that I purchased recently the bottle shelves that go across the inside are missing-help.Do you have any to sell me-let me know. Thank you
40 Danny // Aug 17, 2010 at 3:29 pm
just picked up a barn find.old vendo bottle type dispenser about five feet tall that has a water cooler on the side.dirty but in good shape.interested?
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