The Coca-Cola Vendo Junior or 123: A 1930s Classic by Brad Cross

The Coca-Cola Vendo Junior Soda Machine, also called the Vendo 123 Spintop, is a neat piece of history from the late 1930s. Made by the Vendo Company between 1938 and 1941, this machine was a fun way to sell ice-cold Coca-Cola bottles. Let’s take a look at what makes this small, spinning vending machine so special.

What Is the Vendo 123 Spintop?

The Vendo 123, nicknamed the “Spintop” or "Junior," was a small vending machine

1939 Vendo Junior I restored

designed to sell Coca-Cola bottles. It was made by the Vendo Company in Kansas City, Missouri, and was one of the earliest machines to let people grab a Coke by themselves. You’d put in a coin (usually a nickel), and pick up a cold bottle from a slot. It could hold about 25 bottles and kept them chilled using ice water from early cooling systems.

This machine was small for its time, standing about 44 inches tall, 25 inches wide, and 18.5 inches deep. That made it perfect for small stores, gas stations, or soda fountains where space was tight. It was often called the “Junior” because it was smaller than other vending machines.

The Cool Spintop Design

The Vendo 123 got its “Spintop” name because of how it worked. The top part of the machine spun, letting you pick a bottle from the center section where the cold drinks were stored. The machine was painted bright red with the Coca-Cola logo in big, bold letters. Some models had raised (embossed) lettering that said “Drink Coca-Cola,” which made them stand out. They also had a small coin box (sometimes called a “dog house”) and side grills for air flow.

Some machines even had a water fountain on the side, so you could get a quick sip of water, too. The design was simple but sturdy, built to last in busy places like shops or cafes. The bright red color gave it a fun, eye-catching look that screamed 1930s style.

Why It Was a Big Deal

In the late 1930s, vending machines were still pretty new. The Vendo 123 Spintop made it easy for people to get a cold Coca-Cola without needing a clerk. This was a big step for Coca-Cola, which was already a popular drink. The machine showed up in all kinds of places—corner stores, gas stations, and even barber shops. It helped make Coca-Cola a part of everyday life.

Back then, a bottle of Coke cost just a nickel, and the Spintop made it quick and fun to buy one. It was a hit because it was small, easy to use, and kept drinks cold on hot days. The spinning top was a cool gimmick that made people want to try it out.

Why Collectors Love It

Today, the Vendo 123 Spintop is scarce and a favorite for collectors. Finding one in good shape, with its original red paint and embossed lettering, is like finding a hidden treasure. These machines can be worth a lot, sometimes many thousands of dollars, if they’re restored to look new. Collectors love them because they capture the 1930s vibe, when Coca-Cola was becoming a big part of American culture.

Some people restore these machines to work again, using them as coolers or decorations in homes, garages, or retro diners. Others keep them as-is to show off their history. A Vendo 123 with its original cap catcher, inside bottle holder, and side grills is especially hard to find and highly valued.

A Piece of Coca-Cola History

The Coca-Cola Vendo Junior/Vendo 123 Spintop from 1938 to 1941 is more than just a vending machine. It’s a reminder of a time when a nickel could buy a cold Coke and life felt a bit simpler. Its spinning top, bright red paint, and classic Coca-Cola logo make it a standout piece of 1930s design. Whether you’re a collector or just love old-school stuff, the Vendo 123 is a fun piece of history that still brings smiles today.