Coca-Cola Decorative Series Vending Machines: A Stylish 1960s Experiment by Brad Cross

Coca-Cola has always been great at getting its drinks into every corner of the world—gas stations, diners, and even offices. In the 1960s, they came up with a creative idea: the Coca-Cola Decorative Series vending machines, designed to fit into places where a regular soda machine might look out of place. One standout model was the Vendo D-56, and it’s a fascinating piece of Coke history. Let’s explore what made these machines special!

What Were the Decorative Series Machines?

The Coca-Cola Decorative Series vending machines were all about blending style with function. In the 1960s, Coca-Cola wanted their machines to look good in fancy places like upscale offices, hotels, or lounges. The Vendo D-56 was a key model in this series. Unlike typical vending machines with plain metal designs, the D-56 had a decorative door on the front that made it look more like a piece of furniture than a soda dispenser.

The Vendo D-56’s doors came in five unique styles to match different vibes:

• Mediterranean: Warm and exciting, with rich, inviting colors.

• Danish: Bold and sleek, with a modern, minimalist look.

• Provincial: Sculptured and classic, with elegant, timeless details.

• Colonial: Light and charming, with a cozy, traditional feel.

• Traditional: Crisp and trim, with a clean and simple design.

These stylish doors were meant to make the machine blend into fancy settings, like an office lobby or a high-end waiting room. The idea was to serve cold Coca-Cola while keeping things classy.

Coca-Cola has always done a great job getting its products into as many locations as possible. The Vendo D-56 was an attempt to get Coke into locations where a soda machine might be out of place, like an upscale office. The D-56 was a soda machine with a decorative door on the front. The doors were offered in five styles; warm and exciting Mediterranean, bold and sleek Danish, sculptured and classic Provincial, light and charming Colonial, and crisp and trim Traditional. The concept never took off, but it was an interesting idea.

How Did the Vendo D-56 Work?

The Vendo D-56 was built to hold glass bottles of Coca-Cola, which were the standard back then. It was smaller than some of the bigger vending machines of the time, making it perfect for places with limited space. You’d drop in a coin (usually a dime or two), pick your drink, and get a cold bottle of Coke. The machine had a reliable cooling system to keep drinks icy, which was a big deal in the 1960s when air conditioning wasn’t everywhere.

Why Didn’t the Idea Take Off?

Even though the Vendo D-56 was a clever idea, it didn’t become a big hit. The decorative doors added extra cost to the machines, which made them expensive to produce and buy. Plus, many businesses were happy with standard vending machines that were cheaper and did the job just fine. The fancy designs were cool, but they weren’t enough to make the Decorative Series a must-have for most locations.

Why Collectors Love These Machines Today

Even though the Decorative Series didn’t catch on in the 1960s, collectors today think they’re awesome. The Vendo D-56 and other models like the Westinghouse Select-O-Matic (another 1960s Coca-Cola machine) are rare and full of retro charm. Their unique designs, bright red and silver colors, and bold Coca-Cola logos make them stand out. A well-preserved or restored Vendo D-56 can sell for thousands of dollars at auctions because so few were made and even fewer are left.

Collectors also love how these machines capture the 1960s vibe—think bold patterns, chrome details, and the classic Coca-Cola script. Whether you want a working machine to serve drinks or a cool decoration for your home, a Decorative Series machine is like owning a piece of history.

A Stylish Sip of the 1960s

The Coca-Cola Decorative Series, especially the Vendo D-56, was a bold attempt to make vending machines fit into fancy places. While the idea didn’t take off back then, it left behind a legacy of style and innovation. These machines are more than just soda dispensers—they’re a reminder of Coca-Cola’s creativity and the fun, colorful spirit of the 1960s. If you ever see one at a collector’s shop or an antique store, take a closer look. It’s a stylish piece of the past that still brings a smile today!