Backroom cavalier 51 find!

[BrianB]

I went over to a local sign shop yesterday to get some vinyl decals made for my Cavalier 55D.

In the process of doing this I got into a pretty good conversation with the owner and he mentioned to me that he actually did quite a bit of vinyl/decal work for a guy that does soda pop machine restorations.

So after finalizing my job, the owner told me that he had a coke machine of his own. I couldn't resist and had to ask him some "probing" questions. I asked him if he could describe it a bit. He told me the only memorable thing he could remember was that it used a strange contraption called a "Gun Belt" to hold the bottles.

I knew right off the bat that he had a Cavalier 51!!! I told him that he was a lucky guy to own such a neat machine. Turns out the 51 had been sitting in a room at his house for about 5 years wating for the room to be renovated. He told me that when the room was finished, there wasn't any room left for the machine. He ended up bringing it to work and leaving it in storage there for a few years.

I was intently listening, because I always love a good story about vintage pop machines. He told me that it was now sitting across the street in his friends home decorating store. We ended up going over to take a look and low and behold, sitting in the back room completely surrounded by Longaberger Baskets, a very nice fully functional Cavalier 51!!!

The question begged to be asked, "how much do you want for it?" He told me that he had about $900 into it (after having to find a new ammo belt and other small parts) I gave a kind of happy but a little dejected look...he then quickly added that he'd be willing to come off of that price because he really wanted to get it "out of the way".

So.....

#1 - What do you guys/gals think a fair price would be for a 100% complete/working, unrestored Cavalier 51 in "good" to "very nice" condition that is local with no $300-$400 shipping fee?

#2 - I know the machine is listed as taking only the 6 1/2 oz. bottles. Will this machine take/fit the newer 8 oz. Coke bottles sold at places such as Sam's Club. The dimensions for the 8 oz. bottle are 7.73"H x 2.34" in diameter. I couldn't find any listings for the dimensions of the older 6 1/2 oz. bottle.

Thanks for any advice/help in advance!

Great find!  These great deals seem everywhere just waiting for someone to ask.  Post some pics after you pick her up.

[Kevin C]

Hey

I found one of those about 6 weeks ago & the fellow wanted $ 750 for & I passed just because of the limited selection problems.

Hey if someone wants it I will go buy it & ship!

Kevin

[Kilroy]

Brian,
The 8oz coke bottles are the same size as the old 6 oz coke bottles, so there is no problem with them working in the Cavalier.
As for a price, shrug, How much are you willing to pay? Then offer him a lower price so you have room  to negoiate. The fact that he quickly offered to listen to bids to get rid of it is encouraging  for you.

Wow! I LOVE these stories!
Good job Brian, go get it!

[BrianB]

Thanks for the quick responses fellas! Yeah, I guess you're right about what to offer. I'll have to think about it for a bit (like 5 mins.  '> ) and I'll stop by today to take another look-see! I'll snap some pic's too!

[joesquid]

Good-on-yuh Brian!!  Can't wait to see her!!

[audiobeer]

I sold one on Ebay 4 years ago without the belt for $600. I couldn't believe it then or now. But I would say it would be a great buy at $600 with a belt!

[90grad]

I think Jeff Walters says one in average condition goes for $650.

[Eric]

I bid on one 7 years ago at a local (Missouri) Auction, complete it went for $525....
That was 7 years ago.... I had a belt and sold it for $110 on eBay abot 3 years ago...
I bet if you did some testing there are plastic bottled drinks that would fit. Yeah make him
an offer and keep us posted
 
Best of Luck on a “roundtop” find.
Eric