1968 Carousel International Chris Craft Boat Coin Operated Children's Ride

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1968 Carousel International Chris Craft Boat Coin Operated Children's Ride

$27,900

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“Vintage Chris Craft themed vintage coin-operated children's rides are one of the most desirable and sought after models. MS CLASSIC CARS has sold 3 in total of which the last one sold on a Bring-A-Trailer online auction for $27,610.00 in July of 2024. These early production boats are becoming tougher and tougher to find especially in restored condition. Don't miss this opportunity!” – Marc Schiliro

This exceptional 1968 Carousel International Chris Craft Boat Coin-Operated Children's Ride is one of the best restored examples to known to exist. From the information gathered it was produced by the Carousel International Corporation in the late 1960's. This company manufactured coin-operated children's rides from 1968 to 2007. The company was founded in St. Louis by Norwood E. Veatch, Sr. and was the largest kiddie ride manufacturer in the United States. Carousel International supplied mini-rides to K-Mart stores across the country. It's believed the boat was one of their first rides. It was discovered as an original ride and recently restored by expert Jeff Russell of Big Boy Toys located in Oklahoma. The restoration was completed and immediately purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in September of 2024. October of 2024 is the first time it's ever been listed for sale.

This 56-year old coin-operated children's ride a wonderful piece of memorabilia from the 1960's. A time when Apollo 11 landed on the moon and the Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place. The original fiberglass boat body was stripped and prepped to be straighter then the original factory model was. The original coin-box unit was removed and a chrome coin mechanism was discretely fitted into the body. This custom feature allows the ride to be more realistic appearing. It was painted to with automotive grade-paint and the attention to detail is second to none. It was painted to appear like the wood that Chris Craft boats were made from. To achieve this look it requires 20 coats of different color mixtures over a 4 day period of time. The bottom of the boat was painted black which is separated with a silver stripe. The front of the boat, known as the Bow was decorated with silver pin stripes for a realistic appearance. The rear of the boat, known as the Stern was also decorated with silver pin stripes for a realistic appearance. The paint work is high show quality throughout and was recently detailed to a glossy finish. All of the exterior body aluminum trim was replaced new. The body was outfitted with a custom operational front navigation light and custom operational rear lights. It also has a custom plastic front windshield, chrome rope hooks, chrome side vents, chrome handle, chrome hinges and custom exhaust outlets which were all added for a realistic appearance. It's equipped with flag pole holder that proudly supports the American Flag. The interior is also made of fiberglass which was stripped and prepped to be straight. The cabin was dressed with new custom light green upholstery that looks similar to the original Chris Craft boats from this generation. The base of the seat and the dash was painted to the same simulated wood appearance. The dash was decorated with six white face gauge graphics and clear-coated for a realistic appearance. The original red horn button was changed to stainless horn button that is operational and plays a Chris Craft boat horn sound. The 3-spoke steering wheel was painted in light green to match the upholstery and the rim was painted to match the simulated wood appearance. The floors were carpeted which includes a built in rubber floor mat. An authentic vintage Kainer and Company brass throttle was attached to the left panel for the ultimate realistic appearance.

The fiberglass base was also stripped, prepped and painted in the same simulated wood appearance. Countless hours were spent on the base making it look realistic with the edges and fasteners. It was outfitted with new rubber side steps with chrome trim. It was decorated with silver Chris Craft and 10 Cent emblems. The base houses the ride mechanism, 1/3 motor, new sound box and 110-volt power cord. The sound box plays the sound of a real Chris Craft V8 engine. The coin mechanism is activated by pressing the coin return knob. Everything is in excellent working order as demonstrated in the video provided.

To be clear, this example was restored to considerably higher standards with more features then it was when it was new in the late 1960's. Countless hours were invested in this awesome ride. Vintage coin-operated children's rides are becoming highly collectable. They make great display pieces in homes, garages and businesses. This is a great opportunity!