1952 Bally Champion Horse Coin Operated Kiddie Ride

**THIS KIDDIE RIDE IS CURRENTLY SELLING WITH NO RESERVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON TUESDAY APRIL 30TH @ 1:25PM EST. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER TO BID DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.**

This gorgeous 1952 Bally Champion Horse Coin Operated Kiddie Ride is a great display and conversation piece. This model is desirable among collectors and enthusiasts because it's considered a full-body horse. The Bally Manufacturing Company produced the “Ride the Champion” Horse in 1952 at their facility located in Chicago, IL. The name “Ride the Champion” comes from the popular T.V. show with Gene Autry's horse, “Champion the Wonder Horse”. Bally advertised the kiddie ride to vendors as “the greatest money maker in the entire amusement industry”. This realistic western horse was sturdy with a trouble-free mechanism and slug proof coin mechanism. The real western saddle with a safe low-speed start provided life-like riding action. These rides were placed all across the United States and commonly in front of grocery stores. The ride provided young children an imaginary horseback journey to the Old West. The ride crated great ever-lasting memories and is a true piece of Americana. This example was the product a show quality cosmetic restoration. It was completed in 2023 and was a display piece until it was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in March of 2024. This is the first time it's been listed for sale.

This example presents beautifully and is completely functional. The fiberglass body was stripped and prepped. It was re-painted in Copper Metallic with black accents on the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, mane, tail and hoofs. The high quality automotive paint was recently detailed to a brilliant shine.The horse was outfitted with a new black western saddle that's decorated with designs, stitching and chrome studs. The saddle is complemented with matching stirrups and reins that have a chrome bit.

The original steel base exterior was stripped, prepped and repainted in brown. The base was decorated with a matching wood step platform, stainless trim and Ride Crusader “Ride 'Em Cowboy” decal. The decal was changed to 25 cents. This decal is easily removable if the new owner wants to change the theme. The base internal steel and mechanisms are in good original condition. The Dayton model #5K444C motor has a date code of July 1992. The motor is a 115 Volt with 1/3 HP and 1725 RPM. A custom steel piece was added to support the coin box. The coin box was produced by Coin Mechanisms, INC located in Glensdale Heights, IL. From the information gathered it's from the 1950's and 1960's timeframe and is equipped with an analog timer. The exterior of the coin box was stripped, prepped and painted Copper Metallic to match the color of the horse. A new decal was added reflecting the change to 25 cents.

The coin box mechanism, internal mechanisms, motor, electrical and sound box is in working order. This is a great opportunity to purchase a beautiful piece of artwork that will bring smiles for years to come.

**Although this example is in excellent condition it does have a few imperfections on the body and base as expected. Please see the video presented. **

**MS CLASSIC CARS will assist with crating and shipping anywhere in the lower 48 United States.**