1940's Gilmore Oil Company Lion Coin-Op Children's Ride

**THIS VINTAGE CHILDREN'S RIDE IS SELLING WITH NO RESERVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH @ 3:40PM EST. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER TO BID. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.**

“Over the years I've owned and sold some stunning vintage coin-op children rides. This 1940's Gilmore Oil Company Lion is in the Top 5 of the best children rides ever offered from the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. I personally designed it and it was restored by one of the best in the business. This one-of-a-kind designed piece will be the highlight of any collection and is a must have piece of Automobilia! – Marc Schiliro

This phenomenal 1940's Gilmore Oil Company Lion Coin-Op Children's Ride was professionally restored to the highest standards with custom features. The Gilmore Oil Company was an independent oil company in California which was founded by Arthur Fremont Gilmore after he struck oil on his dairy farm in Fairfax district of Los Angeles around 1903. As the Gilmore Oil Company surged into the 1920's, its expansion became synonymous with the rapid growth and modernization of the American West. It's “Red Lion” gasoline stations were not mere fuel stops but cultural landmarks, emblazoned with an emblem that spoke of power and pride. This identity was carefully crafted with each station imbued with the spirit of the roaring lion – a symbol of a nation's unstoppable march toward progress. At its peak there were over three thousand Gilmore Oil Company gas stations on the West Coast.

The Gilmore Oil Company “Red Lion” children's ride was built during the 1940's golden age of coin-op machines. These machines were often attributed or styled after classic fiberglass animal figures on heavy metal spring bases. The original “Gilmore Red Lion” coin-op children's ride had a contoured seat and was painted red. It also had a red base with attached coin box. This example was the product of a professional restoration that was completed in 2025. It was designed by Marc Schiliro of MS CLASSIC CARS and executed by expert Josh Kreuder of Ride Restorations located in Chadwick, IL. Marc's vision was to create a realistic wild lion that was running through the African desert. The original lion body was completely stripped and the contoured seat was removed. The chrome coin mechanism was also incorporated in the back of the head in the mane. Countless hours were invested in smoothing the body and appointments. It was refinished in automotive grade paint in the colors of a real African wild lion. The appointments such as the mane, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, paws, muscles and tail were air brushed with extreme attention to detail for a realistic appearance. The original metal base was also completely stripped and made laser straight. It was also refinished in automotive grade paint in the colors of the African desert. It was decorated with grass, rocks, Meer Kats and a Rattle Snake which were also air brushed with extreme attention to detail for a realistic appearance. The base is equipped with new rubber step pads that are trimmed in stainless steel. The wiring, motor and ride pole mechanism was completely restored during the build. It was setup with a new 110-volt power cord and sound box that plays sounds of animals in the African desert.