Jumbo

 Released in the early 1960s (the earliest reference I've found is from February 1962), Jumbo was one of a small range of rides produced by Mills Novelty Co. of Mossley.  Rather stocky in design (and uncomfortable for a young rider with short legs!), the elephant was originally painted in pink with - I believe - a blue saddle.  The coin slot was positioned in the front of the saddle, between the handles.

Curiously, Mills Novelty Co. placed an advert in The Coin Slot newspaper selling both "Jumbo" and an "Elephant" ride at the same time during 1967.  I don't know if this was a misprint - this seems unlikely as they printed the same advert for many months - or if there were indeed two different elephant rides.  I have only ever seen "Jumbo".  Maybe this model was released in two different colours under different names?


Harbour Lights Amusements, Fleetwood, September 2011.  This particular unit had been with the Stefani family in Fleetwood since new, often popping up in old postcard pictures outside Fleetwood Pier.  While originally named "Jumbo", she went through a phase of being called "Gabinella" by the Stefani family (named after a relative).  She had obviously been refurbished many times over the years.  While she was pink originally, it was a duller matt shade and, of course, the music heard in the video was a newer addition.  At the time of filming, she cost 50p a ride (instead of the original sixpence!) but I was still pretty thrilled to find one in working order after all these years.  Alas, Jumbo/Gabinella has since been sold and I have no idea where she ended up.