A vintage Pepsi-Cola vending machine has found a new home at the entrance to the Grey Period. It may seem like an unusual object for an Apple Museum, but it refers to one of the most famous turning points in Apple’s history.

FROM PEPSI TO APPLE

In 1983, Apple wanted an experienced executive who could help manage the company’s rapid growth. Steve Jobs set his sights on John Sculley, the successful president of PepsiCo.

Sculley was hesitant to exchange one of the world’s largest consumer brands for a relatively young computer company. According to Sculley, Jobs finally challenged him with a question that became one of the most famous recruitment lines in business history:

“Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?”

The question worked. Sculley left Pepsi and became Apple’s CEO.

THE COUP THAT FAILED

Jobs and Sculley initially appeared to be a powerful combination of product vision and marketing experience. Their relationship soon deteriorated, however, as they disagreed about the disappointing early sales of Macintosh and the direction of the company.

In 1985, Jobs planned to remove Sculley while the CEO was away on a business trip to China. He tried to gather support within Apple, but executive Jean-Louis Gassée warned Sculley about the plan.

Sculley cancelled his trip and confronted Jobs. Apple’s senior executives and board were forced to choose between them—and supported Sculley. Jobs lost his operational responsibilities and resigned from Apple several months later to found NeXT.

The failed boardroom coup changed Apple’s direction for more than a decade. Jobs’ departure marks the beginning of what we call the Grey Period in the museum. He would not return to Apple until 1997.

RESTORED WITH LOVE

The machine itself dates from the 1960s and features the classic Pepsi-Cola logo of that period. We know: that makes it older than Sculley’s move from Pepsi to Apple.

The choice was deliberate. Pepsi machines from the 1980s were visually much plainer, while this 1960s example tells the story immediately. With its deep blue finish, chrome details, script logo and large five-cent sign, it was simply too beautiful to resist.

The machine was restored with great care and affection by Kim Verstappen. The result is an object that attracts attention even before visitors discover why it is there.

Placed at the entrance to the Grey Period, it represents the recruitment of Sculley, his complicated partnership with Jobs and the conflict that temporarily drove Apple’s co-founder out of his own company.

And no—despite the promise on the front, the museum does not sell ice-cold Pepsi for five cents.

Photo caption: Kim Verstappen with the 1960s Pepsi-Cola vending machine he lovingly restored before it took its place at the entrance to the Grey Period.