Mechanical Elephant

[pennymachines]

Not coin-operated, but those of us interested in mechanical amusements have often discussed the petrol powered elephants that used to offer rides at various British holiday resorts in years gone by. See here for some recollections.

Rather more impressive was the colossal mechanical elephant accompanied by giant puppet child whose impromptu visit astonished the inhabitants of London a few weeks ago. The elephant was only giving rides to the Sultan and his dancing girls but my niece bravely took a turn on the giant's arm.

[cheeky]

You're right. The little girl looks very scary!

[pennymachines]

Just found this: Peter Sellers drives (or should that be rides) Mechanical Elephant in 1960

and in Thraxted, Essex, 1950:

Intrepid Trainer

Wind Him Up

Jumbo On Wheels