A Canadian Masterpiece - And A Dream Machine Finally Obtained!!

[compactelectra]

As webmaster I received endless emails regarding old vacuums that people had inquiring about what their old vacuum was worth and if I was interested. Invariably, these were beat-up machines that needed to go to the curb. In fact, now that I think about it, I never received an email about a machine worth pursuing, until I decided to consider turning over the helm of the site to Fred S. I considered it an omen. In any event I received an email with some pictures and almost fainted when I opened it up. It was a Canadian Electrolux Model 88 in pristine condition. Apparently a gentleman had lost his Mom and was cleaning out her house. Here is one of the pictures.

 

[compactelectra]

His Email

Simply stated: "Any interest in this machine?" Any interest! I have been looking for one of these red Canadian Luxes ever since I spied one on the floor of the Electrolux Branch in Van Nuys California. I used to visit that branch and the one on Highland in LA all the time. I had never seen a Canadian Lux and almost peed in my pants when I saw it. It wasn't until I joined this club that I realized it was a Canadian model. In any event you can imagine my excitement when I saw the pictures. Having been around the block a few times I realized seeing the pictures and having the machine in my possession took a leap of faith. We emailed back and forth and settled on a price and he agreed to ship it. My final email stated, please pack it well. In the meantime, I emailed Dave Kerr and asked his opinion. In short he stated in so many words I would be a fool to pass it up. Well, the box arrived today. Here is a shot opening it up.

 

[compactelectra]

The Seller

Packed it well, and the machine has definitely lived up to the sellers representation. I was amazed how fast it arrived, but not at the outrageous price to ship from Canada to Chicago. Out of the box.

 

[compactelectra]

It is Completely Original

And in pristine condtion. It looks as though it was bought, used a few times and then stored away. I conferred with Dave about my concerns regarding the viability of the hose. Guess what? No leaks! How lucky is that! Dave said it might arrive in that condition. The original tool caddy and instruction manual was included. The cord and plug are intact and in good condition. Just a bit of cleaning up and this machine will be like brand new. Only thing missing is the original box. The instruction manual came in a plastic cover.[this post was last edited: 3/24/2011-20:13]

 

[compactelectra]

Now

The instruction manual deserves a thread of its own. This is incredible. The cover.

 

[compactelectra]

The Back Cover

.

 

[compactelectra]

The Guarantee Page

With original owner, dealer and sales date.

 

[compactelectra]

Inside

Back Cover

 

[compactelectra]

And

Extra Accesories pages.

 

[compactelectra]

In Any Event

A happy ending. Couldn't be more thrilled. This will be one of the prizes of my collection. Like stepping back in time. I only wish I could order some of those accesories. Any Canadian feedback about this machine would be welcomed.

Fred

 

[compactelectra]

BTW

It came with the original sales receipt as well. Won't scan that for privacy reasons but it appears similar to the American Electrolux sales agreement on pink paper. Paid $149.50, less $25.00 trade-in plus an $8.50 carrying charge with $10.00 monthly installments. Being the finance guy, I am tempted to calculate the imputed interest rate, but will leave that for later.

 

[crevicetool]

Wow!!!!!

That is simply fantastic Fred.

I don't think I've ever seen one that looked that great.

Congratulations!

Rick

 

[compactelectra]

I Sent the Seller

An email, letting him know that I received the machine in good condition. From Mrs. J. Mezey's son:

Hi Fred
We are glad you are happy with it and I know it will be happy in its new home.

All the best
Steve and Michele

 

[petek]

Yay. I just love the red 88's, I actually prefer the red to the green 89. Not being a green person. The hose with mine is still in almost new condition as well, they must have used a good batch of something for the red hoses.

It looks like you have red wands? Mine are chrome like in the picture on the brochure .. that might need some explaining from Doug who seems to be the Cdn Electrolux expert

BTW I can mail you a replacement filter for the rear end exhaust if you'd like. Let me know

 

[compactelectra]

Thanks Pete

I was going to get to cleaning it up this weekend and get at that filter. I was going to ask if they still sold them or if I would have to hunt for originals. Any help would be appreciated. From the manual. Infers that this machine would work well in the OR.

 

[compactelectra]

BTW

I saw a picture of Helen and Ida in this manual. Don't know how it got there. Here is a picture of Helen when she baby-sat Ida as a child!

 

[luxg]

Congratulations Fred, that is one beautiful machine. Those extra attachments available are unreal. To my knowledge we never had anything like many of those here.

 

[sireluxomatic]

Big congratulations on the wonderful find, Fred. Truly my favorite Electrolux (along with the 2nd version of it), and this one appears to have dropped intact and unused into your house straight from the late 50's/early 60's. The red wand I believe would have come with the 2nd 88 in the mid-60's, but who cares? It's awesome!

Re: filters. Last time I was at the local Aerus dealer, was told they no longer made the 80 series filters, but that might vary from place to place. I ended up buying a couple of Renaissance filters and cutting them to fit.

 

[elux89]

Series 80 filters still available

Fred,

Aerus still has the 80 series filters available in Canada, part number #30162 if memory is correct. They come in packages of two.

An Aerus dealer in the US might be able to order these for you. Some US parts aren't available to Canadian dealers, so I don't know if this is the same in the US.

Vernon

 

[aeoliandave]

Next best thing to New In Box!

Oh Fred, you're gonna win Best Canadian Original at the Convention with that! Maybe clean-sweep the entire Original Class...

Makes mine look tawdry with their scuffs & bumps and scrapes.

Yes, shipping cross border is horrendous these days and the main reason I don't bid on ebay anymore unless it's within driving distance for pick up.

A few interesting tidbits:
Yours, as you know is a version 1 Model 88 made from 1957 through early 1961. Bumpers and the red telescopic were added for the Version 2 made from 1961 through late 1967 when the green 87 & 89 were introduced.

The Oct 1965 date on yours - and the (absolutely pristine!!!) red telescopic wand - suggests it was a left over overstock item optioned out with current upgrades for Mrs. Mezey. And of course sold to her in her home - door to door sales.

The Bill of Sale shows a trade-in of $25? Let's guess that Mrs. Mezey traded in her 1953 Model Z54 'Loaf'.

Remarkably strong and hushed vacuums, the 80s.
My 88 V2 has some problems but the 88 V2, 86 V1&2 and 83 all pull between 70" and 77".

Dave[this post was last edited: 3/24/2011-22:27]

 

[eurekastar]

Type C Bags?

That is a beautiful vacuum! I really like its monochromatic color scheme with some off-white accents. Does it use the same Type C bags that are used in U. S. models? Very, very nice! Congratulations!

 

[compactelectra]

Yep

The first thing I did was pop in an American C bag. Fits like a glove. That's one of the beauty's of these machines.

Fred

PS - More pictures to follow.

 

[dial-a-nap]

Beautiful, Fred! It really is in remarkable condition - does it smell new?

I had one of these I bought in Phoenix at a thrift store way back in the 80's and they were excellent machines.

"as pure as mountain air or sea coast..."

Good thing, little girls STINK! ;-)

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Wow! That's almost too beautiful for words! I can't wait to see it in person! You must bring that to the convention in September!

 

[collector2]

Hey Fred:

Beautiful machine.

The serial number on the manual indicates that the machine was made in 1960 (starts with a zero). It is unusual that it wasnt sold till 65. The wand is from the newer model (It should have had two steel wands to make it original) and the dusting brush is from the newer machine as well (the early 88's all had metal tops on them - first ones chrome with a red bumper then painted red with a white bumper). The plastic top came out with the later (bumpered) style of 88.

I suspect it was old stock that had had parts robbed from it that were replaced when the new style ones came in. It was definately a clear out price as the model 86 (with bumper) sold for $159.50 at that time (I dont have a price for the 88)

Incidentally - the C used to designate the bags now just designates Cannister, U was Upright and R was Renaissance.

 

[a007kirbyman]

Fred & the '88' Lux...

"...Any Canadian feedback about this machine would be welcomed...."


Hello Fred.

I know you said you'd welcome feedback from any Canadians...

...however, I'm going to ignore that, like other NON-Canadians have above. ~~lol~~



I'm not really 'into' 'other' brands, however I feel deeply compelled to say WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! That is an incredible acquisition you have there!



(I have not said anything before, [shame on me]; however, I have had my eye on a couple of the red Luxes that others have posted! (ie: Dave Kerr, etc. ---->>> BEWARE!!!) THEY HAVE BEEN VERY NICE AS WELL!!! )

Fred, you should BEWARE now as well, I've heard of these two characters down in GA & FL. One might sneak it out in a 'crevice' & the other may may attempt the same in 'waffle batter.' So I've heard, from a in-the-know spy. ~~lol~~



And thank you again for all you've done for & with the VCCC. As long as I've been here, you've done a fantastic job as webmaster. You have left some wonderful shoes for Fred S to fill.

I would be hard pressed to think this Lux has ended up with a more deserving person. My hat's tipped to you. I wish you well working with the newsletters.

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!!

Cheers & hagn/d all,

Bill

 

[uprightman]

So, was Helen reading the CANADIAN ELECTROLUX STORY to Ida..

Fred,

Allow me to add my 'Congratulations' on this EXTRAORDINARY find. Even the BOXES are beautiful!

And what a thoughtful email to get from Steve and Michele. You HAVE to know that they are thrilled that this machine is appreciated and will be treasured.

Thank you for letting us know about it - AND for the photos.

So, again, Fred, CONGRATULATIONS!

...And to Mrs. J Mezey - wherever you might be - CHEERS!!

...Whilst I am at it - HERE'S to Larry Hill the Electrolux Dealer as well![this post was last edited: 3/25/2011-05:46]

 

[electrolux~137]

<blockquote>

OH

MY

GOODNESS</blockquote>

 

[williamr1248]

A Canadain Masterpiece

Fred,
The title of the thread says it all-A Canadian Masterpiece.
What a wonderful machine and the instruction book is so detailed. Very excited for you. That machine has found a wonderful new home. Congratulations to you.
You can bring that to Fishers ANYTIME!
Rob