A NOS Fantom Has Been Spotted

[nicktechtalk]

Maybe this belongs in the Super Market forum, but I wanted to share this with everybody because a lot of people like Fantoms. I found this on eBay and think that this is one of the first NOS Fantoms that I've ever seen. Price is a little steep for me personally, but it's just something cool that I wanted to share. I would assume that this is an 11 amp Thunder based off of the box. What would be a good price for this in your opinion?

Nick

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Fantom...6c87f053f48ba87cdec4bd1e888a3&pid=100675&rk=1

 

[vacuumdevil]

I've never seen such a big bowl of wrong .

 

[huskyvacs]

Someone must have liked it well enough to pay the full asking price of $400!

 

[gregvacs28]

t f !

 


for that?! 

 

[fantomfan]

Crazy price...

But remember, that's about what they sold for new back in 1993 when they were new... With inflation, that would be even more today. I made an offer on that one but they declined. I did however purchase the other model they had for sale (slightly different model) and it's on its way to me right now! I'm very excited to own a new in the box Fantom! I do not know who purchased the one mentioned before here but I really hope I find out because I would love to see what's inside that box. I don't understand why these particular models of Fantom get so much backlash. They aren't the best machines in the world but they are a very durable and reliable cleaner if used properly. They are super easy to repair and rebuild as well.

 

[fantomlightning]

I'm...

The one that picked it up. I've always wanted to get an NOS Fantom of any kind, but the last time I saw one it was many years back for two Thunders with local pickup only. So I hopped on it.

FantomFan, what was the other model they had if you don't mind me asking?

 

[fantomfan]

Great!

Can't wait to see it! The one I got is an 11 Amp "Fantom" but it has the black trim, not the white. The box also has graphics on it, similar to the Thunder's of the same era. I would guess it was made around 1995-1996.

 

[fantomlightning]

Awesome!

Never been a fan of the black trim personally (though I love all Fantoms), but I'd kill for your box. I'm slightly disappointed that mine and my Capture machine both have the plain mail order box. I've always loved how "flashy" the more retail oriented boxes were.

 

[ultralux88]

I do realize this is what they sold for new, and to a large extent that’s why I think it’s insane. I guess I think paying so much for a machine for my collection is nuts. If it’s a brand new, current model and that is the wholesale cost, I can see that, but for a machine that time and the now nonexistent availability of things like HEPA filters and brush rolls, it’s no longer a machine that can be practically used daily, and therefore the value is now very low. I guess I just find the idea of paying big money on vintage machines to be detestable, and the fact that eBay has raised the price of old vacuums is just enough to set me off! Yes I don’t like paying money for these things and no I don’t care for the vacuum to have a resale value. I don’t collect these things because they’re worth money!

 

[man114]

HEPA filters are very easy to get for these. I bought three just a few months ago. It’s been a while but last I ran the part numbers Sears Parts still had HEPA filters in stock. There should be plenty out there.

If I didn’t already have tons of Thunders and 11 amp ones I’d probably have considered buying this one, with maintenance the 11 amp ones will easily last 15 years of solid daily use in most cases. The power switch and hose are the biggest problem spots and you can fix the hose by cutting up an extension hose which are pretty easy to find, I have about a dozen spares.