Ok...I missed that totally!!
Hoover Special = Factory rebuild.
Robert, have a look at the front of your cleaner, the nameplate under the headlight. If you do have a rebuild, it will say there something along the lines of "previous model reconstructed at the factory"
You will also find in the base a date stamped into the metal, thats when it was rebuilt.
Jack, once I get home I will post the info I have on the production of the 305. I do know that 305's were the last models produced before they shut down for war production.
