^^^ Seemed inevitable to me, LOL.
As the first generation of all-plastic Eurekas (that is with the exception of the metal baseplate and beater bar...), it is to my understanding that these Ultra machines were not very well made, which explains why they aren't exactly prevalent today. That was why when I saw the two NIB models on eBay, I passed them up and bought the "traditional" Eurekas instead. To me, I don't see why anyone would want one. It's basically another horrible variation of the Bravo, but with a vertical-shaft motor and Vibra-Groomer II. You could also call it a 1400-series/Bravo hybrid, most likely with the worst characteristics of both.
I have to say, the Eureka Bravo, along with the early Dirt Devils and Regina Housekeepers, will go down in history as possibly the WORST vacuums ever made. We had a 6.5-amp version from 1992-95, and by the third year it was falling apart. I (purposely) overheated the motor, letting it run too long when I was cleaning the sofa. We threw it out, used my $5 Electrolux XXX for a couple of weeks, then my mom bought an Oreck pair (XL9100 upright and white Buster B canister) and gave the XXX (as well as 2 other machines I had at that time, an avocado Kenmore Magicord and a GE swivel-top) to the thrift store. Eeeeek!
--Austin
