Hoover 4003 & 858

[vacbear58]

My apologies if this has been covered before .....

In around 1973 or so, American built Hoover 4003 uprights and 858 Connies where sold here in the UK. The 4003 I have had personal experience of had US tools as did the Connie. It appears the Connies were built around 1970, I do not have build dates for the 4003.

Anyone have any knowledge as to why they were sold here?
Al

 

[turbopowerpaul]

Great that you have joined!

Hi Al.

welcome to the club - i'll have you liking Hotpoint Liberators eventually! lol. Off at a tangent there - back on track now.

Afraid I cant help you with the reasons behind the import of these two models, so will be a second voice with your enquiry.

It does seem strange that Hoover UK had the capability to build their own machines, yet imported these two. Capacity issues over here?

Have to say that i am not a fan of the U4003's rather unusual styling. Not the prettiest of machines if you ask me. I think Seamus owns one doesn't he? SEAMUUUUSSSSSS!!!!!

Yep - just been and looked at what I think might be Seamus' example. Certainly doesnt float my boat with the hood style at all. Falls into the VW Beetle and Citroen 2CV camp of shapes that I just dont like (as a kid I was dragged out of a Herbie film, which was being played as an end of year treat at primary school, in near apoplexy! It was that bloody film wot did the damage!).

The 858 has grown on me though. The colour scheme originally had me running for the hills but, over time, it has grown on me. Certainly a brave and unusual colour combination.

Piccy of our machine below.

Again, welcome to the forum.
See you soon.
Paul

 

[turbopowerpaul]

The sticker that says it all...

 

[turbopowerpaul]

April 1970

...

 

[seamusuk]

Did someone say U4003???

Hey Paul/Everyone

This is mine

 

[seamusuk]

Underneath...

November 1974- every one of these ive known of has been the same date indicating there may have just been one batch brought over?

On the same point all the 858 Connies ive asked people who have them about(and mine obviously) date from April 1970.

 

[seamusuk]

Height control..

With SHAG setting obviously........

 

[seamusuk]

Under the hood.....

Note the "cut away" lightweight chassis and the motor mounted speed control switch

 

[seamusuk]

Forgot to say.....

Hey Al !

Its great to see you here- we need to catch up soon

Seamus

 

[seamusuk]

UK U4003 Instructions

Although not mine sadly

 

[seamusuk]

2

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[seamusuk]

3

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[seamusuk]

4

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[seamusuk]

5

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[seamusuk]

6

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[seamusuk]

7

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[seamusuk]

8

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[seamusuk]

3 points to note......

1. It was sold as a Convertible...

2. The mamual is dated 11-74 on the back page.

3. The note that "Any alteration may arise because of the companys policy of continous development and/or the world shortage of raw materials.
Maybe the 3 day week at Perivale ment this was imported because of insufficient production of UK models????

Seamus

 

[chestermikeuk]

Given

That miners strikes, 3 day weeks, and electricity strikes meant factories where the first to ask to slow down usage and conserve electricity then it could be a given that production would have been halted dramatically and it was a means of keeping up sales and / or disposing of excess stock!!!

Long pile or shag anybody!!!!, I wonder how that terminolgy was viewed here at the time!!!...LOl cheers, Mike