OK, I'm going to be provocative here...
I've commented on this at Hooverland, but looking over the pictures again, I have to say that I really do prefer the 'look' of the Hoover over the Electrolux!
I just think the Lux (and others of it ilk) were a bit, well, dowdy compared to a lot of the Hoovers! *Ducks*
Luxes always seemed to be in pretty neutral muted colours, and I think the shape of Hoover cylinders tended to be rather crisper and sheer than the curvy Luxes, certainly the Conquest looks more modern to my eyes, despite the basic shapes' 1950s roots.
I know Luxes are good machines though, and the funny thing is that I think it was quite the opposite for uprights - the 152/60/70 and 500 Series Electrolux uprights blew the contemporary Hoovers out of the water, especially in terms of genuine practical innovation! Although one must understand that I've got a sworn allegiance to Perivale ;-)
Dunno if you're aware Mike, but the exhibition that got cancelled was to be held at the Design Centre, London, and was intended to promote the then-new Hoover 'Matchbox' automatics. The exhibition was meant to take place in April 1970 ISTR, but was delayed due to 'teething problems' with the new washers, which weren't launched until September in the end. But one can't deny which cleaner was on the Hoover designer's minds when they concocted the Conquest...
I especially love the flash of the Conquest - Mandarin Blue is the definitive Hoover colour scheme to me, and I like the unnecessary bits of bright trim, the mad blower port and that handle design, which always puts me in mind of a Ford Capri or something!
