need info on this early simplicity

[kirbyvertibles]

I chose the option vacs from 80s and 90s and this is the forum it brought me to.
Ok I want to know info on this. I know there are 2 models, one a higher end but were there others? Were these the first simplicity cleaners? What years of production were these?

 

[dysonman1]

There were a number of models in the 5000 series. They were Simplicity's first machines. 1989. The 4800 (two tone light grey) was the least expensive (no headlight, short cord, wooden brush roller). The 5000 (white) was a step up (longer cord, metal brush roller, higher motor amps, headlight). The 5200 (blue) added the metal soleplate. The 5300 (burgundy) added the bare floor shut off lever. The 5500 (dark gray) was the commercial model.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Thanks for the info!!!!

 

[kirbyvertibles]

One more question, what's the story behind the Riccar that was a rebranded Panasonic 600 series?
I call it a Panacar lol I have one of those too in a maroon color.
Was that the style of Riccar that ran with this style of Simplicity?

 

[dysonman1]

The Riccar branded Panasonic machines pre-dated the first Simplicity cleaners. Riccar was a separate company then, not owned by Tacony. I have the Riccar MicroWave Oven (bullet proof machine), the Riccar sewing machines, and the Riccar stick vac (which was a Vorwerk 117). Once Tacony bought Riccar, they dropped the entire product line, in favor of branding their own machines "Riccar".