Rick, The model XXX
Is the one that started the whole vacuum thing with me. It was my mother's first vacuum cleaner and I still own it to this day. It is in mint condition and Charles Lester gifted me with the polisher years back to complete the ensamble. I used to ride that thing around like a slead and was my favorite toy. Every time Mom put it in the closet, I dragged it out. The XXX was in daily use up until 1976 when Mom got her new Kirby Classic III, which is also in my collection. When Mom passed away in 1994, Dad (who wasn't a fan of vacuuming) hated that Kirby because it was so big and heavy. And, what did he get? An Oreck that he used in between Merry Maid's visits, who by the way also used Orecks. That one I allowed my brother to inherit when Dad passed in 2004. He loves it and uses it regularly. Not for me.
R