Shetland-Lewyt Fashionables

[collector2]

Hey Guys. Just added another Fashionables series machine to my collection. This one is the lower end model with the same pattern as the delux one I have. Unfortunately its tool set is incomplete as well. Does anyone have any of the sage green Lewyt parts in their spares? I would really like to complete these machines.

 

[justjunque]

Very cool!

I can't help with your request, but I couldn't help but comment.
Until very recently, I had no idea that Lewyt even made a canister of this style.
And, this is my first time seeing or hearing about the Fashionables series. I would imagine that's mid 1970s?
The style of the machine itself strikes me as sort of a cross between a Eureka and a Hoover.
I wish you luck with finding the bits and pieces to complete them. They're very cool!

Barry

 

[collector2]

Hi Barry - the Fashionables series was out in 1966. This isnt a great copy of the ad for them but you get the idea. I have the blue one on the right in the ad too but thats all I have been able to find. One of the machines pictured above is the one the lady is leaning on. (as you can see I am missing the attachment holder)

 

[justjunque]

Thanks!
Wow... I was only off by a decade!

 

[vacuumdevil]

Man I wish I had the original all green accessories for mine as well.
It's really cool to see both of those together.
Here is a video of mine.

 

[eurekaprince]

The history of takeovers of Lewyt in the 1960’s and 1970’s is interesting. I think the corporate takeovers happened after the lawsuit over the electrically-dangerous “zapper” power nozzle canister.

Somehow, the company turned into Shetland Lewyt, maybe due to a merger with the Shetland company that was known for floor polishers and rug shampooers. Then a few years later, the company name changed to SCM Lewyt. SCM stood for Smith Corona Marchant….the famous maker of typewriters. SCM also bought up Procter Silex and so soon we saw SCM Procter Silex blenders and other kitchen appliances in the stores…

 

[collector2]

Hey Alex: At least you have the proper rug nozzle. More than I have been able to find.

Hey Brian: Yep SMC bought the rights to the name, molds for the attachments and several other things from the Lewyt bankrupcy. At the same time Holland Electro bought the rights and tooling for the big wheels machines, which they produced for another 20 or so years in Europe under the Holland Electro Toppy name

 

[eurekaprince]

Thanks Doug! Now I know why you saw these Holland Electro Big Wheel vacs in Europe!!!

 

[vacuumdevil]

@collector2 Anything made by them seems to be hard to find. I wish you luck if I see one I'll send you a message.

 

[collector2]

thank you

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Just saw this thread - very cool looking machines you have there!
Nice to see some of these obscure machines saved and maintained.
I remember some cars long ago having similar colors and patterns in the interior.
Love the ad also!