Vintage Electrolux recommendations?

[justjunque]

This might be kind of a weird question. But then, I'm kind of weird.
I have hopes of adding a metal-bodied Electrolux to my collection. The style that started with the 1205.
I believe there were several versions, leading up to the introduction of the plastic body.
Is there any particular model/version that anyone would recommend above the others?
I would be looking to put it into rotation for use on bare floors, and a few very low pile rugs.
I know, ultimately, the condition and reliability depend on how well it was taken care of by previous owners. But, I don't know if there's one or more that have better features, better motors, better power nozzles, etc.
I don't have a personal history with any of them. My parents didn't get an Electrolux until the plastic bodies. And, the one my grandmother had was older. I don't know what model it was, but it had rails. I don't even remember exactly what it looked like.
My sister did have a Silverado, which would be the right type, but I never spent any quality time with it. Sadly, when it needed some sort of repair, I don't even know what specifically, she tossed it into the dumpster.
I was just curious if anyone had any recommendations.
Thank you!

 

[rodknock95]

I have always been partial to the metallic brown Olympias.

 

[human]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. I have two 1205s, a Super J, a Silverado, and a Diamond J. They're all great machines. quiet, powerful, and no damned circuit boards!

It's a real shame your sister tossed that Silverado. They're so easy to work on. My Silverado came to me as a basket case, but fixing it up was a easy--and inexpensive--weekend project. It may not be pretty, but it definitely gets the job done.

 

[justjunque]

I know. As Electrolux might be my favorite brand, if I absolutely had to pick one, it gives me a little sick to my stomach feeling when I think about her Silverado getting chucked into the dumpster. She got it new, and this would have only been in the 1990s when she tossed it, IIRC. So, it wasn't even that old.
She actually really regrets it in hindsight, too.
I find it so strange, that in all my years of going to thrift stores, I honestly don't recall ever seeing a single Electrolux; of any style. I've seen a handful of Kirbys, and even bought one of them. And, I saw one (I believe) Tri Star. I remember it saying IEC on it, and it was a silver/grey sort of hammertone finish. That was a long time ago, before I really got addicted to collecting. Otherwise, I'm sure I would have brought it home.
The older those metal Luxes get, the less likely it seems that one is ever going to show up at a thrift store.

Blaze:
I'm really fond of the Olympia too.
But, I also like the color of the 1205...and the Golden/Super J...and...and...
LOL. I guess I just like them all. That's why I was asking if there's anything, aside from looks, that should make me lean toward any one in particular.
The only thing that kind of puts me off a little bit, is the yellowing of the plastic parts on some of them. The more light colored plastic, the more it shows. But, I'll probably just have to learn to live with it. I don't look the way I did when I was shiny and new either!

 

[centralvacs1928]

To me this seems like mostly an aesthetic choice. Any vintage Electrolux with a power nozzle (at least once you get a new hose) will do a beautiful job.

The 1205 and Golden J (which was still a model 1205) had a "decently powerful" motor and either a PN-1 or PN-2 power nozzle, respectively.

The Super J, Olympia, and Silverado all were essentially the same machine, in different colors (though there were other slight changes between models)...bigger beefier motor than prior machines, and the PN-4 power nozzle which was adapted to clean better and push more easily on plush and shag carpets compared to the PN-2.

Partway through the run of the Silverado, they changed to a smaller/cheaper motor (though high performance) and the L-shaped PN-5 "Omni-Flo" power nozzle, on which every Electrolux power nozzle since has been based.

Those "smaller cheaper motor and L-shaped power nozzle" machines that followed the late Silverado, such as the Diamond Jubilee, Marquis, Ultralux (am I forgetting one?) are excellent and very well built machines, and you could find a replacement motor for one if needed. I just really love the bigger, more substantial and serviceable, slower running motor that the Super J series machines used.

Of course, when in doubt, just get one of each, in true vac collector fashion

 

[justjunque]

Thank you, Owen!
I appreciate you explaining some of the differences in the models.
And, given the opportunity, and the financial means, I know I would happily adopt one of each model!
Well...at least one of each. LOL

 

[matthavertown]

Check Facebook marketplace

Check your local Facebook marketplace. You should be able to get a decent Electrolux for a decent price. I have my grandmom’s diamond jubilee (she liked her old kenmore canister better so it has light usage). I did replace the original hose since the rubber in the braided hose breaks down and looses suction. New hose made a huge difference.

 

[justjunque]

I bet you're right. But, believe it or not, I don't have facebook. I'd probably get myself in a lot more trouble if I did!

 

[eurekaprince]

If it were me, I would get the famous Model 1205 because this was the top-rated canister vacuum in Consumer Reports ratings in the year 1969….at least I think it was 1969. Would love to see a scan of that report to see how the other canisters on the market fared that year. I think the only bad comment was that it was difficult to use on stairs due to its long body.

 

[panasonicvac]

Probably the ultimate metal Electrolux to find for your collection would be the Commemorative Edition even if you found one at the thrift store in not so well condition. Those are super rare because they were not sold to customers but more as a promotional gift to top Electrolux dealers. Just like the gold Kirbys and Rainbows.

 

[human]

1205's weak point

I love my 1205s, but my biggest criticism is the handle on top. The part that runs lengthwise likes to come loose from the body of the vacuum, and then breaks off. For the record, one should ALWAYS pick it up by the shorter, crosswise part of that T-shaped handle, and NEVER by the lengthwise part. This design was greatly improved with the 1205's golden anniversary edition and the Super-J. The latter would be my pick of the metal canisters, despite the garish color scheme.

If you're buying components a la carte, I would get a vinyl hose and either a PN2 or PN4 power nozzle. Lots of people really like the later L-shaped 'Omniflow' power nozzles, but they're not my favorite. They're not bad; I just like the others better. I think it's because I'm left-handed and that 'outrigger' is on the wrong side for me. It always seems to get hung up on furniture legs. Interestingly, I have less of an issue with that when using one of my twin-motor uprights (Discovery II, Genesis LXe, Epic 3500SR) which incorporate the Omniflow nozzle design.

 

[justjunque]

That made me smile. I’m actually fine with the gold color on the 50th anniversary model, and the Super J.
I think the 1205, Olympia, and the gold models are my favorite colors.
The Silverado isn’t as flashy. But, since it seems like the replacement vinyl hoses only come in grey, that would work out well.
Then, was it the Marquise that was sort of a mauve color? I would like that too.
I’m actually considering signing up for a facebook account, just to have access to the marketplace.

 

[justjunque]

Well, I did it. I created a facebook account.
There's one 1205 that would be within the distance that I'm willing to drive. Barely. But, it's currently inaccessible because of the snow. And, we have quite a bit more coming.
Also, outside of the distance that I'm willing to drive, there's what I believe is a Hospital G for $20. I inquired about shipping, just in case, but no dice.
I know it's not the style I'm currently Jonesing for, but it's uncommon enough that I'd go for it, if it was closer.

 

[kirbyklekter]

Barry, I'm not sure how far out of driving range the Hospital G is, but for $20.00 that would be tempting. They are pretty rare. They are the quietest by design, from what I'm told. If you come across a nice Super J that is another favorite among collectors. I have one and use it often. At release it was the most powerful canister vacuum they had made. Happy hunting! Billy

 

[justjunque]

I agree, Billy.
It is something I'd be very interested in. I'll have to do a little more research into the actual distance. But, in addition to my health issues, which limit how far I can travel, our car is 24 years old, and has several issues itself.
If I can work something out, I'll definitely give it the old college try.

Edit:
Two updates on the Hospital G situation.
It was located two hours away from my location, which is not doable for me; especially since it was out past the Boston area, which I will not do.
Second…someone else already bought it.[this post was last edited: 2/13/2025-09:21]

 

[dysonman1]

The last style of metal bodied machines are really exciting.

 

[justjunque]

Beautiful machine, Tom! I don't expect to ever stumble upon one of those, however.
Of course, even though it was too far away for me, a Hospital G turned up. I would have never expected that either!