Presenting the AP100, made in Canada by Electrolux Canada, between 1973 and 1977, in colors befitting the '70's, namely a sort of pinkish-beige.
I bought this machine (made in 1977) from a fellow collector, and, as far as I know, the only (standard) attachment missing is the crevice tool. Unlike the American models, which featured the combination tools, the Canadian models right up until the 80's had all separate attachments with a storage caddy.
This is definitely a standout model in the history of North American Electrolux, mainly because its the first to be made entirely of plastic*, but it does have other features that both set it apart from previous machines, and provide the prototype for models to come.
1. The body mould, style, and features are still used to this day, albeit in a modified form. The body consists of two halves, held together by the side bumpers, and the whole machine assembles and reassembles somewhat like a puzzle, with pieces slotting here and fitting there, exactly like the plastic machines that followed. The placing of the switch, automatic bag full shutoff dial, handle, blow port, filter, and filter cover carried over to all subsequent plastic models as well, with modifications over the years.
2. The top mounted, "electrostatic" after filter was used on all subsequent models, and is still used on current models (Classic and Legacy).
3. The vacuum-end hose connector became the standard for all subsequent plastic Style C models, including the current ones.
I believe, although I can't be sure, that the AP100 shared the same motor as the later 89...they certainly sound the same, and both are rated at 5 amps. Naturally, the AP100 is louder, but is still very quiet, and has more than enough power to do the job, a lesson that vacuum manufacturers of today could profit from.
Earlier AP100s featured a beige telescopic wand, but this was abandoned in favour of the "sheath", not one of Electrolux's best inventions, as it can really only be sensibly used with the power nozzle and/or the bare floor brush. I suppose the telescopic wand was a little flimsy, as the upper part was only a single layer of plastic, but the sheath really takes the cake, as far as I'm concerned.
The earlier hoses for the AP100 also featured the trigger to control the power nozzle, another feature that should have been kept. I personally don't like having the power nozzle running all the time unnecessarily, which is why the trigger handle and the Style R handle suit me down to the ground. The hose handle also featured the sliding suction vent control, as opposed to the for-the-birds knob (I'm really a VERY lukewarm fan of U.S. Electrolux and its features at best**).
One notable thing about this model and others that followed it is the minimalist styling...they look very functional, with little or no decorative touches, and the "Electrolux" and "AP100" have been reduced to a small area on the top of the (removable) after filter cover. I always found it strange that the company would minimize their name in that way, unless they figured that the shape and style would be enough to show what brand the machine was.
When this machine was introduced, I was a (very) wee lad, and consequently saw scores of them in use in my younger years. Altogether, the AP100 is a machine ahead of its time, if you ask me.
*I know there are vacuum "purists" (can't believe there is such a thing, but there you are) who dislike plastic machines simply BECAUSE they are plastic. Aesthetically speaking, there may be some truth to their assertions, but for everyday, practical use, I infinitely prefer the plastic body models, and, as evidenced by this 35 year old model, they can stand the test of use and time. Come to think of it, it really doesn't look all that bad, either.
**I mean the machines that were solely produced and sold in the U.S. as opposed to those made there and sold there and in Canada.
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