A Gorgeous Modern Classic

I can't say how happy I am to finally have one of these in my collection. Presenting the Renaissance, model C104A...a radical and beautiful new model for the Electrolux company.

This specimen came to me in excellent running and cosmetic condition, and with a full set of attachments (the Sidekick and floor brush aren't pictured here). I'm guessing, as far as the Sidekick goes, that this was the first model with the newly designed Sidekick II. The Sidekick II that came with this machine is from the next Renaissance, the battleship gray C104H, as are the hose and wands, but they do match the bumper trim, so all is good. It does have a replacement plug, but we can't have everything we want, I suppose.

Electrolux had never made a machine quite like this one before, or, as events turned out eventually, since. It was the first ever Electrolux to feature:

• fingertip power and speed controls. Although some Canadian models from the late 60's to the mid 80's did have a trigger on the handle to control the power nozzle, and the near contemporaneous Epic 6500 featured a switch for the same purpose, no previous model had the main power control on the hose handle. 
• the 3 speed motor. The late 70's/early 80's Canadian AP280 had a 2 speed motor, with the selector switch on the top of the vacuum.
• detachable electric wand set. Previous models had either the electric telescopic wand or "sheath" wand, but the only sensible attachment these could be used with was the power nozzle. Quite a few models came with an extra set of plastic accessory wands. With the Renaissance, one set of wands could be used for both standard and powered attachments.
• power nozzle with direct connect, swivel elbow. Previous models had a cord running from the power nozzle to the bottom of the sheath, and a static elbow. 
• recessed, on-board attachments. Various other models, of course, had a clip on the top to store the combination dusting/upholstery tool and/or the "baby" crevice tool, and the Epic 6000 and 6500 had the enlarged top cover with space for the dusting/upholstery tool and crevice tool, but the Renaissance was the first to store the attachments in their own, hideaway compartment, which contributed to the streamlined, bullet train styling of the machine.
• adjustable attachments. The elbows on the dusting brush and upholstery tool could be swiveled to four different positions, and the crevice tool collapsed for storage.
• latch fit attachments. Older attachments slipped onto the outside of the hose or wand and were "held in place" by friction, which meant that they could (and did) fall off in use.
• the top mounted, pedal controlled cord rewind. In addition, no other model had such a long cord (28 feet, I believe, but I've never measured it).
• the factory preset automatic bag full shutoff function. Older models had, of course, the manual control dial.
• the "electric blow port". Since the hose must be connected to power the machine, the blow port has electrical contacts, and you can choose low, medium, or high speed for blowing.
• dual carrying handles. I may be wrong, but I don't think any other model had more than one handle.
• 2 wheel/3 caster movement system. The American Model G had two "extra" static wheels, which were there to balance the machine when it was moved around. 

I'm sure there might be a few other firsts, which I'll think of later. Its interesting to note that the Lux Guardian Ultra did away with the variable speed motor, handle power controls (except for the powered accessory switch), on-board/adjustable/recessed/latch fit attachments (is a little clip on the wand considered "on-board"?), variable speed blow port, and the long cord...in short, most of the features of the Renaissance and subsequent Style R models. Progress is strange sometimes*.

The Renaissance is both a highly useful and highly collectible model, as are most or all of the other Style R machines*. The Renaissance models are only between 15-18 years old, and that's not very old for an Electrolux, if you ask me. This one is every bit as powerful and dependable as anything that followed it, and, as for looks...

Seriously, no Electrolux or Aerus model looks better than this. Period.

It looks so good it deserves a footrest of its own.

Top view. The handle is ever-so-slightly different than successor models; it doesn't have the small "grooves" in the underside, and is a tad bigger.

Bottom view. This has a smooth bottom, compared to the textured ones of later models, and it also has the two large rear casters, instead of the smaller ones on later models (i.e. the Epic 8000 and beyond). The middle wheels are slightly different, and the ratings sticker is also moved towards the top. Actually, I like the smaller rear casters much better...the Renaissance seems much less maneuverable than the other Style R models.

Logos. Successor models (the Epic 8000 and Guardian 75th Anniversary) have the "Electrolux" in raised and colored letters on a flat background. After that point, all the models featured a silver decal on the side bumper.

Attachments. Another set in great condition (can't have too many of these excellent Style R attachments!). Really, these are the most user-friendly and useful attachments Electrolux/Aerus ever made. I'm at the point where I almost hate using the older ones (non-adjustable and always falling off the end of the hose handle or wands). Note the lack of arrows near the front latches for the attachment tray...successor models all had them.

Inside bag door. I'm not sure why they put the "Electrolux" there, but it looks cool.

Hose handle, with very futuristic looking push button controls and lights. As mentioned above, this hose is from the later battleship gray Renaissance, but it does work with this one, although I believe the later ones with slider switches won't work at all with this machine. This must have been the first ever gas pump style hose handle for Electrolux. It is indeed a bit on the "fat" side, but I've gotten so used to having all the controls at my fingertips, and the lock-fit attachments, that I almost hate using anything else.

The bag light always stays on when the machine is running; I believe it flashes when the bag is full and the machine shuts itself off, but I haven't yet experienced a full bag (the Renaissance is a recent acquisition). The off button light flashes to signal a missing bag, and the machine always starts on high (floor) speed. This is of course quite different from the later slider switch hose handles, which I sort of like better. Still, I'm very far from complaining about this one.

In the middle of Renaissancing the carpet. The performance of this machine is more or less at par with its successors (Epic 8000 and Guardian 75th)**

This Renaissance is in a class of its own, as there were no lower-line models produced in matching colors***. This is an entirely fitting situation for this beautiful machine. Whether you call it a REHN-uh-sahnse or Reh-NAY-sahnse, its all the same, and its all good. I could end my collection right here, and be perfectly satisfied.

*The Style R design is, alas, no longer made, and I'm not sure why. After adding several Style R models to my collection, I don't really want to use anything else, other than the uprights.

**Its difficult to compare the performance of different models, even though they may be quite similar or the same mechanically. First of all, all of my machines are used, and of a certain age, and I have no idea what their usage history is, or whether they've ever been repaired, serviced, or refurbished in any way. Those that I've bought from "vac shops" may have replacement parts, or they may be entirely original, and who knows what might have occurred during shipping? I always keep these factors in mind when comparing machines. To tell the truth, I don't really like comparing vacuums anyway...every machine I have has something different and special about it, otherwise I wouldn't want it.

***The lower-line models out at the time were, to the best of my knowledge, the blue and white Epic 6500 (also with gas pump hose handle, electric wands, and Sidekick II), and the blue and white Ambassador III. In fact, I often think its a pity the company didn't bring out the Lux 4000/6000 redesigned upright at the same time, name it "Renaissance", and color it in the same beautiful dark grey.

A Surprising (To Me) Addition

I shouldn't be at all surprised by this, but I am. I bought what I thought, according to the description, was an Epic 2500 upright from eBay. All well and good, until the machine arrived today, bearing the name "Epic 3000".

Epic 3000?

This is the first time I've ever even heard that such a model existed. I thought the next model after the 2500 in the Epic upright series was the 3500, but I've been proved wrong. As soon as I unboxed the machine and saw the logo, I really did do a double-take, and I had to look hard at the logo to make sure it was "real".

Close-up of the "real" logo:

After this, I googled "Epic 3000" and found out that it did indeed exist as a real model (Model 1717, by the way). Who knew? Its hard to pin down the year of production, but I'm going to guess that the Epic 3000 is the companion upright to the Epic 6000 (which had the same blue power nozzle with beige bumper) and blue/white Ambassador III.

The blue boy makes his debut. I still need to give this a cleaning treatment, but its in pretty good shape as is.

As can be seen in the pictures, this model has an original blue handle with slider switch, although the cord is a replacement. I gave this "blue boy" a brief test run today, and he sounds just fine. As mentioned elsewhere, I've totally fallen in love with the Electrolux/Aerus uprights, and love using them, so I'm happy to have another perfectly functioning model in my collection.

The blue power nozzle gives the Epic 3000 a little extra dash of color and style versus the other beige and blue machines (such as the Genesis, which has the beige power nozzle):

The top cord hook on this model seems to be a little higher up on the steering handle than the successor models. It was around this time that Electrolux uprights with the "ponytail" cord coming out of the top of the handle were recalled, and if memory serves, the Epic 2500 was one of those, so its a good guess that this Epic 3000 was the first model to have the cord coming out of the bottom of the handle, as all subsequent models did:

Assuming everything on this model is original (except the cord, as noted), and I have to admit it certainly looks so, then some of my upright suppositions need re-working. All well and good...as I pointed out elsewhere, I love the endless questioning and re-questioning of Electrolux and Aerus minutiae. Everyone needs a hobby, to be sure. One point...I saw an Epic 3000 for sale on eBay, and it had a beige cord and carrying handle, so perhaps this was the first model to include the carrying handle?

Re: the surprise of receiving a different model. eBay titles and descriptions tend to be, I won't say misleading, but certainly confusing to anyone who is familiar with the different models and their names. If, for example, I do a search for "Electrolux Guardian", I wouldn't be at all surprised to come up with something like this: "Aerus Lux Epic 9000 Guardian Electrolux 8000 Renaissance Vacuum Cleaner". 

Discovering the Dirt

Presenting the Electrolux Discovery III upright vacuum cleaner, made between 1987-9, if memory serves. I paid all of $30 for this old boy (machine only), and I'm quite glad I did, because it started off my love affair with Electrolux and Aerus uprights.

I got this model by answering a local classified ad that read "Electrolux vacuum, $30". Well, it could have been anything, and, at first, I wanted to say no when I found out it was an upright, but how could I go wrong for $30?

I believe this is one of the earlier models made, because the cord is permanently attached. Eventually, the cord became removable, apparently to facilitate the addition of the port for the cord and the Sidekick plug, which became available as an optional add-on (see note 7 here).

Its not in perfect shape; the bearings are a bit dry, and I need to get them replaced sometime soon, but it still works and sucks fine. The hand grip is ever-so-slightly loose, and there is a small bald spot on the cord, but for a 23-25 year old machine, you can't expect perfection. The two gray Epic 3500s I have came to me in much worse shape with regards to cords and handles. This lovely Discovery III is in all original condition, and I have no problems with putting a little money into it to bring it back to top operating condition.

Plugged in and ready to clean. Keeping in mind the above-mentioned bearing issue, the Discovery III does an excellent job at cleaning; not as good as its successors, but still quite good.

Attachments + cardboard kit. I bought this separately, from another local seller, so I'm not exactly sure if this is original to the Discovery III, or the other Discovery models (II, Advantage, and Plus). At any rate, everything fits, matches, and works.

Side view of attachment kit with contents. I wonder how much this kit was to buy separately?

There was a certain 1980's action or science fiction movie that had opening credits like this...it may have been "Superman". A bit gaudy, but very 1980's. Based on the brown and beige colors, I'd say the Discovery III was issued along with the System 90 and LE, both of which were also brown and beige.

There you have it...the Electrolux Discovery III upright vacuum cleaner, Model 1572E. My first ever Electrolux upright, and therefore a special model in my collection.

A Beautiful Blaze of Red

Presenting the made in Canada by Electrolux Canada ZB88, or Z88, or 88, vacuum cleaner, made in two versions between 1957 - 1967. I'm happy to own examples of both versions...the one in the middle is the first version, from 1961, and the left and right are examples of the second version, from 1965 and 1963 respectively. This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite vintage Electrolux, and is in a near tie with the first Renaissance as my favorite Electrolux of all time.

The first version was the first Canadian machine with:

• paper Style C bags
• bag-full automatic shutoff system, and
• fully integrated* automatic cord winder

The second version was the first to feature:

• the power nozzle. The first power nozzle was exactly like the American one...permanently connected to its own long plastic wand, with a cord on the outside of the hose. Later, the power nozzle got its own, detachable elbow and electric telescopic wand, but I'm not quite sure if this development happened with the 88, or the subsequent 89.
• rubber wraparound furniture bumper
• the telescopic wand. The 88 was certainly the first to feature the non-electric telescopic wand, but, as mentioned above, the electric version may have come after the 89 came out.
• the electric hose handle with trigger on-off switch. Again, this may be a "retrofit" after the introduction of the 89.

All three of these machines have their original cords, and two still have the original plug. I have a full set of standard attachments in their "Handikit", and original hoses and wands as well, although these don't get used. The only thing I don't have is the original power nozzle; they are somewhat rare, and I've never seen one in person.

Original plug, with stamped "Electrolux" logo and bulb stopper:

Some personal observations about this model:

• The 80 series (83, 86, 88, 86 Mk.II, 88 Mk.II, 87, 89) is arguably the quietest set of vacuum cleaners ever made, with the exception of a non-electric carpet sweeper. The sound of the motor gets drowned out by the cyclone rush of air through the hose, wands, and attachments. You could, as they say, run one of these in a sleeping baby's room while having a telephone conversation, and not notice.
• Despite the quiet sound, the 88 is very powerful, with plenty of suction and airflow, produced from a 5 amp motor. I'd say it could hold its own with any machine that says "12 amps of cleaning power".
• In the looks department, all I can say is that I think if it wasn't for the first Renaissance, this would still be the best looking Electrolux of all time. The dark red, cream, and silver combination is absolutely beautiful. Incidentally, I like the 2nd version better than the 1st...the addition of the wraparound bumper and the positioning of the "Electrolux" logo gives it an extra dash of style.

Some differences between the first and second versions:

1. front door: 2nd version on the left, 1st version on the right. The "88" clearly needed to be moved due to the addition of the wraparound bumper. The automatic shutoff control knob on the 1st version is the same as those used on the contemporary American models.

2. side bumper and logo:

1st:

2nd:

Attachments: Canadian models up until the 2100 always had a full set of dedicated attachments, stored in a kit (first of cardboard, as seen here, and then plastic). Incidentally, the 88 (and earlier Canadian models) featured an astounding array of optional attachments and accoutrements that I'd love to have. I do actually have a sprayer and vaporizer for the 88s, but these are not pictured here.

Filter: As noted above*, the cord winder is technically not fully integrated, as it can be opened to install an after filter. Depending on who you ask, the after filter for these models is no longer made. I have, in the past, cut a Style R after filter to the right size, and it works fine.

Bag chamber "basket". This configuration seems to produce quite a bit of airflow.

Purely for the fun of it, some shots of the 88 with his "brothers and cousins". Perhaps its silly to personalize vacuum cleaners, but people do it all the time with other objects.

The 88 and his younger brother, the 89:

The American cousin Model G comes for a visit.

The full lineup. If you have an 88 with an updated, airtight hose and updated attachments, you have an amazing cleaning system that can hold its own with many modern cleaners, including all the modern Electrolux and Aerus models, and that's saying something!