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.
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.
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.
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