The One That Got Away

A couple of posts ago, I said that the machines presented were the last remaining in my collection to be featured in this blog. Well, I was in the vacuum room this morning, spied the ZB 55 3rd version sitting there, and realized it had never been featured (at least in its own, standalone post). So, to rectify this error, here is the ZB 55:

This particular model was made in 1957, the last year of production for the 50 series machines, and is thus 60 years old as of this year. Its virtually identical to the 55 2nd version (except for colour, of course, and I think there may have been some differences in attachments), and was sold along with the 54 (bottom of the line model) and 57 (top of the line model). As with all the other 50 series machines, this is a quiet, capable performer, and still works fine. In fact, I decided to put it into service for the week as the downstairs vacuum!

I don't think I have many of the original attachments for the 55 3rd version, though I vaguely recall a blue-bumpered floor brush and dusting brush hidden away somewhere.

Bottom view:

Metal ratings plate. Made in 1957, as noted above, and rated at 3.8 amps.

The bottom of the line model, the 54, shares the same body covering as the 3rd 55, I believe, but has a bright red nameplate (gaudy!) and brown Bakelite ends. I still don't have this one in my collection.

Just for the hell of it, here is the view from the closet (i.e. the current upstairs vacuum). Not a bad thing to see when you open your closet door:

Semi-Vintage Vacuuming Week

A couple of spontaneous pics of the 88 1st version, currently in service as the upstairs (non-carpet) vacuum:

Its hard to believe this old boy is now 56 years old, and still going strong and looking great. Electrolux really didn't need to get much better than this (although the modern machines do have their strengths too).