Today's outing at Hibiscus House on US Hwy 1 in Jensen Beach netted me this prize. Not a Constellation, Convertible, or Slimline, but this tepid piece of excitement, an early '80s Spirit. Those of you familiar with its construction, know it probably contains 30% metal. It came with all the things in the picture, offered at $30.00, but a sign taped to the front door said everything in stock at half-price. But not the 1942 baby grand piano in the back. I considered an $85.00 Kirby Heritage very briefly, but was consumed with the Spirit's utter plasticity. It came with a fresh bag, and works very well considering. It and the black Eureka Mighty Mite will be the most used until I gain some extra space. I keep forgetting my mom bought a brand new maroon one with a power head, but for some reason gave it to my sister not long after.

Very nice find, Alan :)

What did we call them in this country...Hoover Compact.

It's a great vacuum for the price. And I can use the tools on my Western Auto Portapower clone.

I usually bypass those now and the spirit/elite uprights for lack of space. They make good loaner vacs for family/friends who all know you have vacuums and suddenly find a need for one. Never have to worry the're gonna wreck it and if you don't get it back or give it to them well it's not something to lose sleep over.
All I've got at the moment is a Futura canister which the neighbor has borrowed once already. Which worked out fine because she has a SteamVac needing fixing which I did for her and then cleaned my own carpets before she got that back.

I saw your Futura in the archives with your comments, and tend to agree. I might grab another one, if there is a distinctive variation, but I'm going to concentrate on the older ones. Those plastic tools and hose will come in handy on a couple of the other ones I have.