Electrolux Model L Goodwill Find!

Arlee and I went to Goodwill today, a weekly routine on Tuesdays.

For the first time in I don't know how many years, I found an Electrolux there!

It's a Model L, the first version of the first model in off-white paint. Notice it still has the toggle switch with the black rubber tip instead of the later turquoise slider switch.

Cosmetically I'd give it 6 out of 10. There are quite a few small "dings and dangs" but I've certainly seen worse.

It's been well taken care of, however. It has a later replacement genuine hose, combo floor/rug tool, cord and dusting brush. There are actually several dusting brushes as well as an extra wand and several crevice tools of various colors and designs.

Mechanically, this Electrolux is very powerful, while at the same time very quiet as it should be. So I'm sure it's the original motor, in perfect running condition.

In the plastic bin it came in there was a small cardboard carton. It was kinda mysterious with no markings or identification. When I opened it up i was surprised to see a pair of vintage women's sunglasses!

"Well, I decliah!"

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 10 View Full Size


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Post# 463303 5/23/2023 at 18:01 by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes 3 Arlee and I went to Goodwill today, a weekly routine on Tuesdays. For the first time in I don't know how many years, I found an Electrolux there! It's a Model L, the first version of the first model in off-white paint. Notice it still has the toggle switch with the black rubber tip instead of the later turquoise slider switch. Cosmetically I'd give it 6 out of 10. There are quite a few small "dings and dangs" but I've certainly seen worse. It's been well taken care of, however. It has a later replacement genuine hose, combo floor/rug tool, cord and dusting brush. There are actually several dusting brushes as well as an extra wand and several crevice tools of various colors and designs. Mechanically, this Electrolux is very powerful, while at the same time very quiet as it should be. So I'm sure it's the original motor, in perfect running condition. In the plastic bin it came in there was a small cardboard carton. It was kinda mysterious with no markings or identification. When I opened it up i was surprised to see a pair of vintage women's sunglasses! "Well, I decliah!" Photos... < > Photo 1 of 10 View Full Size

Post# 463311 , Reply# 1 5/23/2023 at 19:44 by Centralvacs1928 (Chicagoland)
Checkrate/Likes *Nice find, Charles!* I never knew the early versions of the L came with that E-type toggle switch. The only ones I've come into contact with have had the later slide type. This would have been sold alongside the turquoise G, correct? Hard to tell in the picture but it appears the hose has a dark blue tracer, which I would think would place it from the early 90's Ultralux era.

Post# 463313 , Reply# 2 5/23/2023 at 20:22 by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes Yes, this was the first version of the Model L, and yes, it was the lower-tier companion to the Model G starting in 1962 after the Model R was retired. The hose has the color scheme of the Grand Marquise but is non-electric.

Post# 463315 , Reply# 3 5/23/2023 at 20:39 by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes That's a great find! I never see vacuums that old at thrift stores around here, and Electroluxes of any sort are few and far between. Interestingly, when I do see them, they are often priced dirt cheap.

Post# 463325 , Reply# 4 5/24/2023 at 10:11 by Paul (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Nice score - congrats! The hose appears to have a taupe tracer. If so, it's from the 1987-88 line. I thought the Model L debuted in 1963.

Post# 463336 , Reply# 5 5/24/2023 at 18:33 by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes Now thats a great find! Surprising to see vacuums this old still showing up in Goodwill!

Post# 463341 , Reply# 6 5/24/2023 at 19:39 by Thevacomaticiec (Bathurst New Brunswick Canada )
Checkrate/Likes Have fun with your new toy.

Post# 463363 , Reply# 7 5/25/2023 at 18:16 by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Wow!* Certainly new to me. The Hospital G is the only non-blue or tan model I've seen from that era. Where I live that machine would have been snapped up in a hot minute. Glad it went home with a collector who will give it the TLC it so richly deserves!

Post# 463421 , Reply# 8 5/28/2023 at 19:50 by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Beautification Begins...* I completed "Phase 1" of the Model L beautification. I gave it a good going-over with metal polish, filled in the "Electrolux" logos on the sides, and added a set of original attachments. I'm debating whether or not to paint it or touch up the dings. I may just leave it as-is. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size

Post# 463426 , Reply# 9 5/29/2023 at 10:02 by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Looking good...* My tendency is to leave any 'battle scars' that won't buff out. They're part of the machine's story.

Post# 463468 , Reply# 10 5/30/2023 at 22:28 by cam2s (Nebraska)
Checkrate/Likes 1 What a great find. I love these old Electoluxes. They have a certain charm about them.