Interesting tid-bit maybe
That washer is actually the third to the last belt-drive model that Sears issued. Most of the models sold in the stores into the fall of 1986 were actually 1983 designs. The only exception was the Lady K which had a 1985 model number.
There's a cool story behind the washer in this pic:
In 1984 there were two models issued that looked very similar, one as pictured and one with the agitator extension for a fabric softener dispenser. Both models have more wood-grain on them them the regular Kenmores of the day, and the color of the "grain" on the top of the console was much lighter. The lower model is a single-speed 3-cycle machine, the other was a four cycle (had a pre-wash) two speed job. That model may have had a bleach dispenser also. They were the only big tub machines using the Penta-Vane agitator and were the last.
The models were developed at the request of or in partnership with Toyota. The machines were included as sets (in lieu of rebates I think) for car buyers who met certain criteria. I guess the corolla buyers got the one-speed, and the Camry buyers got the fancier one (just my guess). I vaguely remember the ads, and they ran for a good while during the '84 model year.
In the 90s, I re-did a couple of those machines and serviced a couple more. One thing I liked about them vs. the other Kenmores of the same time is that they had porcelain tops and lids. I guess that was a request of Toyota for quality reasons. Many of the 1983-1986 line had that "dynaguard" top which scratched a lot compared to porcelain, and long-term would rust.
Cool pic - I'd like to have that machine.
