Holy Grail Washer in Great Shape - For Sale

[edz]

I'm a total Philistine/barbarian when it comes to vintage washers, so I'd like someone who appreciates these to have my Frigidaire Elite 1-18 washer. I bought it on Craigslist not knowing what it was and I would have preferred something newer (like I said I'm not a vintage washer guy). I've used it for over a year with absolutely no problems - it's in great condition - see the pics. All the buttons I've pushed have worked and even the water level knob works perfectly. It belonged to a now deceased aerospace engineer. His daughter said he kept everything he owned in 'tip-top' shape. I'm moving and will sell it to the best offer received by Thursday March 8th. Bonus - I'll throw in a Frigidaire Fabric Softener Dispenser in the original box - some water damage to the box. I'm in the Denver area in Littleton. You can call me at 719 304 4007.

I had no idea what I had until I went to the web to find an owner's manual. In the process I found this site and learned that this is a total classic washer - the best that Frigidaire made. And I found out that many people appreciate washers like this like others appreciate 1950's vintage auto's - the best ever made. I hope someone who loves the 1-18's can have this one.

 

[edz]

The Fabric Softener Dispenser

 

[edz]

Agitator and tub.

 

[edz]

Made by General Motors!

 

[edz]

Controls - left side. Camera flash visible.

 

[edz]

Controls - Right side. Camera flash visible.

 

[petek]

Yay for lotsa buttons

 

[mickeyd]

25, Pete, not counting the light switch

That could be a record for buttons.

 

Holy grail, indeed, and in mint condition, no less.

 

Look at that immaculate tub.

 

Someone's going to be very happy, Easy, thanks for thinking of us, and coming here first.

 

[lebron]

Nice. Very very nice

 

[peteski50]

Frigidaire!

Thats a keeper I hope someone in the club grabs it.
Peter

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

I would have to say that is pretty damned awesome!   Never new they made an "Elite" version with SO many buttons!  VERY cool!

 

Wish it was closer!

 

Kevin

 

[tsteves5]

Size

eds, What are the dimensions of the washer? I'm wondering if I can fit it in my station wagon. I'm not that far from you. Thanks!

 

[jetcone]

What a FIND

I've only EVER seen this model in the literature, I was thinking they never actually made it! WOW

I don't think this is a three speed, there is no HAND WASH OPTION> Anybody have experience with this model? Mother Sup??

 

[peteski50]

Elite!

I got some pictures!

 

[peteski50]

Elite

another!

 

[oldskool]

Had That Exact Set

There was a dealer in St. Louis who sold these exact units in sets for $600 a pair in 1979 with an electric dryer. I purchased a pair in Harvest Gold just having moved out on my own after graduating. A friend also purchased a pair in Almond. They were fantastic. Handled all types of laundry with ease. They had all the bells and whistles available in that day. Just super fun, pushing buttons, then watching the indicator dial move around indicating cycle status. Very thorough cleaning with little detergent. Great rinsing too! The dryer's automatic sensor dried quickly, evenly and quietly.

Youth has its stupidity, at least it did for me. After moving to Detroit for a job, into a home without adequate electricity to operate a 220 dryer, sold the set and purchased a used Kenmore set with a gas dryer. I could kick myself for ever letting them go. Being young, I thought when finances were better I'd get another or better set, but no - not too long after that GM sold the operation. That was the end of Frigidaire as we knew them. White consolidated - oh well - I didn't want any of that.

Whoever gets that washer will love it!

 

[combo52]

Push Button 1-18 Frigidaire Washer and Dryer

Yes this was the last hurrah for GMs Frigidaire, WP and KM had just come out with a real Electronically controlled washer and dryer in 1977. This electro-mechanaily controlled set was their answer [ Kenmore, Westinghouse, Maytag and Hotpoint all did this 20 years earlier in 1959 ]. I guess that this was the last desperate attempt to impress a would be buyer to buy the Frigidaire division from GM. But in any case I would love to have pair of these as it is an important piece of appliance history, even if it offered absolutely no advantage over previous models.

 

[mickeyd]

Recovered memory

Anyone else remember seeing this model in the last year or two in a thread right here. I remember counting the buttons and the rush of never having seen the Elite before, and dropping my jaw. Was it Kenny who had a pic, or Mark Lighted, or Joe L. or Patrick? Do you remember?

 

[joelippard]

I think I found a picture of one here on the site a few years back. I'd certainly like to have that washer but getting it across country would likely be an astronomical price.