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.

 

[edz]

Size

tsteves5,
The dimensions of the washer are (approx):
27 inches wide
26 1/2 inches deep, plus there's a hose on the back. The hose can be removed, but the hose fitting extends outward an additional inch or so.
Height: The front of the washer is approx 36 inches high to the deck where the lid is. The back has the controls which extend upward about 9 additional inches, so the total height for the back is about 45 inches.

You didn't ask about weight, but for those interested in shipping, I'm sure that's a factor. I don't know the weight, but can vouch that this very well built washer ain't light!

Would anyone in the club have an approximate weight for this?

 

[tomturbomatic]

I played with the controls when the washer was on the floor at the Memco store near me in Annandale, VA way back when.

Love the fabric dispenser in the modified pessary position.

 

[peterh770]

While the washer is very cool with the buttons, the dryer really has me hooked! What a stunner!!!

 

[jetcone]

Peter

why does the dryer have you more hooked than the washer??

 

[joefuss1984]

in love

OMG I am in love with this washer....wish I were closer!!

 

[joelippard]

I also,

Wish I were closer.  I hope someone in the club saves this.  Who is after it??

 

[toploader55]

I would have thought

Someone here would have got this set home and had it hooked up and running by now.

Wish I had the room.

 

[joefuss1984]

if someone close can buy it and let me work out a deal with them.....

 

[macboy91si]

Price

Was there a price in mind for this classic?

 

-Tim

 

[edz]

A price!

The Thursday deadline rolled round with 3 nice offers, none local.... and all fell through for various reasons. Shipping was an issue for one, personal matters for another.... So let me just put a price on it of only $100! I'm moving and this has got to go. Either to a collector or the scrap heap, it has got to be gone this week! I'd much rather see it in the hands of a collector. Oh, after the initial offers fell through, I sold the fabric softener dispenser separately, so only the washer is for sale now. It's a gem - will anyone save it?

 

[joelippard]

Alright Guys

Who is going to save this?  For all these years we have been hearing about this Elite series 1-18 with only one other one known to exist.  I have heard many people here lately looking about for them and here is a chance for the best of the lot.  Even better this guy is selling it at a very attractive price.  Please don't let it go to the dump!