Hoover UK Washers & Dryers - 1st Keymatic to Final Electron

[matchboxpaul]

Hi everyone.

Have been meaning to do a thread like this for Hoover, for ages. Finally got round to it!

In a similar vein to the Creda thread that I did a while back, I will try and post pics of all Hoover automatic washers and dryers, from the first Keymatic through to the last Electron models.

I only intend on posting official pictures of the various models and will try steering clear of posting pictures of individual collectors machines. This is to enable them to post pictures, should they wish.

 

[matchboxpaul]

Here is the washer side of what will be covered.

Those models in black are unrepresented in preservation, whilst those in green have at least one example in safe hands.

The two models in red brackets [A3C16] and [A3170] are the only two models that I dont have images of so, if anyone stumbles across any - pretty please - let me have a copy

The years at the top ONLY apply to the production run of the core ranges and NOT to the exclusives!
e.g some of the Matchbox exclusives were in production through to the end of 1979, whilst the final Electron models (A3770 and A3772) were produced around 1991.

View attachment matchboxpaul++8-4-2011-12-36-13.jpg

 

[optima]

Hoover

Enjoyed the Creda thread Paul. I am really looking forward to this one.

 

[matchboxpaul]

and the Dryer side of things - a lot fewer models, with the same colour coding as applies to the washers shown above.

re the [D6??? hof] in the matchbox exclusives.
I have never seen any documentation to show that, whilst there was an exclusive House of Fraser washing machine (model A3052), there was a matching dryer!
I cannot get my head around such an establishment only providing a washer and not a dryer - hence there is this D6???. There may have been a HofF exclusive dryer but, if there was, no trace of it have I ever found...

View attachment matchboxpaul++8-4-2011-12-40-12.jpg

 

[matchboxpaul]

Here goes then - the early stuff...

3224 Keymatic - the 1st Hoover Automatic...

 

[matchboxpaul]

3226 Keymatic...

 

[matchboxpaul]

3203 Keymatic de Luxe - a major styling change, over its predescessor...

 

[aquarius8000]

Is 'matchbox' used as a term to describe it as a compact one?

 

[matchboxpaul]

3203H Keymaic de Luxe - externally identical to the 3203, but hot and cold fill - hence the 'H'...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Christopher.

The term 'Matchbox' was the advertising slogan used to sell the first series of slimline machines.

Will explain more when get to 1970!

Paul

 

[aquarius8000]

Ok thanks paul. What about the servis slimline?

 

[matchboxpaul]

3208 Automatic...

 

[matchboxpaul]

3221H Automatic...

 

[matchboxpaul]

3223H Keymatic de Luxe...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hoovers 1st dryer....

3020 Tumble Dryer - based on the established English Electric 'Liberator' design...

 

[matchboxpaul]

1970!!!!! well the adverts actually from 1972...

Hoover had another major bodystyle change, dispensing with the widebody series of machines and introducing the new slimline 'Matchbox' machines.

To emphasise the compact proportions, the marketing men had the machines poking out of matchboxes in almost all their adverst of the period.

Never quite fathomed whether the matchboxes were for match-sticks or matchbox model cars?

 

[matchboxpaul]

3235 Automatic - 1st version.
Rather than standardise bodyshell production, the first series basic machine boasted a Half panel arrangement.
This meant that two different bodyshells had to be produced, with one catering for the basic machine and the other, with a cut out for the powder drawer, catering for the deluxe automatic and keymatic...

 

[aquarius8000]

Weird but would love 'em! LOL. The bit by the door? what is that?

 

[matchboxpaul]

This slightly daft situation lasted until 1972, when the 3235 Automatic received a full panel.
from then on bodyshell production could be concentrated on a totally standard production line, making shells with cut outs for powder drawers whether they were to be used or not.

the 2nd version 3235 Automatic below...