Kirby Classic 1 CR Ser # A743980

[laundromat]

Earlier this morning, I went to Sally's Shop (Salvation Army)to pick up a Rainbow I couldn't fit on my bicycle.As I walked in, I noticed there were two Kirby vacs available in absolute new/ unused condition. The other one was a newer Heritage model.This one I have no idea when it was made but,it's the only one (other than the newer models I've seen)that has the shiny metal base. All the other older models I have had to be buffed to shine as nice as this one.It was tagged $75 but because I donate there a lot as well as shop, the manager let me have it for only $25!!!!Once I got home, I called and asked if the other model sold.She said it was still there and so, I gave her my credit card number and got that one too for $45!!!!Anybody have any clue on the year this one was made?? I'm telling you,even the beater bar is shiny!!!Not a piece of hair or dust!!! Does this one take a bag? Or,do you just let the cloth fill up??? I'm clueless here because I never had one like this.Thanks!!

 

[washernoob]

Well congrats on a nice find! do post pictures!

The Classic 1CR replaced the Dual sanitronic 80 (one in my profile pic) in about 1970. It was the most radical design change for kirby up to then.

it is a shake out bag. You are supposed to dump it each use, but you can use it a few times and then empty it out.

 

[laundromat]

It truly was never used at all. If it was,they used an inner liner because the bag is completely clear of any dirt at all.If so, I wonder what bags they used???Otherwise,no dirt on the beater bar,no lint,no hair and the wood and metal parts of it and the wheel groves are still there!!.

 

[iheartmaytag]

The Classis, first of the wide heads, was built until about 1973 when they introduced the Classic Omega.  Kirby did not use a factory disposable bag until the Tradition, the blue model.

This is a true find, as a vacuum that is 40 years old to be in unused condition is very rare indeed.

 

As for the roller brush, Kirby never used a beater bar, and their rollers are always made of wood.   Kirby always used brushes, in a staggard arrangement where as one side is sweeping the other is not.   This creates Kirby's "Tripple Cushion Vibration System"   If you watch once you have the rug nozzle properly adjusted.  (One click after the motor changes sound).  You can slightly tip the machine from side to side and you can see as it lifts the carpet allowing the airflow to go through as the vibration removes the deep dirt.

 

Actually when I said always uses staggard I am wrong.  I believe the Heritage used a Double Helix arrangement, this didn't last long in production they went back to tried and true.

 

 

Use caution with the Classic, it had a design flaw in the front bearing plate that was not corrected until the Omega run.  It is

<span style="font-size: small;">susceptible to dampness, as in using the renovator system.  If you keep it dry, you are ok.  </span>