Hi Tom.
You are right about the Zanussi Liberators (models 1823 and 1826). Who commissioned who is the other way round though.
From what I can gather, the fire slashed production capacity and Hotpoint decided to concentrate full production on the 4 button 'de luxe' model in the form of the first liberator model 1850 (followed by model 1851 and then 1851/03 - the subject of Justin's sale).
Hotpoint were going to produce another model, in the form of the 1840. This was a standard basic machine, with cold fill only, a single powder compartment in the drawer and only one button on the facia, this being the Door Release. This machine was to be named simply HOTPOINT LIBERATOR - will have to photograph the drawn image of it from my service manual!
Production of model 1840 was never started and no machines ever made it to production - possibly none, other than rough prototypes were produced at all.
From 1973 to 1976, all Hotpoint made was the 4 button 1850, 1851 and 1851/03, along with the dryer, toploader and two versions of twin tub.
The life of the 1600 was extended and it became model 1830, being discontinued circa 1975.
1976 apparrently saw them still low on production capacity, so they commissioned Zanussi to produce for them two models:
1823 - cold fill only with no option buttons at all and 380rpm spin speed
&
1826 - hot and cold fill, two option buttons and 520rpm
These were sold alongside the 1828/02 until 1978 when the range was overhauled and Hotpoint finally pulled their finger put and began producing a range of machines based on their own design.
Thus was produced the final 'Liberator' series, in the form of the 1824/01 2x button 800, 1828/07 4x button 400/800 and 1848/01 4x button 400to1000 variable.
Paul
