1981 Kenmore
Todd -
This is a 1981 model. Other related models had a DA agitator and/or a self cleaning filter. There was a re-release of this model and one similar model in 1983, which was the last year for a major issue of belt-drive models.
Yes indeed, there were a number of 24-inch models, in fact in 1981 I can think of at least six, with a couple others released in 1982.
Usually there was a BOL, a very decent MOL, and a TOL 24-inch model. The TOL being among the rarest of almost every model year's releases. Not long after the release of the 81 models a parallel line of 24-inch direct drive models made the scene in 1982 and 1983.
The line was greatly expanded though in 1981 to accommodate the withdrawal of all the 29-inch standard models in the Kenmore line. There had been four 1980 standard models, and a couple hold-over 1979 machines that wound down the 29-inch standard belt drive Kenmore in summer 1981. The new console styling seen here came about at the time for the new models. Moving forward, we had the 24-inch "Regular capacity" and the revised Energy Saver Large capacity machines. For the first time the 24-inch machines were sold as mainline machines not as specialty models for unique installations.
I think most every buyer opted for the large cap machines except those who had only space for a 24.
Interestingly, this was not done at Whirlpool, as 29-inch standard washers continued there through 1986.
Gordon
