What is your favorite washer?

[chaskelljr2]

Price Of 1966-67 Lady Kenmore Washer

@ "KenmoreBill700"

Keep in mind that the price tag that you see in the ad of the 1966-67 Lady Kenmore Washer that I recently uploaded onto this thread is in 1966-67 Dollars.

While that may look like an astoundingly low figure today, $239.95 was considered a whole lot of money back in 1967. So, I don't know if I would consider that a steal or not.

If this machine were available and in production today, the price of this magnificent machine would be $1,698.85. (if not more). That's given if they use the original steel and metal parts and don't cheapen the damn thing out by substituting plastic for steel and metal (which is what these machines were made and built with back then).

The price of today's TOL Kenmore Elite Front Loaders will tell you that (and from what I found, the "spider looking" stainless steel drums, and the plasic outer tubs and other parts found in these newer machines do not hold a candle to the 1966-67 Lady Kenmore in its state).

Given the level of quality that was entailed between then and now??? The 1966-67 Lady Kenmore was definitely the better value. In terms of build quality and durability, it was clearly a better machine hands down.

--Charles--

 

[bajaespuma]

The Washer(s) that Started it All for me

were the 2  almost identical GE Filter-Flo's that came into our house in 1961. Ours was a 1962 model WA-750 W, our downstairs neighbors had the same model from the year before, a WA-750 V. I found the differences between those two models fascinating. I was too young at the time to understand the concept of model years (and, more importantly the savings realized when you bought a close-out model from the previous year). Where our machine had a chrome plated control panel with a black and white scheme, our neighbors' had the same only with blue on blue (sigh!). Theirs also had a control dial that was white with blue and red lettering that would light up when it was moved from the "OFF" positions (much bigger "sigh!") where ours was high-contrast white on black and no backlight.

 

The story was that both sets of washers and dryers, 4 machines were bought on the same day from a grand old appliance store on 28th street and Park Avenue South called "Hampton Sales" (it was one of those stores where my Parents knew their salesman by name and always came to him when they needed something; he was there for many years because this was still the era where companies felt that loyalty should be mutual). The machines were delivered to our duplexes on the same day and a mistake was made. The blue 1961 machine that I would later covet was delivered to our bathroom on the 4th floor (yes, it was a walk-up with narrow staircases) along with our black and white dryer. The delivery men begged both ladies of the house to leave the essentially identical machines where they were, but my Mother, always the princess, demanded that her washer and dryer, that had cost her a premium, match. Neighbor Marian didn't care, but my Mother had her way as usual. I have always wanted that blue and red on white lit dial and now I have it.

 

[bendixmark]

Bendix

Another of my favorites is my 1949 Bendix found bolted down in its original home.I really enjoy this machine even though I sometimes have to lie on top of it when it spins.Last week I started it and the motor was louder than usual I turned my back for 30 seconds and then smoke was pouring out the back of it.Wow did that stink.Today its working again though,looks like i am going to have to look into having the motor rebuilt if i can get it out of there.