The Vintage Hoover Emporium

Not much is known about this machine - it was only sold in Canada, and dates from 1935. Clearly, it is a version of the Model 450, but without the black-painted motor hood, which gives it the appearance of the more deluxe Model 800. It also has a maple-leaf design on the bag, which is reflected in the graphics of this instruction-manual cover.

The manual itself is assembled with illustrations of Models 800 and 425, as well as of Model 600, to save Hoover having re-photograph each aspect of the machine. The Model 600 offered the Aromador feature, but did not have a switch on the rear of the motor for operating the headlamp. The former owner of this particular manual has made a note above the Guarantee Bond that the machine was purchased on 26th September 1935.

The Model 600 came with an updated, deluxe toolkit, with lightweight aluminum parts and simple clip-fitting catches. It came with a large floor-brush and a dusting brush - previous toolkits only supplied the upholstery brush and crevice tool. This more modern design of toolkit would not be seen in Britain until 1938 with the introduction of the Model 160 Cleaning Ensemble.

Another Canada-only machine, the Model 850 appears identical to the model that preceeded it. The picture above is from the Hoover Historical Centre, and shows what may be the first machine off the production-line.

Model 300 was the last of this style of Hoover cleaner in the US - it was a budget model, sold alongside the popular-priced Model 25 and the deluxe Model 150 Cleaning Ensemble. Henry Dreyfuss updated the aesthetics of the machine, but it was no different in basic design to the 475 it was based on. 

The motor of the 300 differed slightly to the 475 because it's upper bearing was a sleeve bearing, not a ball bearing. The sleeve bearings seem to have been slightly more durable and longer lasting than the ball bearings.

27,477 machines were built during its 3-year production run.

The Canadian Model 155 was identical to the US Model 150 (and very similiar to the UK Model 160), except for the maple-leaf graphic on the bag. This particular example is from the Hoover Historical Centre, an unsold example, stored since its manufacture! (Photos courtesy of Tom Anderson)