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Kirbys 1970 to 1990
The Kirby Model 'Classic' '1CR' (1970-1973)
The Kirby 'Classic' was the first Kirby major appearance change since the mid-1930s.
Introduction of the 16" wide power nozzle. Advertised as the widest domestic vacuum cleaner nozzle at the time.
Introduction of the 16" wide power nozzle. Advertised as the widest domestic vacuum cleaner nozzle at the time.
Kirby Classic
Kicking off the 1970s with this new design in an attractive light brown and green or gold coloured bag.
The handle label was in a nice for the time wood effect.
The handle label was in a nice for the time wood effect.
Kirby Classic
The 'Sani-Emtor' design is now oval compared to the previous models which had the more square/rectangular type of design.
Kirby Classic
With this model the back wheels were now concealed within the rear motor housing.
Kirby Classic
The belt lifter now had a viewing window to inform the user if the belt was engaged or disengaged.
Kirby Classic
The 'Delta' handle design was carried over from the previous 'Dual Sanitronic 80'.
Kirby Classic
The Kirby Classic KGF-40 bag label.
Kirby Classic
Another big redesign was the on/off switch which was moved to the back of the cleaner instead of the side.
Kirby Classic
The Kirby Classic original style brush roll.
Kirby Classic
The rear cross view of the Kirby Classic.
Kirby Classic
The Kirby Classic introduced the 'Bank in the Handle', the rear cover on the back of the handle had a cut out slot so the user could store any random coins they found while cleaning.
One of the sales lines was you could save the money you find while cleaning to help pay for your new Kirby or each time you use the Kirby you could pop a few coins in each time you used it...again to help towards paying for your Kirby.
To some people this might seem strange but some customers actually used this feature for which it was intended.
One of the sales lines was you could save the money you find while cleaning to help pay for your new Kirby or each time you use the Kirby you could pop a few coins in each time you used it...again to help towards paying for your Kirby.
To some people this might seem strange but some customers actually used this feature for which it was intended.
Kirby Classic
Redesigned but still holds the familiar Kirby profile.
This model sold so well that Kirby/Scott & Fetzer decided to open a second production plant in 1972. That was called 'Kirby West' in Andrews, Texas.
At this time Kirby started expanding in to other markets like in the UK.
This model sold so well that Kirby/Scott & Fetzer decided to open a second production plant in 1972. That was called 'Kirby West' in Andrews, Texas.
At this time Kirby started expanding in to other markets like in the UK.
Kirby Classic Omega '1CB' (1973-1976)
The updated version of the Kirby Classic was the Classic Omega. While similar looking, there were quite a few changes.
Kirby Classic Omega
This was the first Kirby to be double insulated.
Kirby Classic Omega
Cross angled view.
Kirby Classic Omega
The colour of this model was 'rosewood brown'.
The Classic Omega over the course of it's run had 3 different style bags used on it.
The first being gold material like that of the Classic but with the Classic Omega badge on it.
The second bag style was brown pinstripes and then the third and final version the diamond pattern like on the unit shown above.
The pin stripe version is on my new old stock Classic Omega that is displayed in the R series and rare items page.
The Classic Omega over the course of it's run had 3 different style bags used on it.
The first being gold material like that of the Classic but with the Classic Omega badge on it.
The second bag style was brown pinstripes and then the third and final version the diamond pattern like on the unit shown above.
The pin stripe version is on my new old stock Classic Omega that is displayed in the R series and rare items page.
Kirby Classic Omega
The headlight trim was now ribbed instead of being smooth like on the previous model the Kirby Classic.
Kirby Classic Omega
The Kirby Omega belt lifter label now has the Greek Omega logo on it.
Kirby Classic Omega
You can see on the side of the nozzle the two attachment holes where you would fit the Kirby 'Shag King' introduced on the late run of the Kirby Classic. This was an attachment that clipped on the front of the nozzle that looked like a rake and it would rake the shag pile carpet that was popular in peoples' homes at the time.
A picture of it with the Kirby is further along.
A picture of it with the Kirby is further along.
Kirby Classic Omega
The bag hanger was altered in appearance compared to previous ones.
Kirby Classic Omega
This was the first model to have an enclosed headlight lens.
Kirby Classic Omega
This was also the first model to have a scuff plate on the back of the housing.
Kirby Classic Omega
Cross view.
Kirby Classic Omega
The Kirby Classic Omega with it's original big box, attachment box and 'Rug Renovator' plus it's manual and 'Shag King'.
The Kirby Classic was the first to introduce the 'Shag King'.
You attached it on to the front nozzle and it would comb the shag pile carpeting that was in fashion at the time in the 1970s.
The Kirby Classic was the first to introduce the 'Shag King'.
You attached it on to the front nozzle and it would comb the shag pile carpeting that was in fashion at the time in the 1970s.
Kirby Classic Omega
The Kirby Classic Omega had a redesigned motor. The front removeable plate had gone and you had to remove the armature by removing the top of the motor housing.
The on/off switch was also redesigned.
Really the Kirby Classic had more in common with the 'Dual Sanitronic 80' than the Classic 'Omega' even though the Classic and Omega look more similar visually.
The on/off switch was also redesigned.
Really the Kirby Classic had more in common with the 'Dual Sanitronic 80' than the Classic 'Omega' even though the Classic and Omega look more similar visually.
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