Kleeneze Rotork Cyclon (Prototype Dyson) For Sale.

[MVacs]

• Tweet

So since I posted I might be selling one of our Cyclons in the near future, I have had a half dozen emails in a few hours asking how much, etc. So rather than answer multiple emails for the next few weeks, I'll do it here and others can see the replies and/or ask questions if they want.

So we are talking about something like this:



That is a Kleeneze Rotork Cyclon.

Kleeneze Rotork Cyclon's are often confused with the G-Force. Which is one of these.



Broadly the same machine, but the Cyclon was a UK market machine sold in limited numbers in 1984 at the Ideal Home Exhibition for about £300 each. The G-Force was an improved Japanese market version that sold for $2000 (£1400) each in 1991 in Japan. Both are regarded as prototype Dysons. Both pre-dated the DC01. Both are extremely rare.

History: After 5 years of prototyping, this was the first production vacuum cleaner created by James Dyson. He was funded by Rotork (his former employer) and these were made for him by Zanussi in Italy. They were sold through Kleeneze's distribution network and at the Ideal Home Exhibition through 1983 & 1984. Around 550 were made, for the UK market only. Interest in this initial model lead to licensing agreements in Japan where a slightly modified version of the "Cyclon" was sold by Apex inc. as the "G-Force". Licensing revenue from the "G-Force" in Japan and another Dyson designed vacuum, the "Fantom" in the USA, plus the proceeds of successful litigation for a patent infringement, enabled James Dyson to set up his own company and launch the DC01 in 1993. You can see, very clearly that the Cyclon is the DC01's older brother. The cylone shape, the wheels, the fins, the bin release/handle etc, are extremely similar.

You can do all the further learning you need to do on these topics:

https://manchestervacs.co.uk/DysonForum/index.php/topic,1814.0.html

https://manchestervacs.co.uk/DysonForum/index.php/topic,2179.0.html

https://manchestervacs.co.uk/DysonForum/index.php/topic,4.0.html

Today we bought an expensive collection of machines and in it was a Cyclon. This means we now have two. We don't need two, so one will be sold.

Others we know of: Cyclons are quite rare; only about 550 were made. Dyson Malmesbury has one. The Zanussi museum in Italy has one. The design museum in London has one. The Frenchay museum in Bristol has one. Quаltex has one. Our member Heidi has one. A shop called Killis in Sheffield has one. A couple of guys in the US have one. We have two. There may be a few more. My reckoning is perhaps 20-30 remain worldwide. All in the hands of collectors, enthusiasts and museums.

As an ultra-rare domestic appliance from 1984, you will seldom find a perfect one; neither of ours are perfect. But both are pretty decent. No spares are available, so anything you need has to be made. On these, the upper cord hooks always break as does the wand release mechanism. As nobody is going to be using them, that doesn't present a great problem as most people only want them for display or looking at. The cord hook on one of ours has already been repaired with a Hoover Junior one.

As we now have two, it is my intention that we will decide which one we are going to keep in the next day or two. The one that remains will be sold on eBay. When we have done that, I will add photos and a video explaining exactly what isn't original so the future buyer is fully informed.

Values: Something like this is hard to put a value on. Over the last few years I have seen scrap ones missing parts change hands at £50, reasonable used ones change hands at £300-£400 and as new used examples do four figures. If we look at the later and similar G-Force that sold new in Japan 1991 for £1200, I am sure new ones of those haven't gone down in value after becoming rarer 25 years later. So if we say £50 is scrap value, £1200 is as new value, £1000+ is complete and excellent used value, then everything else falls somewhere in-between depending on originality, completeness, and anything missing. So based on that, this one will be £200+.

In the next few days we will have the actual machine for sale ready and we can go from there.

If you know anyone who might be interested in this piece of Dyson history, do spread the word [the link here] on Facebook, Twitter or wherever as these don't crop up too often.

[heidi]

You don't mind me asking how much did you pay for and where did you get it from, and a great find

[MVacs]

You don't mind me asking how much did you pay for and where did you get it from, and a great find

I know you have one of these Heidi (as I referred to you above), so for honesty, I would like our readers to frame your comments in that context.

Today we bought a collection of 17 machines from a collector. In that collection was this Cyclon. He sent me his assumption of value for each machine and his total. I read his list and sent him my assumption of value for his collection. Our totals were not too far apart although the individuals differed wildly, so we met in the middle. Whatever we can get back for this simply makes the other 16 a little cheaper each.

[heidi]

OK cool,   

[DC01020304vacs]

 

im so giddy with excitment waiting for these pictures.....

 

[MVacs]

im so giddy with excitment waiting for these pictures.....

 

I am just uploading a video now, it will be on fleabay tonight.

[DC01020304vacs]

 

yay. thank you.

[Parwaz7862]

I think I remember one going for a grand or two on eBay, a few years back! Had tools and paper work as well IIRC

I will be watching the auction 

[MVacs]

So here is the video:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPrmEL1PXx8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPrmEL1PXx8</a>

The eBay listing is here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331816703595 (live at 7pm tonight).

There is a copy of the instruction manual with it. Lets see what it does. 

[Parwaz7862]

So here is the video:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPrmEL1PXx8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPrmEL1PXx8</a>

The eBay listing is here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331816703595 (live at 7pm tonight).

There is a copy of the instruction manual with it. Lets see what it does. 

Cool! The manual will boost the value 

Link wont work sadly :/

[MVacs]

Cool! The manual will boost the value 

It is only a copy, not an original. But will add interest. There is also a copy of its original receipt in there as well.

Link wont work sadly :/

Because its not 7pm yet. 

Edit: Auction now live: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331816703595

[MVacs]

So a curiosity we sometimes see with eBay, 62 "watchers" (and counting) but no bids yet on our Rotork Cyclon.

I expect a feeding frenzy at the last minute.

I am really curious to see what this will do in the open market with no reserve. 

It finishes Friday at 7pm.

[Parwaz7862]

62 Watchers?! Damn
I am one of them

[DC01020304vacs]

I think a lot of people just want to see how well it does. I bet there's less than 20 bidders.

Wished it finished sooner too

[beko1987]

Im one too! I hope it explodes in the last 5 mins.  I then hope even more that the winner pays...