GET THE HOOVER OUT!

Blog reader and Sword collector Arto has sent in these cool pictures of his HOOVER SPACE GLIDER model (Art) #803. Note the unique orange window box, the plastic 'jewels' instead of a nose antenna, the NASA livery (two types) and the arrow-shaped logo of Hoover ( odd, I'd have expected a H rather than an arrow). On the toy's undercarraige is the model number. 'Made in Hong Kong' and the arrow logo, but not the company name. Like me, you may have one of these loose and not know its a Hoover! As far as I know Hoover was a Thai toy company. It probably deserves it's own toy checklist soon.

It's funny, in the UK the word Hoover means a vacuum cleaner. Basically the Hoover Company name has taken the place of the more cumbersome general term Vacuum Cleaner. Some people also say Vac (or Vaccy) as in 'Shake and Vac', the 1970's magic powder for carpets just prior to hoovering! I keep expecting Hoover toys to have some form of mild suction unit! Hee hee.

Posted whilst listening to the LP Highway by those gargantuans of British rock who were Free.

Addendum:

HOOVER AUSTIN and CARAVAN, Ebay, April 2010

Ebay description as it appeared:

"A superb example of a vintage HOOVER No 323 plastic AUSTIN 1800 & SPRITE MAJOR CARAVAN, made in HONG KONG, circa 1960-70s.This I would say is in MINT CONDITION, although there are some slight surface scratches to the plastic of both the car and caravan from being stored in the box. Light blue plastic Austin 1800 friction powered car, with white interior, clear windows, silver plastic grille, bumpers, headlights and hubs, black tyres and tow hook.Measurements of this super car are approx: 8" x 3.25" x 2.50". Red & white plastic Sprite Major Caravan with removable roof to reveal flimsy all in one plastic 'furniture' (not removable), opening door, & black tow hook which attatches to the car, silver hubs, black tyres. I haven't removed the roof as it still has the ORIGINAL sellotape. Measurements of this is approx: 8.50" x 4" x 4.50". The colourful yellow box is in VERY NEAR MINT CONDITION, general wear to edges/corners, tear of approx 1" to side and a tear to end of approx 2", & slighty grubby, it still retains the inner cardboard packing. The box measures approx 9.50" x 8" x 4.25"." Sold for £99.

Also HOOVER ROMAN CHARIOT