Wow, she is a beauty. It would be hard to pass that up.

How does it sew?
Mary Ellen

Does it sew? That is the problem, I don't know! The guy selling it says it sews, but "I don't know nothing about sewing" . And we'll have to drive 150 miles one way to get there. He has settled on $125 and looking closer, it is not rusted, but pretty dirty so it will take some work.

Gilla

I would bring different types of fabric, sewing supplies: needle, thread, scissors, needle threader and sewing machine oil. If it's frozen you'll know right away, or if it sluggish or noisy, put a drop of oil in the holes, insert a new needle and sew away. You'll get a 'feel' of the machine - how it sounds, foot pedal or knee bar, if light works, bobbin winder works, stitch quality, etc. You can always clean it later. Pack a lunch and coffee, and if it doesn't work out you had a nice day trip. I have a Singer 301, 2 featherweights, and a Pfaff 1222E. I did the above and have been very happy with my choices. I walked away from a featherweight last week, because I didn't like the feel and sound of the motor.
Mary Ellen FL

I have one of these machines. It is a work horse if it works. I have sewn many many items on mine. It is sitting in a corner now since I bought my Janome, but I will not part with it. If you need a good heavy duty machine that is it.

I have a bunch of old singers and love every one of them. When I find one it usually only needs to be cleaned, oiled and lubed. I have had to replace the odd part, they are still available at online sites. The manual shows how to maintain the machine.
The old Singers have the nicest stitch for piecing. I piece on a featherweight, bind on a 301A. I have 15-91,185, 66, 99,501,503, 306, and a treadle 66,a handcrank 66 etc. They all are a pleasure to use. I didn't pay much for any of them (compared to a cheap plastic machine).
I would buy that machine. (I keep telling my husband I don't need any more machines) :roll:

Well, I wrote the guy back, tried to call him, but have had no response since he gave me his price. I must have hurt his feelings when I mentioned that it would probably take a lot of scrubbing to clean it upThe picture looked grimy, it might have been the way he took the photo.
I finally had my DH convinced that it was a good deal. Oh, well!

Gilla

Good luck! If you know what you are getting, and can fix what needs fixing, go for it. Hope you can contact the guy, and at least have good weather for a ride!

Oh, my! is right. The cabinet alone is worth $160.00, I've seen plenty at a lot higher price. I have a 401a I inherited from my Mom, She used it for years and years, I hope to get another 50 years from it.

I really can't give you any advice, but I do want to say that my first machine (1962) was a 401. It still works like a charm and is at my daughter #2's house. She has a new machine now and asked me what I wanted her to do with my machine. I told her to send it back. I'll make room for it somewhere. Even if I have to use it as an end table for a while. That machine makes a beautiful stitch.