I love my old machines but have been spoiled buy my new one with its needle threader and such. When I get back to piecing I am going to open up my 201 and do the straight stitches on that. And if I ever get a chance to take a class I am taking my 301 my friend gave me for Christmas.
Before I got my Brother I used the vintage machines exclusively since that is all I could afford. And being able to fix them myself is a plus money wise.
I have one called a Household that I bet could sew car upholstery without a wimper. If not the car bumper.:-)
But try to tell this kind of stuff to the new sewist coming along that wants all the bells and whistles. :-) (for $50. lol I had one girl in GA ask for a Bernina on Freecycle)