i have a kenmore 100 limited edition from 1986. not what i'd consider vintage. the poor thing gets little or no maintenance, and according to the salesman at the time, doesn't need it. i don't know if he's right or not, but it has certainly thrived on neglect! it is a sturdy machine and works as well today as the day i bought it. the head is steel and i have to get help moving it, so i tend to leave it in one place, but no tension issues, timing or anything else. it has 100 decorative stitches, hence the name. i would buy another steel body kenmore in a new york second! if i haven't killed it by now it must be immortal! lol