Yep, a brute. I was just looking at it some more. We read all the time about how strong and smooth Singer 201s are. On fleabay I've seen the Pfaff 130 touted for its 1.3 amp motor (the 201's is apparently 0.6 or 0.9). Björn's? 1.6amp. Full 1/4hp motor. Not that I have any idea why I'd need that much oomph in a sewing machine for home use but it's nice to know that it's there if the occasion should ever arise. I'm going to have to oil it up and give it a try one of these days to see how smooth/quiet it is or isn't.