I agree. I have about 30 machines and at least one 301 is always set up and ready to sew at a moment's notice. Singer 301s are my favorites by far. I have one mocha short bed in a cabinet and one mocha long bed that's portable. I use the long bed for fmq and line quilting with a walking foot, plus piecing. It is my first choice of machine to take to classes, as well. It's reliable and bulletproof. My long bed's name is JoyBoy, because it is such a joy to sew with and it's a boy.
If I ever found a pristine black 301 long bed, I'd snatch it in a minute.