I wish I could answer your question, but I have almost zero knowledge about electric/modern machines. I have hear that the Elna has a great reputation for quality.
Note of caution: A lot of the older machines have spent a large portion of their life sitting around waiting for someone to actually use them.... So exteriors get cleaned and wiped down a lot, but the inside could be rusted, gunky, or just plain stuck.
However, with that said.... these older machines were made with the INTENT to last forever, not to last until the next version comes out.... It does not seem uncommon for a machine from the 50's to look almost new. If they were even reasonably well cared for, they should.