Information please
 

I am looking at purchasing this machine. I am looking for information about it, I believe it is a model 201. Were they reliable machines? This one is the Centennial model, made in 1951.

It's exceptionally smooth running, hardly any model is more reliable and durable than this one. Among the old cast irion Singers it's my favorite. It might need a bit of cleaning and oiling, but yours looks very clean and shiny to begin with. There are some very good blog posts and tutorials on how to get an old 201-2 running fine again. Your's has the direct drive motor, you are quite lucky in your find :- )

If the price is any sort of decent at all, Grab it. Don't ask me what a decent price is, BC prices can be far different than here even though we share a border.
Singer 201s were Singer's top domestic model and were also used in commercial and light industrial settings. They're very well made and are great machines. They use a gear driven full rotary hook. It's a very strong design. That one appears to be in great shape. The bentwood case makes it even better IMO.
The model 15 behind it should be a good machine too and may have a slight edge on the 201 for FMQ.
Rodney

Thank you!

Thanks for the information. I'm going to buy both of them. The price is $200 for both of them which I thought was a steal! Now that I have your opinions, I'm more confident in purchasing them.

Yes, $200 for BOTH machines is a steal. Enjoy them.

That would be $150 US. Our dollar is in the toilet!

Very nice looking, congratulations on your finds, now run and get them fast!

Wonderful. I have a 201-3 named Helen after my grandmother who bought it new when I was 5. I had it after my mother used it for years and it is a great machine. Helen bought her 201-3 in Sherbrooke, Que, Canada. Let us know how it goes.

That is a decent price. On Ebay, for a 201 with potted motor, the usual asking price is $200. Both are excellent machines. The 201 is allegedly the best machine Singer ever made. It will last the rest of your life and one or two additional, if it is cared for correctly. DH says a good 201 can outlast 4 ladies. We'll see.