Well, I didn't really want to say anything until I actually had the machine in our hands, but the UPS man delivered a pallet yesterday. I'm told that this machine appears to have been imported by what was at the time called Visions Espresso Sales and Service (La Marzocco USA History), perhaps around 1980-1982. The early history of the machine isn't known, but it does seem to have escaped freeze damage and there isn't any obvious evidence of leaks. Pretty clearly not running, so our trustworthy Anita will be pulling shots for a bit to come yet.




Looks like this one has two steam arms instead of the cup warmer. Pretty "unique" steam arms at that. Neither is stock. The manometer, while nice, is likely not stock either (CMA Astoria #21100).



30-year aged coffee. Better for Scotch, IMHO



Nice lines on these old GS machines. Reasonably small for a commercial two-group as well, about 25 1/2" wide and will be around 13-14" high with the legs in place.



Looks like someone had problems with the auto-fill at one point.



Ummm, yeah, more evidence of some challenges ahead. The rust situation doesn't look unmanageable. I'll have to check under better light, but the frame on this one looks to be black.

Wow. What an awesome find. Great potential there.
How'd you find this gem?

Pretty clean appearing for 30+ years!

Nice, if you need any help let me know.

Sharp looking machine. The older GS's are very cool.

The machine comes apart very nicely. I have to say that this is a cleanly designed piece of equipment, much like one of the "old school" machinists I once knew would have put together. There is enough room to work on the inside, yet things are tight and somewhat minimalist.



The auto-fill circuitry seems to me to have been added as an "option" based on the difference in wiring and how it was connected in. The electrical system is very simple:

• Power to Sirai pressurestat feeding steam boiler (2300 W cartridge element)
• Power to Fenwal thermostat in thermowell feeding brew boiler (1300 W, looped element?)
• Power to three microswitches in parallel, feeding pump (two on the groups, one on the hot water valve)
• Power to Gicar feeding Parker valve and pump
• Red indicator in the "dash" not being connected to anything

The loom came out in one piece pretty easily, in case someone wants to go back to stock.

The plumbing isn't that complex either. Here's the fill system.



The steam boiler seemed to have water in it even after I tried to drain it from the sight glass. The drain bolt (and the lack of water flow) was the first hint as to why.



Yes, apparently it has a scale problem. The steam boiler water nearly looked like fat-free milk. There is probably an inch of crud at the bottom of the boiler.

I'm still pondering the big 30 mm hexes on the end of the brew boiler. I think that will be an exploration when I'm not so tired.

Cool project, hopefully it will be fun!

Neat looking machine. Visions Espresso is still around, they're here in Seattle. I talked to the owner at a coffee festival earlier this year, from what I remember he had some pretty impressive machines.

Funny how different the GS'S can be.
These photos highlight the differences between yours and mine Jeff.
Some plumbing, electrical and boiler differences and even the lever for the three way valve

Keep us posted

A big crescent wrench would work on those boiler bolts, or hit the auto parts store. Axel's and such use those big hex bolts and they usually carry them in stock. You could also hit sears but you should be able to get one for under $15 provided you have a 1/2 inch ratchet to use it with.