Another change was the wattage of the toaster: the T-35-1 was increased to 1,375 watts, which makes it toast faster. Cosmetically, the toaster looks identically the same as the original T-35. This new thermostat gave protection to the consumer. Since none of the toasters from 1949 to 1997 were ever polarized, the plug could be inserted in the wall outlet either way. The government mandated Sunbeam to not only “break” the “hot” wire of the toaster, but also the “neutral” wire. T-35-1 (1966?): This toaster is the first to feature a double pole thermostat. The mechanics are exactly the same as the T-40, including the rubber cord and 1,275 watts of power.

I see no difference in the models except the color of the “hot” wire going from the power port to the thermostat is blue and the slide control handle. VT-40 (1965?): Identically the same as the T-40. Its mechanics are exactly the same as the T-40, including the rubber cord and 1,275 watts of power. The T-40-1 reads “Sunbeam Radiant Control” (the word Vista was eliminated) and features a large “S” in a square box. It is identically the same toaster as the T-40 with the exception of the wording on the large badge on the front. T-40-1 (1962 or 1963?): This toaster may have been offered for sale here in the United States, but most likely to our friends in Canada at the same time. I have a brand-new T-40 from an estate sale that has never been used that was given as a wedding gift in the spring of 1964. Special Note on the T-40 & T-35: From 1962 to approximately 1967 or later, both of these toasters were offered for sale in department stores.Internally, the mechanics are exactly the same as the T-35, including the rubber cord and 1,275 watts of power It features a large badge that reads Sunbeam “Vista” Radiant Control on the front of the “clam shell” cover. T-40 (1962): This model is the first to feature a slide control on the front of the toaster that controls the lightness/darkness it replaces the knob under the Bakelite handle. It also features a rubber cord and it has 1,275 watts of power. The lightness/darkness knob remains under the Bakelite handle. Internally, the toaster is exactly the same as the T-20-C. It features a gold medallion with the Sunbeam script and the words “Radiant Control” on the front. T-35 (1958-1967 or later): This model is a favorite of many owners. The “C” is the first to feature a rubber cord, and it has 1,275 watts of power. All internal metal parts, including the bread carriage, were changed to galvanized metal. T-20-C (1957-1958): The “C” is the last model to feature the engraved image of the Trylon and Perisphere on the front and back of the “clam shell” cover. T-20-B (1952-1957): The Lincoln Continental of the entire series! This toaster features an additional spring to help the bread raise faster when toasting is completed. T-20-A (1950-1952): The exact same toaster as the T-20, save for the thermostat, which was changed to the style used from this model to the T-40. The thermostat of the T-20 was used only during these years. T-20 (1949-1950): The original model that started the entire series. Date stamping occurred for only a short while Sunbeam stamped a manufacturing date on the inside of the earlier toasters but discontinued this practice with the T-35.Cloth covered asbestos power cord – (not polarized or grounded).Lightness/Darkness knob is located under the Bakelite handle.Internal metal parts, including the bread carriage, are CAD plated.

Each of these models feature an engraved image, inspired by the Trylon and Perisphere, the Theme Center of the 1939 World’s Fair, on the front and back of the “clam shell” cover.Details of the T-20, T-20-A, and T-20 B series:

Vintage sunbeam automatic toaster