Hi WKC, I joined this week and have been stalking the forum for a couple of days and am enjoying the discussions and learning a lot. My dream is to have a black kettle from the early 80's. I'm not a collector but I have fond memories of my Dad grilling on the Weber when I was a kid. I have three Weber's. A 1981 Black Smokey Joe I found at an antique store for $15 that has never been used and sits on my desk at work, a 1999 black 22 Kettle that was a wedding present, and a WSM 18.5. I grill and smoke year around and my 1999 kettle shows no signs of letting up. The grill has been replaced twice, handles have been replaced, and the bottom damper covers replaced. I love it.