The poor 99 is very underestimated. It must be partly because of the 3/4 size and partly because it became popular enough for plenty to be made in large numbers; mostly because there's always a few up for sale, and not many buyers who what to spend much on it. In a cabinet this small machine is very nice to work on, I promise, but the 3/4 size is both and advantage and a disadvantage. It would not be that cheap if it was made and sold today. Mine is in a bentwood case.
I like my 201 mostly for it's full size, when maneuvering larger pieces of fabric like a coat or a jacket it make it easier. You can always manage on a 99. It all depends on the sewing, making shirts and hemming jeans are just as easy on a 99 as on a 201. My 99 is faster for some reason, just as much punch in the needle stroke and I have recently discovered it runs lighter than my 201. I suspect the meshing gears on a 201 needs a bit more effort to turn the mechanism. I guess most of us go for a full size straight stitcher when we need one. Most don't seem to bother much about them, or know about their advantages. I assume it will be much the same to work on a Spartan as a 99. It's when we need a low priced work horse that does most jobs with out complaining we go for the vintage machines. Some times for the look and fun too ;- )
The current value of a Spartan is a bit odd since it's described as a slighly simpler version of the 99. It might be the compact case it's in, it makes it even handier for storage and moving around. They are much fewer in number, but not exactly a rare thing. I come to think of the 99K on ebay, bidding priced set to £999. There might be one advantage though, it looks like some of them were set up with a slightly stronger motor, if it's true it's at least something. On some pictures it looks like there is screw hole for a light bracket.
I'm talking too much again. There is a
current thread on the quilting forum on a Spartan someone dug out of storage.