Hi BDA, I agree with Bruce about this particular machines condition....It has been fully reconditioned to an extremely high standard, but there are a few discrepancies; the catcher is not original, the decals are from the early model Scotty 45, this machine has the later model chassis (as determined by the screw position on the chain case cover and the black plastic knobs on the grass deflector adjusters) and it has the early model Kirby Tecumseh engine....
I would prefer one with a later model Briggs. It is worth the money compared to the new price, but I have seen 20" models in reasonable condition sell for $500 on flea-bay, which you could restore yourself to that condition fairly easily.
Happy hunting,
