Although the handle bars look at little odd Mowerfreak they are at a very comfortable height, for me anyway, and have a real solid feel with no flexing at the deck mount points like a lot of modern mowers.
I knew there had to be an upside to that design wce!!
Have you considered whacking electronic ignition onto it?
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!