Hi BDA, and congrats on your new purchase. I think it is a great score for the price.
It is all original, and the numbers; 08969 you have posted, would be the
serial number of the machine. The model number would be 450531 I would guess, being for the 20" manufactured in the early 80's. If you could post the complete string of numbers stamped on the engine cowl, grumpy can date the engine for you.
It should have an 8 blade cylinder reel, and from the look of it,it has never been re-ground. The bottom knife blade appears in good nick as well.
It is a late model, with the alloy height adjuster and is from the same series as mine, which is the 17" model.
I agree with grumpy, a good clean-up is the way to go, and once used to handling the machine, a cylinder and bottom blade re-grind would be in order...However I do think a re-spray would be in order at some stage, after surface rust removal, to protect it from further deterioration. Who knows, you may learn to love it so much, that you decide to give it the full treatment!!
Just remember, all parts are still available for Scotties.
Best wishes,
