Hi
Oakie,Yes mate, your summing up is correct, Scott Bonnar introduced the Model 45 in 1968 and was a solid engine deck which continued in production until 1976 when the design changed to the Series 2 which was the first of the twin rail deck design. After the take over by Rover Mowers in 1980 the company was known as Rover-Scott Bonnar and they produced the Model 45 in Brisbane QLD...(The Thebarton factory in SA closed down) and the colour was a sort of lime green solid colour rather than the original green hammertone) and eventually the SB name was dropped and it became the Rover 45 available in red or green colour schemes.
The Rover was always a twin rail machine.
The Rover will usually be more expensive to purchase as it is perceived to be a newer machine....however the solid deck earlier mower is more desirable (and collectable) as it has the Scott Bonnar heritage.
Re: Purchasing, eBay and Gumtree can be a good source...just Google Scott Bonnar.... but it is a case of 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware)....just do your homework and ask plenty of questions, read the SB threads here, and view the machine if possible before handing over the cash.
Good luck and good hunting,
