I want to thank John Pease for the gorgeous mint-condition Kirby Tradition he gave me for my birthday! If anyone wants to see pics of it, I'll post them. Thanks again, John. It's beautiful!
This machine doesn't betray any evidence of having been used. It's a very thorough restoration, including a new fan. Furthermore, it works just as well as it looks. I told John that it's one of the most thoughtful presents I've ever received.
I can't remember now if the Tradition or the Classic III was my first Kirby but I think it was the III which I put back to original configuration with the correct bag etc. I used the Tradition quite a lot but haven't since we moved so I guess I'll have to dig it out and take it for a spin. Unfortunately mine doesn't shine quite as nice as yours. I handwashed the bag in the bathtub very carefully with only a drop or two of Palmolive and it still bled blue. Not enough to make a noticeable difference though thankfully.