Kirbys like this are what I like to call "clones". Just like rare cars get fake clones made of them - as do Kirbys, due to the universal fitment of their parts and pieces in wide arrays of colors. Cloned Kirbys will usually have every single part replaced on it to match the model they want it to look like, even down to the power cord and headlight bulbs. That's what differentiates them from just bojack parts specials. Clones are deliberately made to look exactly like the newer model from a old model. Even if they had to be physically painted over to accomplish that - like in the case of Charlie's vac.
These clones I believe would be what vac shops - official Kirby dealers or otherwise - would do to sell their old models that are lingering around unsold as brand new models and get them out of the shop to some unbeknownst buyer who doesn't know any better. All is well and good if they never claim anything on warranty to Kirby themselves I suppose and the serial number issue would be discovered.
Clones aren't really bad and work just fine, but for collectors going after specific models and having complete lines, you just know that what they are dressed up as isn't what they are and it kills the joy of finally finding your missing model just to find out it's a fake.
I myself have been duped by old clone jobs. A 1CR thats been transformed into a Classic III and a Sentria 1 that was transformed into a Sentria 2 (and the transmission is shot to boot!). Both of these I got from Goodwill and of course they don't research what they sell and have no obligation to.
I had no idea about cloned models being a thing until I got one, and then I got hit again with a double whammy and got another one. I make sure I look close now before buying any Kirby from now on and look at everything and make sure it's not a clone before bidding.
