1965 Lamborghini 1R Tractor
***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Carefully and extensively restored classic 1R tractor
- Beautifully presented in factory-correct two-tone colour scheme
- One of the last 1Rs built
- Just two owners from new
The Appeal
Besides being one of Italy’s best selling post-war tractors, the diminutive 1R has a minor yet pivotal role to play in the creation of the Lamborghini car company. When a horrified Ferrucio discovered that his Ferrari 250GT had the same clutch as his popular tractor he decided to go into the car making business. The rest, as they say, is history.
Lamborghini’s post-war tractor business was fuelled by Ferrucio’s tenacious technical skills and generous loans from the Italian government to encourage farmers to buy Italian. The firm quickly became one of Italy’s biggest suppliers of agricultural equipment and the capable and reliable 1R was amongst its most popular products.
This beautiful two-owner, two-tone 1R is a 1965 model so one of the last built. Carefully restored by the seller to exacting factory specification - including the gorgeous two-tone colour scheme - it is fresh from that work and ready for its third and very lucky buyer.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in Italy on 22nd February 1965
- Reputed to have had just two owners from new
- Restored by the seller in Germany
- Believed one of just 365 1Rs built in 1965, the final year of production
- Matching numbers tractor as evidenced by the photographs
- Frame-off restoration supported by photographic documentary
- Restoration focussed on originality, restoring existing parts wherever possible
- Barely any use since completion and presented in virtually restoration-fresh condition
Restoration work included:
- Frame off restoration
- Fully stripped and professionally repainted in correct factory two-tone scheme
- Original colour scheme of blue frame and orange bonnet, seat and wheels
- Factory-correct decals
- Original steel Lamborghini wheels fully refurbished
- New tyres
- Cooling system parts painted in galvanic silver
- Braking system overhauled including wheel and main brake cylinders and shoes
- Oil service and all fluids replaced
- New battery
- New starter motor
- Glass-blasting engine ancillaries
The Condition
- Carefully and extensively restored bodywork and structure to factory specification
- Minimal use since completion means it presents very freshly
- Superb and stand-out two-tone colour scheme with factory correct decals
- Original features retained where possible including badges, tachometer and oil pressure gauge
- Stylish orange Lamborghini-branded seat
- Dual head and tail lights
- Rear wings and rear lights both new
- Light scratches visible inside bonnet, but can only be seen with bonnet up
- Matching numbers vehicle with numbering carefully highlighted in red, as per factory
- New tyres with 4x15in fronts and 9.5x24in rears
- Original tachometer with clear decals but cracked glass cover
- We are told that the odometer cable is missing
- Light tarnishing to original oil pressure gauge
- Three spoke black original factory Lamborghini steering wheel
Observing this beautiful tractor you might be mistaken for wondering whether it really was intended for tough agricultural work. Such is the beauty of its stylish two-tone paint scheme that it seems to be equally suited to a place in a design museum.
It has been painstakingly restored by the seller who we are told acquired it from the original owner. The frame-off restoration has been professionally done and wisely retains original features where possible. This means that the factory tachograph has a lightly cracked glass shroud and the oil pressure gauge trim shows light tarnish. But these are details that surely enhance this classic tractor’s character.
With little use since the restoration work it remains in superb, virtually unmarked condition.
The Mechanics
- Dependable 1.5litre 2cyl Lamborghini air cooled diesel engine developing around 24bhp
- 3spd manual gearbox with 2spd transfer box for high/low range - so 6spd
- Recently serviced covering oils and fluids
- Significant recent mechanical improvements listed above
- Original matching numbers vehicle
- Braking system overhauled
The 1R proved popular with Italian farmers because it did what any tractor should do - offer reliable, easily maintained service in all weathers. Cleverly engineered but simple enough that it could be maintained by owners or local workshops, that it also looked great was icing on the cake.
Although later 1R models like this one were usually fitted with 4spd gearboxes we understand that this one has a 3spd box with a high/low transfer unit giving a total of six speeds.
We are told that this example is a two-owner tractor acquired by the seller from its original Italian owner. The durability of the mechanicals explains why the engine and mechanicals only needed light improvement during the restoration. We’ve listed that work above but it includes service items, new battery, new starter motor and brake overhaul. The ancillaries have also been detailed to improve the aesthetics.
Summary
The connection between the 1R and Lamborghini’s more sporting four wheelers goes beyond that story about the clutch: both were cleverly engineered by Ferrucio for their individual purposes. That both were also beautifully designed too is perhaps a hint at the love that went into creating them.
This extensively restored late model 1R shows why these tractors are so sought after. It looks remarkable in its two-tone paintwork. With little use since it is a great opportunity to acquire a remarkable design piece.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1965
- Make Lamborghini
- Model Tractor
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 4,460 Miles
- Engine size 1462
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Salzkotten
- Location International
- Country Germany
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