Description
1961 - Lamborghini 5C Ercole tricycle One of Lamborghini's only tracked and wheeled tractors with unrivalled manoeuvrability - Former Italian title - Collector's item symbolising the beginnings of a prestigious brand - Compact three-cylinder tracked tractor - Extremely rare original optional tricycle configuration - Original Italian copy accompanied by its period libretto - Restored a few years ago, Initially, in the aftermath of the Second World War, Ferruccio Lamborghini began by transforming military vehicles for agricultural use. From 1948 onwards, he rapidly moved into the manufacture of tractors under his Lamborghini Trattori brand. Later, thanks to the success of his business in the face of strong demand at the start of the 30 Glorieuses, he was able to finance the launch of his own sports car brand, Lamborghini Automobili, in 1963, in competition with Ferrari, with which he had previously been a customer as a sports car enthusiast but was not fully satisfied.
Although the history of the car manufacturer is more eventful than that of the tractor manufacturer, both companies are today undisputed benchmarks in their respective fields and have made the Lamborghini name world-famous. The Lamborghini tractor model we are presenting is relatively rare and a real collector's item, as it is a 5C Ercole, which was produced from 1961 to 1967 only. Compact in size and powered by a three-cylinder, 2193 cm3 air-cooled engine developing 39 hp at 2200 rpm, it is as practical as it is fast for such a machine. In addition to being an example from the first year of production, this 5C Ercole also features a very rare 'tricycle' arrangement with a steered front wheel and two rear wheels, giving it remarkable manoeuvrability and making it much easier to move around on the road. As mentioned in Tonino Lamborghini's book 'I trattori', this equipment was available on request. However, it was a very expensive option, and was not widely available at the time. According to the original Italian libretto that still accompanies it, this tractor was put into circulation in Italy and used in the hills of the Marche region, close to the shores of the Adriatic Sea, known in particular for its vineyards and where its excellent manoeuvrability must have been appreciated. The libretto also tells us that it remained in the same family between 1961 and 1984. The tractor was then carefully restored in Italy, and it was only after this complete overhaul in 2018, during which the hour counter was reset to zero, that the current owner acquired it in 2019 at the Artcurial auction at Rétromobile. Rare, historic, in good condition and fun to drive, this sympathetic Lamborghini tracked tricycle tractor will appeal to young and old alike, especially as it is offered at an attractive price! More photos and information on request.
