Highlights
- Very original and unrestored Italian import
- Recently serviced and reportedly driving really well
- All import taxes paid
- UK registered
The Appeal
Whether you're an agricultural machinery enthusiast, have always wanted a Lamborghini in the garage or already have a collection bristling with Miuras and Murciélagos, this tractor would be a great addition.
With relatively few examples in the UK, this highly original and unrestored ‘square front’ 1R is particularly appealing as either a show piece or a ready-to-use compact tractor.
As a regular importer of Lamborghini tractors, the vendor remarks at how well preserved this particular 1R is and we can’t help but agree with their observations. Besides a few areas where the paint has been topped up over the years, this is a very genuine example that’s neither been restored or seemingly been worked that hard.
Seldom does such an original example become available in the UK, so don’t miss this excellent opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
- Italian home-market example, recently imported to the UK from Northern Italy
- We’re informed that all taxes and import duties have been paid
- UK road registered
- Supplied with PDF copies of Italian user and maintenance manuals and an original parts catalogue
- Very original and apparently unrestored
The vendor writes:
The history of Lamborghini supercars starts here!
Ferruccio Lamborghini was a famously tough man, the son of Italian farming viticulturists he spent his childhood far more interested in the farm machinery than the actual practice of agriculture. After leaving school he studied engineering at the Fratelli Taddia Technical Institute near Bologna. In the early days of World War II he was drafted into the Italian Royal Air Force where he served as a mechanic.
In post war Italy the critical importance of getting the country back onto its feet was recognized by many, including young Ferruccio Lamborghini who set to work designing simple tractors powered by war surplus Morris six-cylinder engines. Ferruccio designed and patented a modified version of the Morris engine that could run on diesel thanks to a unique fuel atomizer. The engine would need to be started on petrol, but could then be switched to diesel which was much cheaper to buy and more economical to run. By 1952 he was making his own tractors with water cooled MWM engines, and in 1959 he introduced his own engines which were air cooled.
Lamborghini Trattori grew quickly and Ferruccio became a wealthy man as a result. He could now afford to drive fast, luxurious GT cars – particularly those built by fellow Italian Enzo Ferrari. One thing he couldn’t stand about his Ferraris was their clutches which would break frequently and their interiors, which he deemed insufficiently comfortable. He took his grievances to Enzo Ferrari and the two famously head-strong men had an argument over it – the result being that Ferruccio started his own car company to show Enzo how it should be done.
In 1970 a big order of tractors to Bolivia was cancelled due to a Coup-d'état. This hit company finances, but eventually all the tractors were sold. Ferruccio decided to concentrate his efforts on his automobile business and in 1973 sold the Lamborghini Trattori company to the SAME group.
Lamborghini Tractors are still made by the SAME group today, but are rarely seen in the U.K. (except on Clarkson’s Farm!)
The history of Lamborghini supercars starts here!
Ferruccio Lamborghini was a famously tough man, the son of Italian farming viticulturists he spent his childhood far more interested in the farm machinery than the actual practice of agriculture. After leaving school he studied engineering at the Fratelli Taddia Technical Institute near Bologna. In the early days of World War II he was drafted into the Italian Royal Air Force where he served as a mechanic.
In post war Italy the critical importance of getting the country back onto its feet was recognized by many, including young Ferruccio Lamborghini who set to work designing simple tractors powered by war surplus Morris six-cylinder engines. Ferruccio designed and patented a modified version of the Morris engine that could run on diesel thanks to a unique fuel atomizer. The engine would need to be started on petrol, but could then be switched to diesel which was much cheaper to buy and more economical to run. By 1952 he was making his own tractors with water cooled MWM engines, and in 1959 he introduced his own engines which were air cooled.
Lamborghini Trattori grew quickly and Ferruccio became a wealthy man as a result. He could now afford to drive fast, luxurious GT cars – particularly those built by fellow Italian Enzo Ferrari. One thing he couldn’t stand about his Ferraris was their clutches which would break frequently and their interiors, which he deemed insufficiently comfortable. He took his grievances to Enzo Ferrari and the two famously head-strong men had an argument over it – the result being that Ferruccio started his own car company to show Enzo how it should be done.
In 1970 a big order of tractors to Bolivia was cancelled due to a Coup-d'état. This hit company finances, but eventually all the tractors were sold. Ferruccio decided to concentrate his efforts on his automobile business and in 1973 sold the Lamborghini Trattori company to the SAME group.
Lamborghini Tractors are still made by the SAME group today, but are rarely seen in the U.K. (except on Clarkson’s Farm!)
The Condition
- Still finished in its factory-correct orange and blue colour scheme
- Delightfully patinated and a great candidate for preservation in its largely original state
- Should the next owner want a completely restored look, this would also be a great starting point
- We’re informed that the engine and gearbox still wear their original blue paint with embossed orange lettering
- There’s some evidence that the orange rear wings and front grille area have had their paint topped up over the years, but the finish on the tinwear remains mostly original according to the vendor
- Retains a number of original fixtures and fitting, including its headlamps with stone guards and its tail lamps
- The evocative blue Lamborghini grille badge is in good order and Lamborghini script is still clearly visible on the bonnet
- The instrument panel is also original, with the delightful Lamborghini emblemed dial counting revs and operating hours
- The vendor points out that the switchgear is all correct also and we understand that it works correctly, even after all these years
- The steering wheel is free from splits and the vendor points out the original steering boss centre cap
- Retains its drawbar with a new towing pin, original rear mudguards with tool boxes which the vendor points out still have their fluted covers and catches
The Mechanics
- 1462cc twin-cylinder diesel engine
- Equipped with a rear PTO, side PTO for a finger bar mower and the rear lighting socket for trailer electrics
- We’re informed that it was recently serviced with all its fluids renewed and a new battery fitted
- The tyres appear in reasonable condition with some signs of perishing in places and a fair quantity of tread remaining
- The vendor reports that both the foot brake and handbrake operate as they should
- The vendor informs us that it always starts easily, runs well and operates without fault
Summary
A great example that’s ready to use, preserve or restore, this delightfully original and nicely presented Lamborghini 1R has a lot of potential.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
