Rare chance to own a vehicle that’s the very lifeblood of Porsche
Immaculately restored, show-winning example
Runs perfectly
Owned by one family from new until 2021
THE APPEAL
Humble beginnings – they’re what some of the finest and most established companies in the world come from, be it major car manufacturers such as Peugeot, which began as a maker of pepper grinders, or more exclusive ones such as Maserati, which began as a maker of spark plugs.
For Porsche, it was tractors. Not only that, but the company best-known for its iconic sports and supercars was actually an early pioneer of diesel engine technology. In 1937, its tractor making began in Austria (that’s right, Porsche wasn’t founded in Germany, either…) in conjunction with Hoffher Stranz, an Austrian company known for its agricultural machinery, and German engineering firm Allgaier GMBH. They built their first tractor together in 1937, long before the Porsche family made ties with VW and even thought about cars.
After WW2, the original tractors were put back into production, and from 1953 onwards were badged only as Porsches, with ‘Porsche-Diesel’ being the primary brand – the machines operated by two-stroke diesel engines that were simple, rugged and indestructibly reliable. Like the cars that followed, Porsche tractors were hugely over-engineered.
Here, then, is your chance to own a slice of the company’s history that will turn more heads at a Porsche event than a 959. A genuine 1960 Porsche-Diesel Junior, which by virtue of its origins has become one of the most collectable tractors in the world. Owned by just one family from new until 2021 – grandfather and grandson – it has just been restored to show-winning standard.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Supplied new in 1960 by FC Hanbury in Bewdley, Worcestershire, to a farmer in Bedfordshire
Remained in the same family since new
In 1987, the Porsche was given as a gift from the original owner to his tractor-mad grandson
Was used on the family farm for most of its life
The tractor is fresh from a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration with a time-served motor engineer
Comes with old magazine articles and technical diagrams
THE INTERIOR
New seat cover from Porsche directly
Properly detailed
Original gauges
There’s no interior, per se, but the driving area of the tractor is as immaculate as the rest of it, with the original steering wheel, controls and fuel gauge and period correct seat, freshly reupholstered in the factory correct trim, which the vendor had to order in from Germany.
The details are correct, too, such as the cream-painted seat under the cushion. It has also been completely rewired with all new dash items and switches. Nothing has been left untouched.DSCF9409.JPG13.35 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Original Guards Red paint
Completely stripped, treated and restored to original condition
Professionally refurbished wheels with new tyres
Ever wondered where the classic Porsche Guards Red colour scheme comes from? Well, here’s the answer. Choose your 911 in the iconic colour and it’s a nod to this – the Porsche-Diesel tractor, which was the first vehicle to be finished in the resplendent colour scheme.
This one is fresh from a comprehensive restoration and rebuild – although in good working order when acquired it had always been used as a farm vehicle, so although extremely sound the vendor (a vehicle restorer by trade) stripped it right back and rebuilt it, rescuing and restoring as many original parts as possible before putting it back to immaculate condition. And immaculate it truly is.
The details are perfect, the paint finish fantastic, and the colours of both body and wheels entirely factory authentic. This is a properly detailed collector’s piece, fastidiously restored as very much a labour of love – and it shows.
THE MECHANICS
Single-cylinder diesel
822cc, 12bhp
Six-speed transmission
Mechanically overhauled and runs perfectly
The Porsche is in great working condition, having recently completed its maiden outing since restoration at a tractor rally, where it won best-in-show. It’s mechanically fascinating, powered by a two-stroke single-cylinder turbo air-cooled diesel engine with a six-speed transmission, complete with rear diff lock, high and low ratios and power take-off. Hugely advanced for its day.
With a top speed of 18mph it’s not a Porsche for track days, but it’s a wonderful thing and the air-cooled diesel engine has a sound (and smell) of its own – there’s nothing like it. The engine was overhauled as part of the restoration, with the vast majority of parts procured (and still available) through the Porsche dealer network.
SUMMARY
Make no mistake, this is as good as Porsche tractors get. It’s a fabulous restoration of an extremely rare vehicle, and one that has an almost fanatical following. It’s the seminal Porsche, a wonderfully weird yet brilliant piece of engineering and thanks to both its name and its unquestionable quality, one of the most collectable classic tractors there is.
The vintage tractor market is booming at the moment, with the most interesting and curious vehicles attracting strong money. They don’t come more interesting or curious than this…
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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