1959 Porsche 108 Junior Tractor
They say necessity is the mother of invention, so when a 30 year old Ferdinand Porsche saw overburdened horses pulling guns at the beginning of World War I, he created the Daimler Horse, a 25 horsepower motorized rig. And just like the Hummers of Desert Storm that became surplus and used in the civilian realm, these Daimler Horses were used after the war to pull multi share plows. After several generations of tractors intended for agriculture and industry, Porsche went into full production in 1948. From 1956 to 1963 around 120,000 diesel tractors were built until competition caused the end of the run.
For consignment, a 1959 Porsche 108 tractor, recipient of a years long nut and bolt restoration in Germany and recently imported into the United States. Prior to its restoration, it was used on a farm in Bavaria and owned by one family. Porsche diesel tractors remain among the most collectible in the world.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Dominated in glossy Red paint, the tractor "bullnose" hood leans forward like a protuberance with eyes, small semicircle grilles serve as the nostrils that allow air into the radiator. The uniformity of the red continues through the axles, frame, and drivetrain and peaks on the large rear fenders and down onto the drawbar. Cream colored wheels are a wonderful contrast, and the red hubs tie it all together. Metal name plates are affixed to the hood and Junior was part of the crimson tractor series that also included Standard, Super, and Master.
Interior
A beige bucket seat is lined with red piping but also wears an embroidered version of this very tractor on the seat back. The steering wheel retains just a touch of patina as it fronts a spotless dash panel that houses the simple switches while floor mounted shifters control the moving mechanisms including the differential and transmission. Shiny red paint coats the steel floor and all cabin surfaces.
Drivetrain
With the hood off, we find a museum quality 822cc 1 cylinder diesel engine rated at 14 horsepower. It is fuel injected and driven by a 3-speed manual and mechanical drum brakes are fitted on the rear 24" wheels.
Undercarriage
If this tractor was upside down in a field, it would still be show worthy as gloss red paint covers every surface and hasn't seen mud, rain, or grain in many years. The tries are fresh with nibs and the serial plate, although showing some overspray, is in excellent condition.
Drive-Ability
We started the Porsche in our voluminous garage and the little diesel churned like butter. Is it fast, no, but it runs and drives well and produces an interesting symphony that only a 1 cylinder diesel can. All functions were working as they should, and while we didn't dare plow any fields, we're sure this tractor is more than capable of doing so.
This spectacular example of a Porsche tractor is like a ripe red apple ready for the right collector to take a bite. Every Porsche dealership should have one in the showroom and every Porsche collector should include at least one Porsche tractor to illustrate the genesis of the marque. There are also tractor clubs, shows, and competitions where we 're confident this Porsche would be a welcome addition.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
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