I hadn't, until I came across this report.
Porsche drivers do not generally have mud under their fingernails or ruddy complexions - but this month a special breed of the aficionados mark a 50th anniversary. It was half a century ago that the last Porsche tractor was made.
In a significant change of direction, the Stuttgart-based company stopped making its tractors in 1963 - the same year it started production of its now legendary 911 sports car.
Yet the 120-horsepower two-cylinder bright red tractors with the distinctive engine cover had by this time built up a loyal customer base for the great performance they consistently demonstrated.
. . .
Restored examples can now fetch up to €18,000 [about US $23,600], the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper said on Wednesday, but even bashed up ones are still worth a lot - and their value is rising.
There's more at the link, plus a photo gallery of images. There's also an enthusiasts' Web site about them, and a number of videos of vintage Porsche tractors on YouTube. Here's one example.
I can't help but feel a little disappointed. I mean, I'm sure it's a perfectly adequate tractor . . . but being a Porsche, why isn't it plowing at a hundred miles an hour?
Peter
A 120hp two-cylinder? Methinks there has a typo there.
ReplyDeleteAl_in_Ottawa
I agree with the other commenter.
ReplyDeleteAccording to TractorData.com, the biggest available engine was 50hp.
That would be just right for a tractor that size. 120 would be ridiculous.
PS - I read your second novel. Very enjoyable ... deliciously old-school.
Wow-a mid-life crisis tractor. Cool!
ReplyDeleteLamborghini still make tractors. I don't think they come in bright yellow or fluorescent green like the cars though...
ReplyDeletePorsche was not the only tractor company in Europe.
ReplyDeleteWe had a early 1950's Lamborghini 20hp tractor on the farm when I was growing up. My dad sold it for scrap in the late 80's when we couldn't get parts for it when it broke down. I wish I had it now.
I can say I had a open top Lambo as a teenager...
That's an interesting one... Didn't know that at all! One DOES wonder what the top speed was thought... :-)
ReplyDeleteRemember seeing them when I was a soldier in Germany mid 60's. Liked the styling; very distinct.
ReplyDeleteI took a picture of one of those in Switzerland in 1989. It had a plow blade mounted on the front. I used to ask people if they had ever seen a Porsche snowplow before showing them the picture.
ReplyDelete"...why isn't it plowing at a hundred miles an hour?"
ReplyDelete'Cause, while it handles great on the straightaways, and it's adequate 'round the moderate bends, those 180's at the end-of-the-furrow fence-lines just don't work...
...also, the plowshare keeps overheating - only air-cooled, y'know.