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An ex Croydon Council Massey Ferguson 20B Tractor in show condition.

MODEL HISTORY
Founded in 1847 in Ontario, Canada by Daniel Massey, it was not until 1953 that the then named Massey-Harris merged with The Ferguson Company, founded by Harry Ferguson to become Massey-Harris Ferguson.  The name was simplified in 1958 to Massey Ferguson to which it remains known today.  Widely regarded to have revolutionised agriculture in the western world in the 20th century, it was the collaboration with and subsequent buy-out of Frank Perkins Ltd that later produced the Massey Ferguson 20B Model.  This model, first introduced in 1973, was powered by the Perkins AD3.152 three-cylinder diesel unit, an engineering legend in its own right.

EQUIPMENT
Quick-detaching noise level reducing cab, streamlined fenders, forward hinged fully glazed stay-open doors, hydraulic system with MF quadrant, 3.66gal/min pump, swinging drawbar option, auto hitch, 3-point linkage with chain stabilisers, Cat 1 and 2 interchangeable ball-ends, foot and hand throttle, rear-view mirror, quick-detach radiator grille, cab accessible air filter, windscreen wiper, opening side and rear windows, full lighting set, cab light, cab heater, sunvisor, lunch box, sliding spring suspension seat.

EXTERIOR
This wonderful 1985 Model 20B is finished in the factory colour of Massey Ferguson Industrial Yellow, (Code P-46), exactly as it was supplied when new to The London Borough of Croydon Council.  Subject to an expensive full restoration, this show tractor presents beautifully with a bright vibrant finish and excellent attention to detail.  Having enjoyed only light duties and low hours usage, it provided an excellent base to create what is now one of the cleanest examples in existence.  Meticulous refurbishment or replacement of trim sections, glass, lights and fittings to an almost new standard has been achieved, and the Massey Ferguson and Croydon Council decals are a wonderful finishing touch.  This is the tractor everybody drew as a child, and now the life size version is available to the child at heart or collector seeking the best!

INTERIOR
Surprisingly well equipped and functional, even down to the operator’s lunchbox!  The interior is in superb order with the cab off restoration allowing for the painting of exposed mechanical components and floor sections which remains protected by the ribbed rubber matting.  Incredibly, the seat and interior materials were retrimmed by none other than the Trimmers used by Aston Martin, and as such are completed to the highest standard.  All functions, lights and controls operate perfectly including the operator comfort features, hand throttle and hydraulic equipment.  All dials and gauges provide accurate readings.  The battery cover cowling shows light damage to one corner.  A clean, unspoilt and utilitarian cab, a far cry from a hard life on the farm!

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Needing little introduction is the world-famous Perkins diesel engine from Frank Perkins Ltd of Peterborough, just a stone through away from KGF Classic Cars headquarters.  The three-cylinder AD3.152 unit fitted to this model produces 45hp at 2250rpm and 123lb ft of torque at 1300rpm.  The easily accessible engine is clean and displays factory castings and Perkins Engines plate as well as the Massey Ferguson Great Britain serial plate behind the quick-detach radiator grille.  The 8 forward and 2 reverse gears in high/low range operate perfectly.  An instantly recognisable drum from the Perkins unit sounds characteristically bulletproof and is simply delightful.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Factory correct, the cast steel wheels are painted to match the body and the 6.00-16 front and 12.4-28 R-1 rear tyres were fitted brand new as part of the restoration with virtually no usage since.  The tyres even still have the maker’s chalk markings!  The outboard drum brakes operate to the large rear wheels only and via a dual brake pedal can operate independently or locked together.

HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 7th October 1985, the V5 registration document shows the first owner as The Transport Manager London Borough of Croydon.  The vehicle remained in the Council’s ownership, proudly displaying their branding on the bonnet, and used only for light maintenance duties in the city parks, and having logged a mere 5811 hours, the equivalent of around seven days’ work a year!  In 2010 it was purchased by classic tractor collector, Mr Anthony Lally, who commissioned the full no expense spared restoration to be carried out, where upon completion it sat alongside his Massey Ferguson 165 and Massey Ferguson TE20.  Mr Lally’s tractors are used occasionally for shows and even as a wedding vehicle for several friends and family!  UK registered, road legal and tax exempt, this tractor can even be driven on a standard driving license.  The history file contains the V5 registration document along with Massey Ferguson publications and sales literature.  Guaranteed to delight the nostalgic agricultural worker and collector alike, or simply the classic car enthusiast appreciative of all things drivable!

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