1959 Porsche 218 Tractor

This Porsche 218 tractor is powered by a twin-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine of 1,644cc producing 25bhp. 

It comes with a cutter and a plough which has never been attached by the vendor. 

The vehicle is presented in excellent restored mechanical condition, having been rebuilt by the previous owner. 

The vendor had long harboured a strong desire to own a Porsche 218 tractor - a desire heightened by an experience in 2006 when he took part in a 2006 Porsche Club Festival event which aimed to set a record for the greatest number and variety of Porsche vehicles on the circuit at Brands Hatch. 

He found himself at the wheel of a 218 tractor while being lapped by such marque legends a 908/3 and a 917. 

While this 218 benefits from not having been over-restored (a fate to which many Porsche tractors have succumbed), the vendor has spent many hours working to optimise its charm and preserve its characterful patina.

He sourced some missing chrome trim from Germany and, on the advice of the Porsche Club Great Britain Tractor Register secretary, sealed the paintwork using a recommended protective oil.

The vendor has used the tractor for no more than about six hours and only ever in dry conditions. It comes with virtually new tyres and a new battery.

The vendor tells us that it starts on the button, resists the temptation to produce clouds of smoke, and runs as reliably as you would hope and expect to find on a mechanically sorted example.

This tractor appears to be in very good overall condition. 

The bodywork displays a wonderful charm, in keeping with the overall look. There is a dent to the bonnet as you can see in the pictures. Overall, the tractor has been touched by the passage of time.

The paintwork has had all the patina and depth of colour locked in through the judicious use of protective oil and plenty of elbow grease. 

The cream-coloured wheels look fine, as does the seat, which is currently wearing a Porsche Tag Heuer decal.

The front and rear tyres, having been fitted new by the previous owner, are effectively factory-fresh.

This 218 is also fitted with a rare cutter and comes with a restored plough which the vendor has never fitted.

Obviously, in common with most old tractors, the inside of this one is on the outside.

Knobs, levers and other electrics work as they should - including the horn. 

A couple of the instrument dials are missing but could, no doubt, be sourced if you felt compelled to do so.

The undersides of the tractor look to have excellent structural integrity. 

This splendid Porsche 218 is offered with a UK V5C, a copy of a German 218 handbook, and a dating letter from John Hearn of Porsche Club Great Britain.

Originally part of a small collection of five other Porsche diesel tractors prior to its purchase by the vendor, this authentic example was (thankfully) deemed too good to restore. 

The vendor is very reluctantly parting company with it because his hand has been forced by building work.

We are happy to offer this charming and properly fettled tractor for auction with an estimate in the range of £9,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Newbury, Berkshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.