1962 Lamborghini Tractor 1R

There’s something pretty cool about owning a Lamborghini. It’s even cooler when it’s one from the days before Miuras, Countachs and supercars altogether…

Before Ferruccio Lamborghini became one of the most famous names in the automotive world, Lamborghini built tractors – and this Lamborghini 1R is a lovely example of where that story began.

This particular tractor spent its early life in Italy and remarkably still retains its original Verona registration plates, along with its original Italian Certificato per Macchina Agricola Semovente registration document. The paperwork records it as a Lamborghini 1R and gives it a wonderful bit of provenance that is often missing from tractors of this age.

We bought the 1R from a good friend of ours who had carried out a substantial amount of work to it. Unfortunately, most of the photographs documenting the work have since been lost, but the tractor itself tells the story pretty well.

It has been stripped, blasted and repainted in its fantastic orange and blue colour scheme. It received new wings and new tyres, while the braking system was completely overhauled. The gearbox was also rebuilt, the rear lift system was fully serviced and now operates exactly as it should, and the tractor was completely rewired with the charging system and battery all working correctly.

Importantly, we are not claiming the engine has been rebuilt. What we can say is that it starts extremely well, runs beautifully and is an absolutely fantastic little tractor to drive.

And that really sums this one up.

It isn’t a freshly restored, concours tractor that’s just come out of a box. Look closely and you’ll find some age and imperfections, which we actually think suit it. It’s an extremely presentable, properly sorted and usable Lamborghini that you can jump on, start up and enjoy.

There are also some lovely surviving details throughout, including the original-style Lamborghini instrumentation, identification plate and various period fittings that give it far more character than something restored to within an inch of its life.

The 1R is one of the most recognisable early Lamborghini tractors, and today they have become collectible in their own right – not only with tractor enthusiasts, but with Lamborghini car collectors who want a piece of the company’s agricultural beginnings.

With its original Italian paperwork, original Verona plates, striking colours and extensive mechanical work already completed, this is a particularly charming example.

It might not have a V12 behind your head…

But it does say Lamborghini on the bonnet.