1969 Lamborghini R230 Tractor

Chassis no. FL30 32295

Footnotes

After serving as a mechanic in the Regia Aeronautica during WW2, Ferruccio Lamborghini set up a small car and motorcycle repair shop near Modena before branching out into the manufacture of tractors in 1948. He used war surplus materials at first but by 1952 was making tractors of his own design powered by water-cooled MWM engines. Later he developed his own engines and by 1959 they were air-cooled. By the mid-1950s Lamborghini Trattori SpA had become one of the largest agricultural equipment manufacturers in Italy, a gratifying state of affairs that no doubt prompted Ferruccio Lamborghini's declaration: "A tractor a day keeps the misery away!" The success of the tractor business enabled Lamborghini to branch out into motor manufacturing in 1963; the rest, as they say, is history.

In 1970 a large order of tractors for Bolivia was cancelled following a coup d'état, hitting the company's finances. Eventually all the tractors were sold, but Ferruccio had decided to concentrate his efforts on his automobile business and in 1973 sold the Lamborghini Trattori company to the SAME group. Lamborghini's tractors are now highly prized by collectors.
Introduced in 1967, Lamborghini's R230 was derived from the popular 1R model, but with increased power and slightly larger tyres. It was powered by a twin-cylinder diesel engine of 1,562cc producing 30 horsepower, which drove via a six-speed manual transmission with two reverse gear ratios and a locking differential.

This Lamborghini R230 tractor was imported in 2018 from Emilia Romagna, not far from the Lamborghini factory. It was made in 1969, the period when Lamborghini was producing iconic models such as the Miura, Espada and Islero. It has been professionally restored in its original and period-correct colours of off white over blue, and is said to be in excellent condition mechanically, starting immediately hot or cold with excellent oil pressure. We are advised that the brakes work exceptionally well and that new tyres have been fitted all round. This R230 also benefits from having rear hydraulic lifting gear, original badging and correct lights. The vehicle comes with its original Italian logbook and, unusually, retains the Italian green agricultural numberplate. It has been NOVA declared in the UK.

This superb tractor would make a distinctive and welcome addition to any significant collection of classic agricultural machinery, or a unique addition to any Lamborghini collection. It has the potential to draw crowds, especially when exhibited alongside the most beautiful supercars sharing the marque's famous 'Raging Bull' emblem.