
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 473
1956 Porsche A122 Straddle Tractor Registration no. not registered Chassis no. 4354
Dr Ferdinand Porsche's design consultancy built a handful of prototype tractors prior to WW2, the first of which were powered by petrol engines, before turning to diesel power, eventually developing a series of one-, two-, three- and four-cylinder air-cooled engines ranging in output from 14 to 55bhp. After the war's end Porsche was barred from producing its own tractors (only companies that had been making tractors prior to and during the war were permitted to do so) and thus was forced to license its designs to other manufacturers. In 1954 Mannesmann AG diversified into tractor manufacture by acquiring the rights to Porsche's engine and Allgaier GmbH's tractor design, setting up Porsche-Diesel Motorenbau GmbH. In 1956 Mannesmann built a new manufacturing facility at the old Zeppelin factory in Friedrichshafen-Manzell where Porsche tractors continued to be built until production ceased. Over 125,000 tractors were manufactured between 1956 and 1963, many of which were exported, Porsche's agricultural products enjoying the same reputation for sound engineering and superb build quality as their road-car relatives.
This Porsche A122 Straddle Tractor is powered by a twin-cylinder diesel engine producing 22bhp. Sympathetically restored recently, incorporating some original parts, it is presented in excellent condition and is 'on the button'. We are advised that the vehicle also benefits from a few minor modifications to make daily use easier.
Vendor Score Total: 94 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 25 /25
Body Work: 5
Paint: 5
Glass: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Axles: 5
Suspension: 5
Brakes: 5
INTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /20
Seats: 5
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 5
Headlining: 5
Trim: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 20 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 5
Under Bonnet: 5
Mechanical components: 5
Car History File: 1















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