Lot 213 - 1957 Porsche Allgaier Tractor AP18

Ferdinand Porsche ran two branches of motor vehicle production in the 1950s starting with car for the people, the VW Beetle (and Porsche cars as well of course), but also a tractor for the farmers. And they were good at it. With four basic models and further horsepower derivations therein, they built an amazing 120,000 units between 1956 and 1963 initially linked with the Austrian company ‘Allgaier’ until, in 1957, they bought the company completely and opened a new dedicated factory. Indeed, in true Porsche style, they designed the first air-cooled, diesel engine.

This two-cylinder model, 18hp model has led a privileged life since it was used to manage the land in Saint–Ferriol in the Roussillon, Southern France in the tender hands of Joséphine Vaysse. It was then retired and spent the majority of its life in their medieval castle. Its second owner, a Belgian surgeon, then acquired the tractor in 2009 and restored it to its current condition. He spent much time ensuring that it was in fully working order as well as conforming to Belgian traffic laws whereupon it then went on display in his drawing room. The third owner, a high respected racing driver, Barry Sidery-Smith, then took over in 2013. In lovely condition throughout with no corrosion, reasonable history, handbooks and fully running, you cannot claim to be a true Porsche enthusiast until you’ve owned one of these!