1963 Lamborghini 2R Tractor

This stunningly restored Lamborghini Tractor is a 2R model hailing from 1963, the same year that saw the Sant’ Agata firm diversify into supercar manufacture. The 2R was one of the company’s most successful models of the 1960’s with around 2,000 ultimately built between 1961 and 1967. By now Lamborghini’s tractors had progressed away from Ferruccio’s early fuel atomisers with in-house direct injection diesel units now the order of the day.

The 2R was a sophisticated and powerful offering for 1963 featuring a three-cylinder, direct injection diesel engine putting out nearly 40hp. A six-speed transmission was fitted together with two reverse gears. The engine was accompanied by high-specification Bosch fuel system and electrics making it very much a top-of-the-line agricultural titan of its day. This superb example even features a two point, hydraulically actuated rear hitch and twin, toothed power take off shafts for optimum utility.

Current owner, Ermes, is the father of the owner of Italian tractor artisans Garage 961. Garage 961 specialise in the restoration of classic Lamborghini tractors and are approved by Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini as the only restoration company thus certified. As they say themselves “we restore these tractors as pieces of art, we carry out a high standard restoration with all original parts and colours to bring back these tractors to their former glory.” This 2R has benefitted from a full, thorough and diligent restoration at the hands of the mechanical artisans at Garage 961. During this process any non-original parts are removed and replaced, the mechanical systems are returned to factory specifications, and the paintwork and decals are reapplied to exactly match original factory liveries and specifications. As Garage 961 say “at the end of the restoration all our tractors are completely working and original.”

The vivid orange and bright blue Trattori Lamborghini livery of this period is both eye-catching and emblematic of a certain place and time. The bulk of the mechanicals are finished in the distinctive blue with the warm, almost fluorescent, orange reserved for the wheel centres, the engine cover and the sprung and shaped seat. A pair of Carrello “snail’s eyes” headlamps protrude from either side of the radiator grill, with their bowls finished in gloss black.

Given Garage 961’s process it comes as no surprise that the finish appears pristine. During its restoration the entire tractor is dismantled into its constituent parts. These are then media blasted to ensure the full removal of all previous paint finishes together with, most likely, years of accumulated dirt, grease and grime. All parts are first spray painted with epoxy primer and then with the original shade of factory colours. Then all factory specification emblems and scripts are hand painted, and expertly reproduced stickers and decals are applied.

The relatively huge steel wheels are predominantly orange finished with blue centre hubs. During the restoration, new inner tubes and tyres are fitted. This incredibly diligent and faithful labour of love serves to provide a 1963 Lamborghini tractor that is as close to “factory fresh” as you are likely to ever find. Incredible.

Conveniently ignoring that “inside” may be a misnomer in this instance, there is a delightful amount of charming period detail to draw your attention to in and around the……"operator’s environment.” Unsurprisingly, this area presents perfectly as is seemingly the only acceptable standard for Garage 961’s restorations.

The instrumentation is of the minimal variety but was sufficient to provide the operator with all the pertinent performance metrics. The "Fiama" manometer gauge monitors “giri puleggia” (pulley revolutions), “giri presa di forza” (power take off revs) and “ore” (hours of operation). The smaller of the pair monitors oil – either pressure or level – let’s just say matters of an oily nature.  

Polished alloy topped levers take care of ratio selection and other engagement activities. A slender, three spoke Bakelite steering wheel with original alloy boss is present complete with “Cento” embossing. Cento was the town of Ferruccio’s birth and where he would later establish his eponymous tractor company. The commodious looking orange seat is embossed with Lamborghini script to the seat back. A pair of delightful, lidded boxes, complete with padlock-able staple, are located between the seat and the mud guards. Whist these are most likely for tools it would also be a good place to store one’s obligatory Cannoli or Pasticcioti – one in each, perhaps.

The Tipo FL3, that powers this tractor is a robust 2193cc, three-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine, originally delivering roughly 39-40 hp. The 2R has a twin shaft, rear mounted, power take-off that allows for various pieces of mechanical farm or forestry equipment to be powered by the engine. Low and high ratio gearboxes are provided to help ensure the tractor can negotiate the muddiest of hill-side vineyards with relative ease.

Garage 961’s mechanical restorations follow a proven and well-practised routine. This involves checking all mechanical parts for originality and functionality.

There is a concise but informative paperwork archive present. This includes a wire bound restoration record containing photographs and details of the process. This also features an authentication certificate from the Lamborghini Museum and its President, Tonino Lamborghini. A nice presentation booklet is also provided, documenting the history, in words and photographs, of Trattori Lamborghini.

The Lamborghini 2R is already a characterful and fascinating piece of Italian agricultural history. This sublime example has been further immortalised by a journey through the workshops of Garage 961. They are masters of Lamborghini restoration and reinvention to the point that they are the only restorer approved by the Lamborghini family. The 2R itself is a milestone model, too. Very successful and the last model to be built before Ferruccio Lamborghini diversified into world beating sportscar manufacture. In our opinion a machine every bit as worthy of the thoroughbred title as a 350GT or a Countach.

We are happy to offer this tractor for auction with an estimate in the range of £18,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.