Drive a winning bid.
This is your opportunity to own one of the very first iconic MF65 tractors to arrive in Australia, while simultaneously supporting CanTeen, The Australian Organisation For Young People Living With Cancer.
In November we’re auctioning the MF65 with 100% of the purchase price going to support CanTeen’s mission to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer. Help support this worthy cause and make a bid!
Make a bid.The MF65 was purchased by AGCO at a recent clearing sale in Ararat, Victoria. Although in reasonable condition, she required a little TLC. So, a group of dedicated AGCO staff began meticulously rebuilding the MF65 to its former glory. Follow the full story of Project 65 here.
The history of the iconic MF65:
Production
On Monday 24th March, 1958, a batch of five MF65 tractors were produced for the newly formed Massey Fergusson company (previously MHF) in Banner Lane, England. Serial number 500014 was only the 14th unit off the MF65 production line and one of the tractors produced on that day.
Arrival
In December 1957, the Massey-Harris-Ferguson shareholders sanctioned the renaming of the company to Massey Ferguson Limited, which was approved in 1958. All future products from then on would be badged MF and tractors painted red and grey.
The serial number 500014 is believed to be one of the first of the new Massey Ferguson MF65s to land in Australia (if not the first!). To launch the new models in Australia an extensive “Massey on the Move” dealer promotion was staged in the five mainland capitals from July 3rd to August 2nd 1958.
It is believed that the #500014 was used for some of the launch proceedings in the Eastern States. It is more than likely one of the two units pictured.
Purchase
Until April the tractor was part of an extensive collection of vintage tractors owned and restored by Mr. Kevin Cooper from Ararat. Due to health issues Mr. Cooper was unable to maintain his collection and decided to sell the MF65 at auction.
Two days prior to the auction Dale Krelle who works in AGCO’s Dealer Central operations in Melbourne came across the tractor listed for auction on the Elders website. After some short investigation he determined the serial number.
The night before the tractor was to be auctioned, contact was made with Chris Massingham from the “Friends of Massey” group based in the UK. From this contact it was indicated that the serial number was indeed one of the early production units.
The decision was made for Dale to attend the auction and purchase the tractor on behalf of AGCO, and that if successful we would rebuild it for charity. Within two short days “Project 65” was planned and underway.
AGCO Restoration – May 2008
Upon arrival at AGCO Australia’s Melbourne warehouse facility restoration commenced within one day. The tractor was mechanically sound but required some major panel and chassis work. All panels where removed and sent out for bead blasting (pictured) which took them back to bare metal.
Over a one week period, Tony Kostadinovski—a spray painter by trade—meticulously prepared the panels for their final paint job. Utilising the industrial spray booth, the panels were returned to original condition with a two-pack paint finish.
While the panels were underway the chassis was stripped back and re-sprayed in the Massey Ferguson Grey as used on the original tractors.
AGCO Restoration – May 2008
All electrical wiring was repaired and the cooling system and air intake rubber hosing replaced by Patrick Zammit.
With much care and attention to detail the tractor was re-assembled, fitted with a new set of tyres on both the front and rear and finally fitted with a new set of decals. The tractor was also split and the transmission seals replaced to eliminate a slight oil leak.
All of this culminated in the finished product (pictured) which was used as the centre piece for the recent 50 year Gala Ball in Melbourne. More than 500 guests viewed the machine on the night.
Original Restoration – 2002
Prior to its purchase by AGCO, the tractor had had an interesting life. Mr. Kevin Cooper, who owned and restored the tractor originally, has kindly recounted the history of serial number 500014 in a letter he sent (also with original rebuild pictures) after the auction.
Read Kevin Cooper’s account of his original purchase and restoration.
The Team
Project 65 has generated a lot of interest and would not have been possible without the support of a dedicated group of volunteers. AGCO would like to thank those who have given large amounts of their own time and resources to make this project happen.
- Kevin Cooper – original owner
- Dale Krelle – purchase and research
- Patrick Zammit – restoration and photos
- Tony Kostadinovski – restoration
- Brian Grant – restoration
- Grant Day James – website and promotions
- AuctionCentre – online auction
Project 65 and CanTeen
All proceeds raised from Project 65 will go to CanTeen, The Australian Organisation For Young People Living With Cancer.
The touchstone of CanTeen is the belief that young people, through meeting and talking with one another, are better able to cope with the uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis. CanTeen provides its members with a place where they can simply be young people – away from the adult-dominated environment of cancer hospitals and treatment regimes.
Through Australia-wide camps and programs, CanTeen encourages its members to share experiences and resources, promote understanding, well-being and leadership … and have fun!