Vehicle Description
Rooted in the 1891 merger of agricultural-equipment makers Massey
Manufacturing Co. and A. Harris, Son & Co. Ltd., the Canadian-based
Massey-Harris firm was one of the largest and most successful
companies of its kind. Even after the end of Canadian operations in
1988 with the closure of the Brantford, Ontario Massey Ferguson
factory, the company enjoyed steady success which continues today
from its Duluth, Minnesota base. Massey-Harris has the distinction
of being one of Canada's first multinational companies when a new
U.S. factory was opened in 1910. Sensing strong demand for new
internal-combustion tractors, Massey-Harris introduced
American-built Bull tractors to the Canadian market, and after that
company failed in 1919, Chicago-built Parret tractors were sold.
Massey-Harris truly hit its stride by introducing the first
self-propelled combine grain harvester and one of the world's first
four-wheel-drive farm tractors in the 1930s. The immediate pre-and
post-war years saw the company set up factories abroad in
Australia, England, France, and Germany, as the various Massey
family took less direct interest in the company's operations and
branched out into government, Hollywood acting, and religious and
educational philanthropy. In particular, Vincent Massey went on to
serve as Canada's Governor-General, the country's representative to
Queen Elizabeth II, from 1952 to 1959. Acquisition of the British
Ferguson company in 1963 eventually begat a corporate name change
to Massey Ferguson by 1959. The signature Massey-Harris product of
the immediate post-WW II era was the Model 44, a highly versatile
and successful tractor ideally suited to a wide range of uses and
international markets. Produced in Canada at the Brantford, Ontario
Massey-Harris plant and at the company's Racine, Wisconsin factory,
the '44' was first offered in 1946 with a standard-width front
tread, followed the next year by a special row-crop version with
closely spaced front wheels. Initially available with gasoline
engines supplied by Continental Motors and rated 45 horsepower at
the flywheel and a factory-claimed 44 horsepower from the power
takeoff (PTO) implement drive, the '44' was also offered with a
diesel engine by 1948. Export sales of the Model 44 to the U.K.
took place from 1948 to 1950 as Britain's postwar recovery gained
momentum. The relatively compact dimensions of the '44' also made
it ideal for orchard and vineyard use with the addition of
streamlined wheel spats, a low-exit exhaust system, and lower-body
panels that also provided the unintended benefit of making the
tractor delightfully attractive as well as functional. Model 44
production continued until 1955 when the Model 50 succeeded it.
Approximately 150 Model 44 orchard tractors were produced, with
surviving examples highly sought-after by collectors today for
their incomparable streamline design, simplicity, and remarkable
usability. Handsomely and professionally restored from the ground
up, this example sports its exceedingly rare streamlined bodywork,
which, along with the special narrow track width, was designed to
protect delicate fruit trees and grape vines while negotiating the
confines of orchards and vineyards. Superbly detailed and correctly
finished in Massey-Harris' signature Red paint with Straw Yellow
wheels and authentically reproduced factory decals and medallions,
this Model 44 orchard tractor also features an interesting cowled
operator's compartment. Ample power is delivered by a reconditioned
260ci Continental 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed transmission
with reverse. Other restoration highlights include correct new
gauges, a new wiring harness, a low outlet exhaust system, and a
correct set of new tires. Excellent detail and finishing lends a
factory-fresh appearance to this high-level restoration. The
marvelous streamlined bodywork transcends its intended function,
making this Massey just as well-suited to a world-class collection
as it would be working the fields. Certain to gather admirers
wherever you may ever choose to show it, the true beauty of this
unusual and highly attractive 1951 Massey-Harris Model 44 orchard
tractor lies in its renowned functionality. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7245-1951-massey-harris-orchard-tractor/
