This is my Ferguson “Gold Belly” FE35 with a Standard 23C 4 cylinder diesel engine.

I cheated and sent it to Goulburn Farm Machinery for the diesel engine rebuild.  Only the brakes hydraulics, steering, wheels, tyres, panels and paint to go!!

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Here you can see some of the original gold paint.

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All set for the trip to Goulburn.
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As it was when I purchased it.

 

These tractors were originally grey and gold and are known as “Gold Bellies” by Ferguson collectors. Following the merger of Ferguson with Massy Harris to become Massey Ferguson, these tractors, both petro and diesel, were manufactured simultaneously, one badged as Massey Ferguson and painted grey and red  and the other badged as Ferguson and painted grey and gold. These tractors were identical in every way except for the badge and paint scheme. Unfortunately, when they arrived at the dealership, the farmers saw the grey and gold FE35 as last years model and they did not sell well.  Consequently, Massy Ferguson made an allowance of about 300 pounds available to the dealers to have the paint scheme converted to grey and red.
So, there are still a few “hidden” Ferguson FE35s’ out there yet to be discovered.

HOW I’D LIKE IT TO LOOK WHEN FINISHED.

 

2 responses to “Malcolm’s Tractor Project”

  1. Hi Malcolm,
    I have a hidden Ferguson FE35 repainted to red and grey from 1957. It is in need of maintenance/renovation. It does run and function. I am in a quandary as to what to do with it. Can we have a chat about this please?

  2. interesting reading on the payment to dealers to repaint the tractors red/grey, we have just brought a 1957 ferguson35 which according to the seriel number should be gold belly but the tin ware is red however the belly is gold/bronze

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