FEATURE
IMPRESSIVE PEDIGREE Such is the uniqueness of the machine and the historical ties it has to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the auction is also likely to draw more than just tractor enthusiasts. Why? Because it’s a Benz-Sendling tractor, the joint venture between former German engine-maker Sendling (Motor factory Munich-Sendling) – one of Germany’s first motor factories – and Benz & Cie, the manufacturing company that eventually merged with Daimler to create the iconic Mercedes-Benz we know today. It is also one of the only known tractors of its kind in the world. If that’s not impressive enough, the Benz-Sendling may have been a changing force in farm machinery as Benz claims that the three-wheeled variant of this machine is the world’s first diesel-powered tractor. Shortly after, Benz-Sendling developed the four-wheeled variant we see here – a machine that inspired the more conventional-looking tractor that we’ve come to know. Spec-wise the Benz-Sendling pushes out an approximate 30– 34 horsepower (22–25kW) at 800rpm from its aluminium engine block. It has cast iron dry liners, cast iron pistons, a three-speed gearbox and a sprung front axle and a diff lock; impressive
considering its age. McNicol, who is also acting as the item’s auctioneer, says he hasn’t come across anything quite like it. “I’ve come across some old dozers before, and again that really opened my eyes, but I wasn’t even aware that people collected these sorts of things and love all of their little secret treasure troves.” So, the potential buyer is looking at a piece of automotive history? McNicol thinks so. “We have appealed to various market segments. Those that are engine collectors, those that are curious about Mercedes-Benz, as well as your traditional tractor enthusiast. It has certainly appealed to a broader market that’s for sure,” he says. “It’s a piece of history, the fact it has survived so long and has been so well looked after is incredible.” “It’s an honour to sell something so old. It’s not every day that you get to see these types of machines come up for auction and, so far, the interest in the tractor has been energetic.” The online auction ran May 14–20, 2021.
THE TRACTOR YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND
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Above: This Benz-Sendling tractor is a rare example of a joint venture between two German manufacturers – Sendling and Benz & Cle – before being shipped to Australia in 1925
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