1960 Porsche Junior 2146355095 Tweet

In the 1930s the government of Germany led by the dubious German Labor Front felt that most German automobiles had becomes far too expensive and complex to be attainable by the average citizen and they felt that it was critical to have a fully mobile society. They set about designing a car that could be cheaply built and easily purchased by the average German worker and with the assistance of the genius engineer Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche the purpose-built air-cooled Volkswagen was born. Alongside the Volkswagen Dr. Porsche also built several prototypes of the Volksschlepper a small tractor that farmers on small family plots could purchase easily and increase their productivity in short an agricultural equivalent to the peoples car. The initial prototypes of the tractor featured petrol power but it was quickly decided that an air-cooled diesel was better suited for the tractors duties.The project was given the green light by the German government in 1937 however production of Porsches diesel engine did not officially begin until 1950 when the idea of government sponsored cars-for-the-people was dead. But the Porsche-Diesel engine lived on first with the Allgaier-Porsche AP17 an aluminum tractor with a two-cylinder 18 horsepower version of Porsches engine. By 1954 demand was strong enough to require a larger facility and the newly incorporated Porsche Diesel Motorenbau GmbH (a subsidiary of industrial giant Mannesmann AG) moved into the renovated Dornier-Zeppelin aircraft plant. The new line consisted of four models Junior Standard Super and Master that ranged from 15 to 50 horsepower. The signature red paint and rounded styling debuted with the newly branded Porsche-Diesel tractors. Further improvements were made along the way with even more choices for power and chassis combinations. Ultimately over 120000 Porsche-Diesel tractors would be sold worldwide and the company went so far as to establish a North American subsidiary in Easton Pennsylvania. But the scale of American farming wasnt well suited to the smaller Porsche and the sheer volume of established competitors meant that only 1000 units found buyers mostly to small East Coast farms and orchards. Despite the worldwide success of the Porsche-Diesel parent company Mannessmann AG discontinued the entire range in 1963 and the Porsche name was out of agriculture for good.This 1960 Porsche Diesel Junior is an excellent example of the 109 model (serial number 109-14911); which was the slightly larger of the two Junior models produced. It is powered by a 53 cubic inch single-cylinder air-cooled engine of 15 horsepower. It is a lovely and well-restored example correctly finished in traditional Porsche-Diesel red with cream wheels the signature livery of the entire Porsche tractor line. The paint quality is excellent on both the body and chassis and the sheet metal on the fenders and distinct rounded nose is straight and in excellent condition. All original controls and levers remain intact and appear to be in good order. It rides on a set of correct cream-colored wheels that show high-quality finishing and are shod with excellent rubber.The Junior is first and foremost a tool for work in conditions that required the utmost in dependability so creature comforts and trim are essentially non-existent. But despite its rugged simplicity it is still a great looking machine with pleasing simple style and plenty of character. The collectability of all things Porsche has drawn renewed attention to these wonderful little tractors and it now seems that most serious Porsche collections have to include at least one of these air-cooled diesel workhorses. Equally enthusiasts of classic tractors appreciate the Porsche Junior for its functionality as much as for its classic style. This is a lovely example of the breed beautifully presented in correct colors and ready for action in the on the show field or farm field.