Prior to building eye-catching, outlandish supercars, Ferruccio Lamborghini served as a mechanic in the Regia Aeronautica during the second world war, and after returning home from the service, he set up a small automobile and motorcycle repair shop in Modena. From this, he branched out into the world of agricultural machinery, utilising military surplus to build durable, hard-wearing tractors and other agri machinery, eventually becoming one of the largest manufacturers in Italy in the field (pardon the pun) of farming machinery.
The Lamborghini 1R was produced between 1961 and 1965 and featured a 1.5-litre (1462cc) air-cooled two-cylinder motor coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with both high and low-ratio gearing, along with two reverse gears, allowing slow speed usage.
This particular example was first registered in 1960, and whilst details of its early life are somewhat of a mystery, we do know that the previous owner (a farmer near Treviso) owned the vehicle for at least 8-10 years, during which time it was laid-up in a shed.
A true barn-find, our vendor purchased the car during April 2021, and both our vendor and their father set about restoring this 1R to its former glory, helped by two family members, one of whom is a coachbuilder by trade, and the other who is a panel beater - a dream team if there ever was one!
With all of the work taken care of ‘in-house’ the vehicle was stripped down, cleaned and sandblasted, before the bodywork was welded and straightened where required.
The engine was entirely dis-assembled, with all bushes, bands, belts and gaskets replaced, along with new injectors, one new cylinder head and attention to the diesel pump, though the original exhaust silencer was able to be retained, as evidenced by the stamped Lamborghini emblem.
The transmission was simply given a fluid change but was in otherwise full working order, whilst the braking system was refreshed with new oil, pump adjustments and other miscellaneous parts and shoes replaced.
With these early vehicles, there was little work required in terms of the electrical systems, though both headlights have been restored and all wiring harnesses replaced, along with the fitment of a new starter motor.
As an idea of the vendor’s attention-to-detail with this restoration, we’ve been told “all of the screws are new, both for the engine and bodywork” which is a remarkable level of dedication to bringing this 1R back to top condition.
All of the tyres have been replaced (naturally) and the bodywork was primed then oven-baked in its original Lamborghini colours, and fitted with a new glovebox, reproduction Lamborghini bonnet logo, and hand-finished embossing where needed.
The result is, frankly, one of the prettiest tractors we’ve ever seen, and a sure-fire delight for any Lamborghini or agricultural machinery enthusiast.
Included with the vehicle is the Italian Libretto document, along with a receipt of purchase from the previous owner.
The Interior
Whilst there is no real ‘interior’ to speak of, given that the driver’s position is open to the elements, the seat is in excellent condition, and the vendor reports that the dashboard has been retained from the original vehicle, cosmetically restored but with the original tachometer and odometer/speedometer, all of which is in working order.
Fully restored with a loving and exacting attention-to-detail, there is no denying that this 1R is a truly eye-catching item of agricultural machinery.
Fresh out of the body shop and its loving restoration, we’d wager you won’t find a mark on this Lamborghini, especially on account that it hasn’t been used for more than a gentle jaunt since the work was completed.
With no damage, nicks, scuffs or scratches to speak of, this is probably about as close as you’ll get to a box-fresh example of this classic 60’s tractor.
You know you’re looking at someone’s project of passion when the mechanicals are as clean and well-presented as the rest of the vehicle, and this 1R is no exception.
Wonderfully basic, the two-cylinder air-cooled engine presents in outstanding condition, having barely been run since the restoration was completed.
Whilst aesthetically pleasing to look at, a clean engine also means that there is nowhere for any leaks to hide, and as far as we can see, there are no leaks or fluid misting issues to report, whilst our vendor states there are no known mechanical issues with the vehicle.
Lovingly restored and a true piece of Lamborghini history, this 1960-registered 1R presents in utterly gorgeous condition, and is ready for the next owner to use as they see fit.
Given its cross between the agricultural world and supercar history world (thanks to its famous Lamborghini badge) this 1R will appear to collectors of both interests alike, and will no doubt take pride-of-place in any garage - one not to be missed!
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1963 Lamborghini 1R
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