• Only two owners from new

• Imported to Belgium in 2012

• Excellent condition

Produced by Deutz between 1954 and 1956 to compete in the popular 22hp segment, the Deutz F1L 612/4 featured a front gearbox with 10 forward gears (achieved through a five-speed transmission with each gear having a switchable overdrive) two reverse gears, and frameless construction.

Underneath, the tractor was powered by a 1.5-litre air-cooled four-stroke two-cylinder diesel engine, producing circa 22bhp and giving the F2 a top speed of around 20 km/h. Of course, torque is more important than speed for agricultural vehicles, and the F2 could manage 1,600 kg of towing weight in first gear, making it competitive within its marketplace.

First registered on 25 July 1956, this F2L has only two recorded owners from new, and was specified with a three-seat body style to enable farm hands and assistants to travel on the tractor, in addition to the driver.

Whilst nothing is particularly known about its life, the fact there is only two owners recorded is something that should be highlighted, as often agricultural or commercial vehicles will pass through numerous owners in their often short lifetimes. 

Imported into Belgium in 2012, this F2L is believed to remain in original condition, and has been dry-stored with occasional short drives on summer days since arriving in Belgium.

Included with the vehicle are one older German MoT document, the German registration documents and a copy of the original workshop manual.

Whilst there is, of course, no formal ‘interior’ of this tractor, the crew area and driving cockpit (if you can call it that!) are all in excellent condition, showing only some light signs of patina and usage wear, but far less than would be commensurate for a vehicle of this age and usage. 

Our vendor reports no known faults with any of the systems or switchgear on the vehicle.

Finished in its original shade of green with yellow details and graphics, this Deutz F2 is a handsome thing indeed, and even those who are not interested in classical agricultural machinery can surely appreciate the design, purely from an artistic standpoint.

As far as we can see, there are no signs of any damage to the bodywork, no impact dents or tell-tale marks of accidents, and no outwardly misaligned panels, though we admit there are hardly any panels on the vehicle to be misaligned!

The paintwork is in generally very good order, though has clearly been hand-finished and there are some areas of the yellow details which have ‘spilled over’ onto the green paintwork, though this is all part of the vehicle’s charm.

Typically, there are numerous wear marks to the rear towing and standing platforms, some patina on any chrome or exposed metalwork, and other signs of use around the fuel filler cap, but nothing that is unexpected from a vehicle such as this.

Whilst the tractor has seen minimal use since its arrival in Belgium in 2012, the vendor states that it has been warmed up and driven on dry, sunny summer days, and no doubt its dry-storage for the rest of the year has helped to preserve the mechanical condition of this Deutz F2L.

Other than a small oil leak, there are no known faults from a mechanical standpoint, and the most recent German MoT (TUV) exam that expired in 2012 stated only a slight brake imbalance from left-to-right, though it was within tolerances and therefore still passed the exam. 

According to our vendor, the tractor starts first time with ease, and the unusual gearbox is in full working order.

Lovingly kept by its current and former owners and with minimal use in recent years, this 1956 Deutz F2L is a true ‘survivor’ of the agricultural world, and one which would benefit from only the most minor of mechanical tinkering to take it to the next level, yet remains in excellent condition throughout and with an impressive charm as-is. 

One for the agricultural collectors and tractor enthusiasts alike, and an unusual entrant for any air-cooled automotive shows that will be certain to draw a crowd!