Highlights
• Wonderful original condition
• Road registered
• Desirable 3.3 Perkins diesel engine
• One previous registered owner
• Very few unmolested MF65 left in this condition
• One previous registered owner
• Very few unmolested MF65 left in this condition
The Background
After the Massey Ferguson 35 had taken the world by storm, the designers at the tractor factory were left with a near impossible task - make something even better.
The answer was, naturally, so make something with a bit more grunt. And so, in 1958 the 65 arrived to further bolster the company’s range. It was just as rugged as the 35, but with 65hp. The Continental version was offered with a four-cylinder petrol engine, but for the best part most people went for the Perkins 4A.192 version, a 3.1 litre diesel.
The answer was, naturally, so make something with a bit more grunt. And so, in 1958 the 65 arrived to further bolster the company’s range. It was just as rugged as the 35, but with 65hp. The Continental version was offered with a four-cylinder petrol engine, but for the best part most people went for the Perkins 4A.192 version, a 3.1 litre diesel.
In 1960, this engine was upped to 3.3 litres - the 4A.203. It boasted a bit more power, and as such, made the 65 and even more versatile machine. This 1960 model has that engine, it also has the six-speed dry-clutch transmission with two reverse gears. It’s a two-wheel drive model, of course, with braking care of a braked rear differential.
The History
A working tractor most of its life, this 1960 Massey Ferguson 65 is now in the hands of an enthusiast who has a small collection of agricultural vehicles. It’s never been restored as such, and has instead simply been looked after and well maintained.
As such, it stands today in excellent condition, and would suit an enthusiast or someone who simply wants to use it as its designers and engineers intended! The rear hitch and PTO (power take-off) are present, and ready to work!
As such, it stands today in excellent condition, and would suit an enthusiast or someone who simply wants to use it as its designers and engineers intended! The rear hitch and PTO (power take-off) are present, and ready to work!
The current owner is highly enthusiastic about these vehicles, but has opted to thin out his collection. Being a more modern tractor (generally speaking) this one has a great deal of potential for the right buyer.
It could be a show vehicle, it could be used for farming events and live displays, or it could simply be put to work on a small farm.
It could be a show vehicle, it could be used for farming events and live displays, or it could simply be put to work on a small farm.
The Paperwork
There is paperwork with the 65, the V5 is present, and there is also some documentation to support previous upkeep of the tractor.
As ever though, with a vehicle such as this, the physical condition carries far greater weight than any paperwork, which leads us neatly to...
The Condition
As you can see, this 65 presents very well indeed. It has plenty of age to it, but it’s been a working vehicle, so that’s to be expected. And age shouldn’t be confused with neglect. There is some wear to the paint, there are some marks and nics here and there, but there is no actual damage.
The paint still shines, even if it has picked up the od ding or dent here and there, the lights are present and correct, the rear arches/inner wings have been repainted, the wheels are all in good condition and even the seat has been fitted with some replacement trimmed foam padding - the height of luxury.
The paint still shines, even if it has picked up the od ding or dent here and there, the lights are present and correct, the rear arches/inner wings have been repainted, the wheels are all in good condition and even the seat has been fitted with some replacement trimmed foam padding - the height of luxury.
This is the standard ‘utility’ version, as can be seen via the S in the VIN number. The tyres are all in decent order, though there is some cracking showing on the rears. The PTO functions as it should, at the flick of a lever, and the rear ‘Ferguson System’ hitch also functions without issue. It’s a ready and willing little machine.
The Mechanics
If fires up when asked and chugs along quite happily. The clock shows 3,769 hours.
The seller tells us that it goes through the gears without issue, and as such, drives as well as you would expect a tractor to! It’s not making any questionable noises, nor does it have any issue staying cool. The steering does everything you’d expect - it’s no Lotus Elise, but it goes where you point it! The braked rear differential works as it should, too.
The seller tells us that it goes through the gears without issue, and as such, drives as well as you would expect a tractor to! It’s not making any questionable noises, nor does it have any issue staying cool. The steering does everything you’d expect - it’s no Lotus Elise, but it goes where you point it! The braked rear differential works as it should, too.
It strikes us as being in good mechanical health. There are no major leaks to observe, the service parts all look recent, the fluids looked good on inspection and when it was being moved about for the pictures it seemed to do so quite happily. Plus, this 65 has the added bonus of being road registered, and is fitted with front lights and rear work light, so you could plough until well after the sun has gone!
The Appeal
It is a well cared for example of an early Massey Ferguson 65 . A wonderful machine fully serviced and ready to go straight to work or show and with only 3769 hours!
If you’re looking for a classic tractor that you can show off as a classic at the weekend, but work hard through the week, this is most definitely it. It’s in excellent health, its current enthusiast owner knows these vehicles inside out, and bought this one on the strength of how very good it is.
It’s road legal, too, so getting around isn’t an issue. It has the famed ‘Ferguson Formula’ hitch, too. One might argue that it’s the ultimate example of a rather brilliant tractor.
If you’re looking for a classic tractor that you can show off as a classic at the weekend, but work hard through the week, this is most definitely it. It’s in excellent health, its current enthusiast owner knows these vehicles inside out, and bought this one on the strength of how very good it is.
It’s road legal, too, so getting around isn’t an issue. It has the famed ‘Ferguson Formula’ hitch, too. One might argue that it’s the ultimate example of a rather brilliant tractor.
A range of implements could be made available to the buyer if required
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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.
