Porsche Junior 109 Tractor
Michael's car of the month for May is this rare Porsche tractor. This model, the 109 Junior, is particularly hard to come by. In true Porsche fashion, this workhorse is a piece of art, from the true red paint to the cream-colored wheels. The sleek lines and the little details really help it stand out from your standard farm equipment.
In the early 1930s, Ferdinand Porsche began designing a tractor with hydraulic coupling between the engine and the transmission. This was unique because it bypassed the need for a clutch. In 1934 three prototype gasoline-powered tractors were introduced, and after numerous tests, the air-cooled diesel tractor was born. Four models were offered the Junior, the Standard, the Super, and the Master. The smallest of the models designed was the Junior like the one shown here, this model was ideal for small family farms. It featured the air-cooled diesel engine with only one cylinder, which made 15 horsepower, and the unique hydraulic coupling from the engine to the transmission. In total, only 2,500 of the 109 Juniors were made and 1,000 of those sold in the U.S. In recent years, collectors have been restoring the Porsche tractors, making some of them more readily available. The original retail value on the Junior was $1,750, but they are now selling for as much as $30,000. These things are a must-see if you love Porsche as much as we do.
