Description
Porsche-Diesel Master 408 Tractor | 1958
Highlights:
– 3.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, 50 hp, 7-speed manual transmission
– Rare European-specification Master 408 with double seats in a row
– Matching numbers, engine and chassis number correspond
– Restored several years ago, with hydraulics and lifting gear
– Complete German documentation
The seller offers for sale this 1958 Porsche-Diesel Master 408, powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, paired with a 7-speed manual transmission. This example is one of the rarest versions of the Porsche-Diesel range: a Master 408 with the well-known seven-speed gearbox and the distinctive double seats in a row. The Master 408 was primarily intended for the American market, with only a small number of original European-specification examples delivered, and this is one of those rare European units, equipped with hydraulics and lifting gear. The tractor was restored several years ago. The engine has been fitted with numerous new parts, and the cylinder heads were recently skimmed and pressure-tested. The steering box has been completely overhauled with new quality components, giving remarkably light steering. The chassis and bodywork were blasted and repainted in the original Porsche colour in a professional paint shop, and the electrical system received new wiring, lighting, fuses and a battery. New seats, seat springs and mudguard seats with cushions were fitted, along with four new tyres. The lifting system and the front and rear power take-off are in working order, and the tractor comes complete with the rare wheel weights and the two original front weights. Crucially, the engine and chassis numbers correspond, and the vehicle is accompanied by complete German documentation. Since the restoration it has been kept dry and warm in a collection and used only occasionally for small gatherings.
Porsche-Diesel tractors were built in Friedrichshafen between 1956 and 1963, based on designs that trace back to Ferdinand Porsche’s original Volksschlepper concept from the 1930s. The range was named simply after its cylinder count, from the single-cylinder Junior to the four-cylinder Master, which stood at the top of the line-up. With its air-cooled 3.3-litre four-cylinder diesel and 50 hp, the Master was among the most powerful and refined tractors of its day, and its streamlined red bodywork made it instantly recognisable. Production numbers of the Master were modest compared to the smaller models, and only a handful of examples of this particular configuration are known to survive.
In recent years, Porsche-Diesel tractors have become highly sought-after collector’s items, prized by Porsche enthusiasts as a charming and historically significant chapter of the marque’s history. The Master, as the flagship of the range, is the most desirable of all, and rare European-delivery examples with matching numbers occupy the very top of the market. This restored Master 408 represents an appealing opportunity to acquire one of the rarest Porsche-badged vehicles in existence.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
