Description
Massey Ferguson FE35 “Gold Belly” Tractor | 1957
Highlights:
– 4-cylinder diesel engine, manual transmission
– Rare original “Gold Belly” in the distinctive gold and grey colour scheme
– Fully restored several years ago, only 251 operating hours since
– New tyres all round, renewed electrics, starter motor, dynamo and battery
– Complete with papers, valid inspection
The seller offers for sale this 1957 Ferguson FE35 “Gold Belly”, powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine, paired with a manual transmission. This example is an original Gold Belly in the characteristic gold and grey colour scheme and was fully restored several years ago. Since the restoration it has been used exclusively for touring events and classic tractor meetings, covering just 251 operating hours. The tractor was professionally blasted and repainted, fitted with new tyres all round, and received a renewed starter motor, dynamo and battery along with a completely renewed electrical installation. The hydraulics are reported to work properly and all oils have recently been renewed. The tractor comes complete with its papers and a valid inspection, and transport can be arranged in consultation.
The FE35 occupies a special place in agricultural history as the last tractor developed under the direction of Harry Ferguson himself. Introduced in 1956 as the successor to the legendary TE20, the “Little Grey Fergie”, it was finished in a striking combination of a gold-painted engine and chassis with grey bodywork, earning it the enduring nickname “Gold Belly” (Goudbuik). This colour scheme was used only in 1956 and 1957: following the full integration into Massey Ferguson, the tractors were repainted in the familiar grey and red and continued as the Massey Ferguson 35. The gold and grey Ferguson-badged examples were therefore built for less than two years, making surviving original Gold Bellies a rare sight today.
Beyond its rarity, the FE35 is admired for its advanced specification for the era, including the refined Ferguson hydraulic system and three-point linkage that revolutionised farming worldwide. Well-restored Gold Bellies are highly prized among collectors of classic tractors, and examples in this condition are seldom offered. This restored FE35 represents an appealing opportunity for the enthusiast, collector or participant in classic tractor events to acquire one of the most iconic and distinctive tractors ever built.
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.
