1959 PORSCHE-DIESEL JUNIOR 108 K

An unusual yet appealing vehicle, this 1959 Porsche-Diesel Junior 108K tractor has previously been restored to a high standard and is presented in smart, period-correct condition.

Alongside his work to develop a ‘people’s car’ in the 1930s, which eventually became the Volkswagen Beetle, Ferdinand Porsche also began work on the development of an affordable yet high-quality tractor for rural and industrial use. This particular example is unregistered, and is being offered for sale by the trade.

With the outbreak of World War II delaying the project, manufacturing began in 1953, with a number of models being offered over a near 15-year production run. The most popular choice thanks to its lower price, the Junior 108K is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder 822cc diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Its body and red paintwork were restored approximately six years ago, and while it makes for a very smart show exhibit, the vendor notes that the paint may now benefit from further attention in some areas in order to bring it back to a concours-quality finish. This Junior 108K has also been fitted with a roll bar, finished in an off-white hue to match the original steel wheels, which are in good order.

Not registered for the road, there is accordingly no service history or MOT paperwork. The seller notes that it starts and runs well, and that the battery has been replaced in the past year. The tyres also appear to be in good condition, and certainly suitable for off-road agricultural work.

While a total of more than 125,000 Porsche-Diesel tractors were built, their position as rural tools rather than treasured automobiles has reduced the remaining number to a mere fraction of this, with farmers choosing to simply replace them once they were no longer serviceable.

As a result, the Porsche-Diesel Junior 108K has become an increasingly rare sight. Presented in smart, recently refurbished condition and with very little work needed to bring it up to concours standard if desired, this vehicle would make a fun addition to any Porsche collection as an example of the marque’s early history, or as part of a wider assortment of agricultural vehicles.