One-Of-A-Kind Deere Sold For $170,000

One-Of-A-Kind Deere Sold For $170,000 AG WORLD 26-3-21 In 1929, a Deere GP tractor was pulled off the assembly line and given a rack-and-pinion power-adjustable rear axle by research engineers. At the time, it was a new idea, but one that evidently had merit, since it showed up on Deere production models about 25 years later. Photos of the modified GP have appeared in several books and publications, but most collectors figured the tractor itself was long gone. Photos always showed a dent in the radiator screen on the front of the tractor. Fast forward now to 2001. A Nebraska auctioneer looking over an aging collection of cars and industrial machinery he was preparing to sell at an estate auction near Davenport, Iowa, found a GP tractor in a grove of trees, somewhat protected by some ancient galvanized sheet metal roofing. After noticing something different about the tractor, the auctioneer called a friend who collects Deere tractors to take a look. The friend determined the old tractor was the experimental GP. The tractor matched the 1931 photos, right down to the dent. Besides the modified rear axle, the tractor's steering had been changed to an over-the-top shaft, believed to be the first attempt at this by Deere. No one knows how the owner, a Mr. Lieck of Davenport, Iowa, acquired the tractor, what he paid for it, or whether it was ever used. At the estate auction, however, it sold for $170,000 to Bruce and Walter Keller, of Brillion, Wisconsin. Most people think that's a record price for an antique tractor. The Kellers have an extensive collection of John Deere tractors, including a couple other rare experimental models. Their collection also includes several first production machines, including the first B, the first 3010 and the first 4010. "It fits well with our collection," says Bruce Keller. But after years sitting out on the hillside in the trees, their latest acquisition needs some work. "The steering doesn't work, but that's fixable." Surprisingly, the pistons weren't stuck. "The engine was tight, but it's loose now," Keller says. "We haven't had it started yet. We removed the magneto and carburetor and are getting those redone. Once those are ready, we're pretty sure it'll run." Keller says that except for the steering and paint, the tractor is in good condition, considering how it was stored. While it will be cleaned up and repainted, it won't require extensive restoration. And that dent in the radiator screen will stay. "We'll restore it as original as can be, according to the photos," he says. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Walter Keller, Box 146, Forest Junction, Wis. 54123 (ph 920 989-1322) or Bruce Keller, W2208 County Rd. HR, Brillion, Wis. 54110 (ph 920 989-1606).

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