Case Spirit Of 76 Bicentennial Tractor: A Celebration Of Patriotism

2023 - Volume #47, Issue #6, Page #40

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Few tractors have ever demanded as much attention at parades as the patriotic Case 1570 Bicentennial Spirit of ’76.
    Case tractor founder Jerome Case began the business in 1842 and made his living building and selling threshers, along with other ventures like horse racing, selling insurance, and starting banks. Case was known for his patriotism and served as a member of the Wisconsin Senate, the mayor of Racine, and the president of the Racine Agricultural Society. In 1865, his company modified its logo to include a likeness of “Old Abe,” a bald eagle that was the official mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and famous for following the soldiers into battle.
    The Case Spirit of ’76 carried its founder’s patriotism forward at the celebration of the country’s bicentennial. Case released this specialty version of the Case 1570 in 1976. It was the largest 2-WD tractor yet built by the company. The Case 1570 weighed nearly 16,000 lbs. and was powered by a 12-speed transmission and an 8.3L 6-cylinder diesel engine.
    It came standard with air conditioning and heat, with options to upgrade to an adjustable steering wheel, radio, and 8-track tape deck. The 7-way adjustable seat within the Case Comfort Control cab was known as the Easy Rider after the cult motorcycle movie released several years prior.
    The Spirit of ’76 model comprised approximately 14 percent of all Case 1570s built in 1976. While official records of how many Case Spirit of ’76s were released have been lost to history, estimates put the number between 200 and 300. For those who wanted to join the patriotic fervor without the price tag of a new tractor, Case sold decals suitable for standard 1570s.
    Today, it’s possible to find the Case Spirit of ’76 at fairs and parades across the county. Their rarity means many fans will create replicas by refinishing Case 1570s in a similar color scheme. No matter how you manage to see one, this tractor is a memorable celebration of our country’s two centuries of history that its founder would surely have approved of.

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Case Spirit Of 76 Bicentennial Tractor: A Celebration Of Patriotism TRACTORS Antiques Few tractors have ever demanded as much attention at parades as the patriotic Case 1570 Bicentennial Spirit of ’76 Case tractor founder Jerome Case began the business in 1842 and made his living building and selling threshers along with other ventures like horse racing selling insurance and starting banks Case was known for his patriotism and served as a member of the Wisconsin Senate the mayor of Racine and the president of the Racine Agricultural Society In 1865 his company modified its logo to include a likeness of “Old Abe ” a bald eagle that was the official mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and famous for following the soldiers into battle The Case Spirit of ’76 carried its founder’s patriotism forward at the celebration of the country’s bicentennial Case released this specialty version of the Case 1570 in 1976 It was the largest 2-WD tractor yet built by the company The Case 1570 weighed nearly 16 000 lbs and was powered by a 12-speed transmission and an 8 3L 6-cylinder diesel engine It came standard with air conditioning and heat with options to upgrade to an adjustable steering wheel radio and 8-track tape deck The 7-way adjustable seat within the Case Comfort Control cab was known as the Easy Rider after the cult motorcycle movie released several years prior The Spirit of ’76 model comprised approximately 14 percent of all Case 1570s built in 1976 While official records of how many Case Spirit of ’76s were released have been lost to history estimates put the number between 200 and 300 For those who wanted to join the patriotic fervor without the price tag of a new tractor Case sold decals suitable for standard 1570s Today it’s possible to find the Case Spirit of ’76 at fairs and parades across the county Their rarity means many fans will create replicas by refinishing Case 1570s in a similar color scheme No matter how you manage to see one this tractor is a memorable celebration of our country’s two centuries of history that its founder would surely have approved of

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