80/44/4

Fordson (Manufacturer)

This is a wheel for a Fordson Model 'N' petrol paraffin tractor with registration number 235 VJO. The tractor was reputedly first registered in 1937 or 1938. The accompanying instruction book was printed in 1933. It was purchased in unrestored condition by Mr. Long in 1975 from a collector in Farnham, and has now been fully restored to working condition; sand blasted and re-painted by Mr. Long himself.

1 wheel for Fordson tractor.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Tractor // Accession number: 80/44 // Classification: Motive power, Ice, Tractor // Negative number: 60/14024 // Acquisition method: Purchased £550 (50% grant from Science Museum) // Acquired from, date: Mr J. Long [...] 6.5.80 // Store: Exhibition // Condition: Good // Recorder, date: RB 8.5.80 // Description: Fordson model 'N' petrol/paraffin tractor. Agricultural version. Reputedly first registered in 1937/8; accompanying instruction book printed in 1933. // Fitted with water controlled air cleaner. // Registration number 235 VJO. // Rubber tyres front & rear with spare set of iron wheels front & rear (with spade lugs). Fully restored to working condition, sand blasted & re-painted by Mr Long. // Dimensions: Wheelbase 63ins // Overall length 103 5/8ins. // Associated information: Purchased in unrestored condition by Mr Long in 1975 from a collector in Farnham. No further details of history known. // References: See instruction book.', ‘Memorandum Form’ – '12th May 1980 // Memorandum from Mr. Roy D. Brigden, Keeper, MERL // To Mr. J. Paine, Assistant Bursar // I enclose the registration documents for the Fordson tractor that we recently acquired. From these it appears that the vehicle was first registered in 1975 and was in the Taxation Exempt Class. I would be grateful if you would investigate the possibility of continuing this, given that the tractor would not be in use for more than 6 hours a week. In addition, I would like to know the position on insuring the vehicle for use - i.e. the cost and whether it could be insured for part of the year, for example 4 months in the summer.', University of Reading ‘Memorandum Form’ – '9th June 1980 // Memorandum from J. D. Paine, Assistant Bursar, University of Reading. // To Mr. R. D. Brigden, Keeper, M.E.R.L // Fordson Tractor 235 VJO // I have now received the registration document back from the Vehicle Licensing Office and they have agreed to my request for exemption from taxation. // In respect of Insurance, please contact Mr. Allen, the Insurance Officer. The fee is £15 per year, therefore it would not be worth while insuring for only four months per year.'