The Mid Canterbury Machinery Club is raffling off a 1956 Ferguson FE35 Tractor to raise money for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.

Club secretary Ross Worner says the restoration has been a joint effort from club members and a labour of love.

“We purchased the tractor after a friend of mine who had begun restoring it passed away.

“We bought as a club, finished it off and decided to give the proceeds to the rescue helicopter.”

The FE 35 has been restored in its original distinctive colour of grey metalwork, with gold wheels and castings.

“The FE 35 marked the transition from Ferguson to Massey Ferguson,” Worner said.

“They made these in gold and grey for about a year before changing to red and grey.”

The club estimates the tractor is worth around $4000, with raffle tickets being sold for just $5 each. The club will draw the raffle at the Wheat and Wheels Rally on April 6 and 7 at committee member Anthony Hamptons’ farm in Lauriston.

The rally is set to be a big event on the vintage machinery calendar, celebrating 100 years of the Farmall tractor.

by Claire Inkson