Model N returns to Newark 30 years after Fordson 500 appearance

Thirty years ago, the Fordson 500 event at Newark Showground marked the largest gathering of Ford and Fordson tractors ever recorded. 

Three decades on, one of the participating tractors returns as part of the 30th anniversary celebration at this year’s Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show.

The brainchild of the late Eric Ducksbury, then-president of the Nottinghamshire branch of the National Vintage Tractor & Engine Club (NVTEC), the 1996 event was so well supported that 1,002 Fordson and Ford tractors converged on the venue, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of its kind anywhere in the world. 

The machines on show were manufactured between 1917 and 1966, ranging from the 1917 Fordson Model F to the Ford Pre-Force 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major and 5000 Super Major, along with derivatives from Aveling, Chaseside, County, Doe, Greens, Howard, Muirhill and Roadless.

In 2012, farmer John Redfern came into possession of a 1942 Fordson Model N from a farm collector’s sale, initially unaware of the history behind this machine.

It wasn’t until after John had purchased the tractor that he was informed that it was one of the tractors shown on the New Holland stand at the Fordson 500 in 1996 after it was bought by the Platts Harris dealership in Matlock and restored by the entire team at New Holland’s Basildon factory.

John’s Model N was far from the only tractor given a new lease of life for the occasion.

“The Fordson 500 focused enthusiasts’ attention on agricultural history preservation,” says Nicholas Kitchen, who was chairman of the Fordson 500 event and chairman of the Notts Group NVTEC in 1996. “Restoration projects were undertaken especially to bring numerous historic tractors to this important and record-breaking event.”

Over the last 14 years, John has looked after this historic tractor, and after 30 years, it returns to Newark Showground once more.

“Aside from one or two little pieces that needed doing, this tractor has remained in lovely condition since New Holland restored it 30 years ago,” says John. “It will be great to exhibit this historic machine as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Fordson 500.”

The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show takes place on 7-8 November at Newark Showground. Much more than a tractor show, the event encompasses 49 classes spanning the full breadth of agricultural and industrial heritage, drawing exhibitors and visitors from across the UK and beyond.

Fordson and Ford owners are expected to be out in force for the anniversary, and all are welcome at the Ford and Fordson Association club stand, which will feature its usual range of rare, eye-catching and stand-out exhibits.

Tickets are still on sale for the weekend, available online here: https://newarkvintagetractorshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/Admission