Lanz Bulldog D1706

The Lanz Bulldog was first produced in Manheim, Germany, in 1921 and was to be the staple agricultural machine used throughout Germany, production finally coming to a halt in 1960 by which time the design was truly outdated.

Using a simple 'hot bulb' two-stroke horizontal single cylinder engine of quite alarming proportions, the Bulldog had the advantage that it would run on pretty much anything, even waste oil. With a simple gearbox with only forward speeds, the engine had to be stopped and started in reverse to go backwards. With their characteristic “thump thump thump” they would toil away for hours at minimal revs and were used much as a horse would have been, taking the family to the local village as well as working in the fields.

John Deere purchased the company in 1956, selling their products as the Lanz John Deere. Ranging from a small 2.3 litre to the whopping 10.3 litre 55hp single, they have developed a huge and loyal following thanks to their quirky design and massive engine.

Dating from around 1952, this rare D1706 would have originally cost its new owner 5,300 Deutsche Marks, around £450 at the time. It was acquired by the previous owner from Germany about 25 years ago before passing to the vendor in around 2006. He painted it, restored the brakes, fitted new tyres and got it running.

It is fitted with a forward and reverse gearbox and the electric start system rocks the engine back and forth over top dead centre to get it going, adding an element of excitement as the driver is never quite sure which way the engine is running until a gear is engaged! The vendor uses petrol to start it, switching to diesel when it is running and states that it goes quite fast so would make an ideal machine for tractor runs.

Fitted with a 3 point linkage, PTO and pulley, as well as rear wings with side seats and lights, this rare and delightful 'one lunger' is ready for showing.