David Brown 780 Selectamatic

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Not to be confused with Brightwell's very own bow-tie-wearing David Brown (he's not quite that old!), the David Brown of tractor fame joined the family-owned gear manufacturing business as an apprentice in the early 1920s.

Promoted to the board in 1931, he shortly after entered into an arrangement with Harry Ferguson to help manufacture his latest design of tractor. The Ferguson-Brown was soon rolling out of a new David Brown-owned factory located in Meltham just south of Huddersfield.

Following a disagreement about how the original design should develop, Brown started to design his own tractor in secret. The VAK1 was unveiled in mid-1939, just in time to capitalise on the drive for wartime food production.

Post-war production continued with few significant developments until the 770 model arrived in 1965 with an all-new ‘Selectamatic’ system. At the turn of a knob, whatever implement was being used could be controlled by the depth lever – a very simple system to use once the operator had taken the trouble to read the handbook and understood what it was trying to do.

In 1967 the range was given a make-over, replacing the old red colour scheme with a distinctive white and brown livery which was to remain with ‘Daisy Brown’, as the tractors were fondly known, until they were absorbed by Case in the 1980s.

This road registered 3-cylinder 780 Selectamatic dates from 1970. It has been thoroughly restored to a high standard, the vendor informing us that everything works as it should and that it has had an injector overhaul in the last two years. The tyres are in excellent condition.

With 12 forward and four reverse gears to choose from, these powerful tractors are renowned for being great starters and more than capable for most jobs around the farm. This nicely presented example is ready for work or play. 

AMENDMENT: Please note that this tractor has 6 speeds and not 12 as catalogued.