People have modified tractors to suit their needs since the advent of farm machinery – and this year a new class recognised the most innovative designs at the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show.

Proving that necessity is the mother of invention, the winning vehicle – a two-seater Massey Ferguson 135 – was designed and built by Alan Hopkins for his son David. “It was my uncle’s tractor and when he died he left it to his daughter,” explains Alan. “She had no room for it, so we bought it seven or eight years ago.”

Having always been interested in classic tractors, cars and motorbikes, Alan knew a thing or two about restoring them, and enjoyed taking part in tractor runs with David. “David was born with glaucoma and although he used to be able to drive, his eyesight is deteriorating, and I wondered how I could still take him on tractor runs and for him to be part of it.”

Having retired from his job in maintenance engineering, when Covid hit David had the ideal opportunity to spend time restoring and modifying the 135, which was built in 1972. “It was in a poor state so needed doing up anyway,” he says. Stripping it down completely, he set about widening the rear end to fit two seats in the cab, adjusting the steering so it could be driven from the right-hand side, and moving the pedals. “It’s got two steering wheels, but the one on the left is a dummy, for David to hold.”

The whole job took about two years, with the pedals and steering proving the most difficult tasks. “I tried to do some internet research to get some tips, but nobody seems to have done it before,” explains David. “So I made it up as I went along.” As well as the physical changes, he installed higher gearing to reduce stress on the engine during tractor runs. “It will do about 30mph and it means you’re not revving the guts out of it to keep up. It’s quite good on the road – it’s just like driving a car with everything on one side.”

Hailing from Comber in County Down, David and Alan visited the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show three years ago, and when the modified class was announced decided it was time to come across and exhibit the 135. “It’s attracted a lot of attention,” says David. At one point people were three-deep looking at it.

With 11 tractors at home, including three Grey Fergusons and three 135s, Alan knew that it would be relatively easy to get the parts for the modified machine – and has even been asked to convert tractors for other enthusiasts. “I said no – although it would be easier to do it now I’ve done it once. To my knowledge it’s the only two-seater 135 out there.”

• Save the date – next year’s event will be on the 8th and 9th November 2025
• For more information visit www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com