1961 - Lamborghini 5C Ercole tricycle - Lot 20

1961 - Lamborghini 5C Ercole tricycle One of Lamborghini's only track-and-wheel tractors, with unrivalled manoeuvrability Former Italian title Chassis n°5261 Engine n°DLA40*5261 - Collector's item symbolizing the beginnings of a prestigious brand - Compact three-cylinder tracked tractor - Extremely rare original optional tricycle configuration - Original Italian copy with period libretto - Restored a few years ago, good condition and presentation - Attractive estimate and sale without reserve price No reserve Ferruccio Lamborghini began transforming military equipment for agricultural use in the aftermath of the Second World War. From 1948 onwards, he rapidly moved into tractor manufacturing under his Lamborghini Trattori brand. Later, thanks to his success in meeting strong demand at the start of the 30 Glorieuses, in 1963 he was able to finance the launch of his own brand of sports cars, Lamborghini Automobili, a competitor to Ferrari, with which he had previously been a satisfied sports car enthusiast. Although the history of the carmaker is more eventful than that of the tractor manufacturer, both companies are today undisputed benchmarks in their respective fields, and have made the Lamborghini name world-famous. The Lamborghini tractor model we're presenting is relatively rare and a true collector's item, since it's a 5C Ercole, which was produced from 1961 to 1967 only. Compact in size and powered by a three-cylinder, 2193 cm3 air-cooled engine developing 39 hp at 2200 rpm, it's as practical as it is swift for such a machine. This tractor also has the particularity of being tracked, which reinforces its grip and limits the rate of slippage. In addition to being an example from the first year of production, this 5C Ercole also features a rare "tricycle" arrangement with a steered front wheel and two rear wheels, giving it remarkable manoeuvrability and enabling it to move much more easily on the road. As mentioned in Tonino Lamborghini's book "I trattori", this equipment was available on request. However, it was a very expensive option, and was not widely available at the time. And that's what makes it such a rarity among enthusiasts and collectors. According to the original Italian libretto that still accompanies it, this tractor was put into circulation in Italy and used in the hills of the Marche region, close to the shores of the Adriatic Sea, notably known for its vineyards and where its excellent maneuverability must have been appreciated. The libretto also tells us that it remained in the same family between 1961 and 1984. The tractor was then meticulously restored in Italy, and it was only after this complete overhaul in 2018, during which the hour counter was reset to zero, that the current owner acquired it in 2019 at the Artcurial auction at Rétromobile. Since then, it has hardly been used, as evidenced by its counter, but it is nonetheless functional and operational. Rare, historic, in good condition and fun to drive, this friendly Lamborghini tracked tricycle tractor will appeal to young and old alike, all the more so as it is offered at an attractive estimate and sold with no reserve price!