Vintage Tractors

The History of Agriculture and Vintage Tractors

Agriculture began about 10,000 years ago when humans shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to settling down and creating communities. People tilled the soil using their hands for thousands of years until the invention of the tractor in the 1800s.

You can see the surprising history of the tractor industry through the antique tractors created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The early farm equipment with steam-powered engines could complete individual tasks, like separating grain. The machines weren't self-propelled, so animals guided them through the fields. You can learn about the modernization of hand tractors when you tour our exhibit.

Dozens of Vintage Tractors and Equipment

Viewing some early examples of farm equipment makes it easier to imagine what agriculture was like in the past. Our displays provide an educational journey through the way inventions like the tractor have made life simpler and more convenient over time.

When you explore our agriculture museum, you'll see everything from plow tractors to orchard tractors. Our collection is home to some popular tractors you may recognize from brands like John Deere and Fordsand. We also have uncommon and unique models, including a three-wheeler tractor.

Discover Porsche and Lamborghini Tractors

Did you know Porsche and Lamborghini made tractors? In 1937, Porsche received commissions to help modernize farming in Germany. Engineers created the prototype for a small tractor a year later, although the outbreak of World War II prevented further development. Porsche manufactured additional tractors in 1945. You can see one of them when you tour the Volo Museum.

You can also see a 1958 Lamborghini tractor up close at our exhibit. The luxurious automaker we know today started as a tractor manufacturer in Italy. After World War II, the company reconfigured surplus military machines into tractors. Later, it branched out to create air-conditioning and heating systems.

After growing wealthy and buying a Ferrari with mechanical difficulties, Ferruccio Lamborghini developed his own brand of luxury sports cars. See if you can spot some in our collection beyond the agriculture museum — we have a $1.8 million Lamborghini model on display.