Diamond days
The new Massey Ferguson 65 went into production on 11 March 1958 at Banner Lane, Coventry, but those that hailed from the United States would have noticed a familiar look. Taking design cues from the Ferguson 40, designed in Detroit, Michigan, the 65 was very much an ‘Anglicised’ version of its American cousin.
Chris Clack, who was based at Massey Ferguson’s Stoneleigh Training Centre in the 1960s, told T&M: “The tractor retained the transmission of the smaller TO 35 model, but introduced a box-section, adjustable-track, straight front axle in order to meet the demands of a row-crop version fitted with single or twin front wheels under the centre of the tractor.
“This necessitated a pedestal-type steering mechanism housed within the front bonnet cowling, ahead of the radiator. This was operated with a single steering arm running alongside the engine from the steering box.
“It was deemed appropriate for this purpose, whereas the swept-back axle of the original Ferguson design, with twin
