One-of-a-Kind

Enlarge Image Image Gallery A back view of the "GPWT".

History was made twice at an estate sale last month, when an early John Deere experimental tractor sold for a record-breaking price of $170,000. The prize? An experimental 'GP' Wide-Tread Tractor with rack-and-pinion mechanisms that adjust the final drives and rear wheels of the tractor to obtain various row widths. Also experimental on this tractor: an over-top steering system that allowed the steering to be disengaged when one brake was applied, allowing sharp turns in either direction. The tractor, which dates to perhaps 1929, represents Deere & Company's (and possibly the industry's) earliest design in adjustable tread width. The sale price is the highest price paid for an antique John Deere tractor sold at auction.

Buyer Walter Keller, Forest Junction, Wis., says he knew the tractor was one-of-a-kind as soon as he saw photos of it. 'It's special,' he says. 'There's no question about that.'

Walter was stunned to learn of the tractor's existence. 'When we heard about it, it was a complete shock,' he says. 'It was almost unbelievable.'

Early experimental tractors were not well documented. 'We don't know how many experimental 'GPWT's were made,' says Jeff McManus, manager of the Moline Tractor & Plow Co. 'We believe this is the only experimental overtop Wide Tread.'

The tractor surfaced during preparations for the Pete Leick estate sale in southwest Davenport, Iowa. It was found in the timber, covered with tin and boards. 'The only piece visible was the drawbar,' Jeff says. 'Anybody could have walked past it and not seen it. Countless local collectors have driven within 100 yards of that tractor over the past 40 years.'