Production years
1929-1945
Fordson tractor ยท 1929-1945
Fordson Model N Tractor
The Fordson Model N was a mass-produced British tractor built from 1929 to 1945, first at Cork and, from 1933, at Dagenham. Its 4.4 L side-valve petrol/TVO engine and familiar mechanical character made it a pre-war staple and a backbone of Britain's wartime Dig for Victory ploughing effort.
Engine
4.4 L four-cylinder side-valve, petrol/TVO
Power
About 27 hp at the belt
Weight
Approx. 1,500 kg
Fordson Model N specifications
| Production years | 1929-1945 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4 L four-cylinder side-valve, petrol/TVO |
| Power | About 27 hp at the belt |
| Transmission | 3-speed (3 forward, 1 reverse) |
| Weight | Approx. 1,500 kg |
| Fuel type | Petrol to start, then tractor vaporising oil (TVO) |
| Ignition | Magneto; hand-crank starting |
| Built at | Cork, Ireland, then Dagenham, England from 1933 |
What the Model N is used for
Built for general farm cultivation, ploughing and belt work, the Model N gave smaller and mixed farms a straightforward mechanised tractor. Its three-forward-speed transmission and about 27 hp at the belt suit its period rather than rapid modern road work.
Today, many are restored for rallies and used as working vintage tractors for light, sympathetic tasks. It remains a particularly recognisable choice for owners recreating wartime farming scenes or maintaining a smallholding.
Why the Fordson Model N stands out
Few tractors carry such a direct link to Dig for Victory, and Model N survivors are very common at British vintage shows. The magneto ignition, hand-crank starting and uncomplicated layout appeal to traditional enthusiasts. Age brings limitations: performance is modest, brakes and controls reflect the era, and a petrol/TVO machine demands an owner comfortable with its original fuel arrangement.
Buying a used Fordson Model N
Look for a willing starter, even running, sensible oil pressure and no worrying smoke or mechanical noise from the 4.4 L engine. Check the magneto, hand-crank components, clutch, all three forward gears and reverse, rear axle and wheel condition. Examine bonnet and mudguards for corrosion or poorly concealed repairs, and compare serial, registration and engine details with claimed history. Have it inspected if uncertain. Confirm figures and originality against TractorData.com and club records; values vary by condition, so check current listings rather than a fixed price.
Fordson Model N frequently asked questions
What engine does a Fordson Model N use?
The Model N has a 4.4 L four-cylinder side-valve engine designed for petrol and tractor vaporising oil. It is normally started on petrol before changing to TVO, with magneto ignition and hand-crank starting forming part of its traditional specification.
How powerful is the Fordson Model N?
Output is about 27 hp at the belt. With three forward speeds and one reverse, it was intended for the steady cultivation, ploughing and belt-driven farm work expected of a British tractor from the pre-war and wartime period.
Where and when was the Model N built?
Fordson built the Model N from 1929 to 1945. Early production was at Cork in Ireland, followed by Dagenham in England from 1933. Its long production run helps explain its strong association with British wartime farming.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Used tractor values vary by condition and region. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.