This year’s Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show will include anniversary celebrations for the David Brown VAK1 series.
Originally known as the David Brown Tractor, it became the Vehicle Agricultural Kerosene One, or VAK1, as the Meltham Mills factory was also producing aircraft tugs and wanted to differentiate between vehicles on the production line.
It could produce 35hp from the four-cylinder, water-cooled petrol or tractor vaporising oil engine. This was put through a transmission with four forward gears and one reverse speed, with an independent hand brake, power lift and 35mm PTO also fitted.
“It was like the sportscar of the day with its contemporary design,” says Roger Brereton, secretary of the David Brown Tractor Club.
“It had modern styling and was more rapid than its competitors, making it appealing. Its main rival in the market, the Fordson Standard N, could only get to around 6mph, whereas the VAK1 could reach around 25mph.
“It also had the universal three-point linkage, which meant you could convert existing implements to tow on the back of it rather than having to buy new, and it had two seats – which had not been done before.”
Around 5,000 units were sold until production ceased in 1945, and it is estimated that around 100 units remain in circulation.
Visitors to the show will be able to find out more about the VAK1, with the David Brown Tractor Club marking the anniversary following a year of celebrations. “This included a run out of the models across the original test track during the Meltham Mills factory open day in August,” Roger adds.
He has had a 1943-built VAK1 in his collection for three years now. “I have always been really interested in the history of David Brown. The VAK1s are pretty rare now; I just wanted to own one as they were an iconic tractor.
“It was a long process to get hold of one; I had spent five to six years trying to source a VAK1 to buy, then someone in Derbyshire decided to part with theirs and I finally owned it.
“The bodywork was in really good condition; I have done a bit of work on the engine, including replacing the head gasket – but other than that it is in fine working order.”
The show will see a number of VAK1 models, including a 1943 wartime economy model, which had no electrics and bullet-holed grill, as well as a 1946 VAK1A which has been fully restored.
For more information go to www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com