Lamborghini is now famous for its supercar models owned by a select few. However, did you know that before the Lamborghini car maker was founded, its creator Ferruccio Lamborghini was known for his tractors? Here’s the fascinating history behind the Lambo Tractor Company. 

The founding of Lamborghini Trattori 

Three years following the conclusion of World War II, a young Ferruccio Lamborghini found a good use for discarded war materials and military engines. In 1948, he founded Lamborghini Trattori in Cento, Italy, where he manufactured the First Model Lamborghini Tractor. According to Motor1, the first Lamborghini tractor was more scrap metal than Lamborghini as the tractor was largely composed of sourced war materials. 

Lamborghini Trattori’s scrappy beginnings didn’t last long. By 1951, Lamborghini Trattori was manufacturing its first tractor made entirely in-house, except for its 3.5L inline-six engine, which came from Morris. This second model Lamborghini tractor was known as L33. The following year, Lamborghini Trattori introduced the DL 30, which featured type DW415 MWM-Benz Diesel engines. In 1952, Italy passed a law that incentivized farmers to buy Italian-made agriculture equipment, which helped to spur the growth of Lamborghini Trattori. 

First came the scrap metal tractor, then came the luxury sports car 

While Lamborghini Trattori was Ferruccio Lamborghini’s first successful company, he was a serial entrepreneur that went on to create a variety of successful businesses. Of course, the Lamborghini name is most associated with Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A today. The origin story behind why Ferruccio Lamborghini created Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. is quite interesting. 

Ferruccio Lamborghini was a fan of fast cars. In the 1960s, he drove a Ferrari created by fellow Italian entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari. However, Mr. Lamborghini soon found fault with his Ferrari, especially with the car’s clutch. According to GranTurismo, Mr. Lamborghini drove to a neighboring village where Enzo Ferrari resided to voice his complaints. 

The story goes that Mr. Lamborghini walked up and knocked on Mr. Ferrari’s door and started explaining the problems with the clutch on his car and how Ferrari could manufacture them better. Mr. Ferrari didn’t take kindly to Mr. Lamborghini’s suggestions. Mr. Ferrari quickly rejected Mr. Lamborghini’s advice, telling him, “Let me make cars. You stick to making tractors.” Of course, Mr. Lamborghini didn’t take well to the rejection either and soon decided to manufacture his Italian supercar, and the rivalry between Lamborghini and Ferrari lives on today. 

Where to buy a Lamborghini tractor today 

Despite Ferruccio Lamborghini being most remembered for creating Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and his rivalry with Enzo Ferrari, Lamborghini Trattori shouldn’t be forgotten as the tractor company remains successful today. While there are no Lamborghini Trattori dealerships in the States, there are over 20 dealers located throughout Europe, according to Lamborghini Trattori. You can even get a 2023 Lamborghini tractor from the Lamborghini Nitro Series for under $100,000. 

According to Tractors Info, the 2023 base model in the Lamborghini Nitro Series is the Lamborghini Nitro 100 Tractor. The Lamborghini Nitro 100 Tractor has an MSRP of $94,600. The two higher hp models, which include the Nitro 110 and the Nitro 120, also start at $94,600. In addition, the larger tractors from the Lamborghini Nitro Series, which all feature the VRT transmission, have a starting MSRP of $146,000. 

If you want to get your hands on your very own 2023 Lamborghini tractor, they can be imported to the States. However, if you don’t want to shell out the cash to cover import costs, you can locate vintage Lamborghini tractors for sale in the States through websites like Classic.com.