New Holland anniversary groovy, baby!

New Holland has commemorated 60 years since opening its tractor factory in Essex with the unveiling of a Swinging ’60s-inspired T7.300 tractor.

The Basildon site, which began production on May 15 1964, has produced several iconic Ford and New Holland tractors over the years.

With more than 10,000 different production specifications, the factory attracts clients from across the world, with 85% of production exported.

The one-off T7.300 tractor was unveiled at the Basildon plant as part of the anniversary celebrations last month.

The graphics adorning it were created by CNH Centro Stile and feature psychedelic swirls and swathes of blue, yellow, maroon and pink.

The opening of the Basildon factory coincided with the launch of the 37-65hp Ford 6X tractor series made there, comprising the 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major and 5000 Super Major. These were later known generally as the “Pre-Force” models following the 1968 launch of the Ford Force 2/3/4/5000 tractors.

Later, significant product introductions included the 7A1 600 series tractors in 1975, from the 2600 to the 7600, and the similar 7A2 versions with the new quiet Q cab the following year.

In 1981, these tractors were updated to Series 10 specification,with later Force II (1986) and Generation III (1989) evolutions.

Late 1991 saw the launch of the all-new 40 series, a range that would later be sold with new branding when Fiat purchased the Ford New Holland agricultural equipment business that year and adopted New Holland as its brand for the future.

The plant produced New Holland TS, TM, T6000 and T7000 tractor lines, and today manufactures the T6 and T7 ranges, spanning 125-300hp.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president, said: “We are proud to celebrate 60 years of our plant in Basildon that well represents the evolution of the New Holland brand which has brand leadership on a global level.

“Today, Basildon is a hub for innovation, where we produce tractors that are exported worldwide, and a Centre of Excellence for Alternative Fuels, where our T6.180 Methane Power tractor is produced.

“As the only volume tractor producer in the UK, we are also very proud of our workforce. It’s a milestone for the whole company and for everyone who works or has worked in the plant.”

The unique T7.300 will be showcased at exhibitions throughout the year.

PSYCHEDELIC: The one-off T7.300 will be showcased at exhibitions throughout the year.