50th anniversary of rare tractor owned by Longford vintage enthusiast

Longford’s Andy Clancy, a collector of rare vintage tractors, has a unique tractor in his collection, the Massey Ferguson 133 Westland.

He has it 18 years himself and on March 25, 2024, it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

It was bought originally in Booth's Garage, Mohill, County Leitrim, by a Mr. Turbett, where Centra is now.

It was first registered in Carrick-on-Shannon on March 25, 1974, with Leitrim County Council.

This MF 133 Westland Tractor came from the Massey Ferguson (Export) Limited, Factory in Banner Lane Coventry, Britain, which is now no more.

They made five thousand as a special order, which was never listed having come from Banner Coventry, as it was just a small order, Andy has confirmation of it with documents.

There is a continental 133 version, but they are different to those that were specifically made for the west of Ireland customers, the continental had 35x engines and an 8 speed gear box, the Westland only 6.

The Westland has an engine identical to the 135 which is a 47 Horsepower and unique to the Westland out of Coventry is the straight bar axle.

The original cost was £1,210. It was made for a budget price.

It was £280 punts cheaper than the 135, same engine, same dash, but without stabilisers and a quality cab and live drive clutch; the cab which was not with this when Andy bought it, they were made with cheap materials. 

Many Westlands were bought, but over time many people changed them to a 135 Massey Ferguson, changing the dead drive to a live drive clutch, which was detrimental to the original character of the 133.

Its main job was drawing milk to creameries in Leitrim and or turf as well, short journeys mainly and nothing too taxing.

The mudguards and roll bar are the only things not original on Andy's 133 MF Westland. 

By Michael Croghan and Andy Clancy