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Vintage Tractors and Classic Cars Shine at Iceland's Tractor Day

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • The Ferguson Club held its annual Tractor Day event at Blikastöðum in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, showcasing vintage tractors and classic cars.
  • Around twenty tractors, primarily Ferguson models, were displayed, alongside several vintage cars, including a historic truck that once served the Brynja store.
  • Members shared their passion for preserving the history and mechanics of old agricultural machinery and vehicles.

Enthusiasts gathered at Blikastöðum in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, on Saturday for the Ferguson Club's annual Tractor Day. The event brought together members and their cherished vintage tractors, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for attendees.

What a disaster you've gotten yourself into?

— Ragnar JónassonRagnar Jónasson's reaction to seeing his tractor.

Approximately twenty tractors, mostly Ferguson models, were on display. The event also featured a collection of classic cars, adding to the vintage appeal. Among the notable vehicles was a historic truck that once belonged to the Brynja store on Laugavegur, a reminder of Iceland's commercial past.

We feared it would rain, it was predicted, but the website Gott veður, which is the meteorological office's site, predicted that it wouldn't start raining until around five o'clock, and that's what happened.

— Ragnar JónassonRagnar Jónasson describing the weather during the Tractor Day event.

Ragnar Jónasson, a member of the club, described the day as "fantastic." He noted that the weather forecast had predicted rain, but the precipitation held off until late in the afternoon, allowing the event to proceed smoothly. The Ferguson Club, founded in 2007, is dedicated to the preservation and study of old tractors and their associated equipment, tracing its roots to the renowned manufacturer Ferguson Massey.

It is healthy for old machines to be driven, otherwise they can start to leak oil.

— Ragnar JónassonRagnar Jónasson explaining the importance of using vintage tractors.

Jónasson shared his personal connection to tractors, recalling his first experience driving one as a significant childhood memory while working on a farm. This early fascination evolved over the years, leading him to acquire his own vintage tractor. He emphasized the importance of regularly driving these old machines to maintain their condition and prevent issues like oil leaks. The club organizes various activities throughout the year, including autumn tours to view tractors outside the capital region, member meetings, and an annual general meeting.

It is like this, I, like so many others born in the middle of the last century, went to the countryside and in the countryside I got to drive a tractor and it was a very big moment in my mind to get to drive a vehicle.

— Ragnar JónassonRagnar Jónasson recalling his childhood experience with tractors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.