1960 Ford 821 Elenco tractor value

skipstein

Member
Hello All;
I have discovered a 1960 Ford 821 tractor with 4 spd and PTO (no hydraulics) and the Elenco 4wd conversion. All systems on the tractor seem to be in working order. The sheet metal is straight, but worn paint and a bit of surface rust. Tires are worn but serviceable.Tractor does not look as if has been worked too hard. The asking price is in the $4500.00 range, but will cost me another $1500 to ship, with a total investment of apx. $6000.00 +. Is it worth it?
Thanks for your suggestions.
Skip
 
If it runs drives and all works well that sounds like a fair price if that's what you want,if you just want a 4wd tractor to do work then look a little newer and you will find better machines that you can get parts for etc. But if you specially want an Elenco Ford I would say this is your opportunity. 3pt and hydraulics can be added by finding a donor tractor which can be had somewhat reasonable nowadays
 
Thanks for your input. I have gone thru those thoughts in my mind also. Having something unique and rare is always nice, but you are correct for a working 4wd tractor there are others candidates.
Skip
 
If you saw what one of these brought some years back, seems to be a very fair price as its not far off the mark for a 00 or 01 series in good condition all the way around.
Shipping included, if one wants an Elenco conversion sure seems reasonable.
Does it have power steering ?
 
Hi Billy;
Yes the tractor has power steering. I vacillate between buying a tractor for working on our small plot of land (a bit over an acre) moving snow and grading, etc. But I really can get along without one. What attracts me to the Elenco Ford is that it is unusual and rare, at least out here in California. The Elenco Ford 821 would basically be retired. Any additional comments are appreciated.
Thanks,
Skip
 
I think that is good enough reason, appreciation for this particular one because they are not all that common.

Power steering is a nice thing to have on an older tractor like one of these.

Not a lot of land, but just enough to make an excuse to have a tractor just the same !

You should know that Tony Jacobs whom may see your post here, is very knowledgeable of these tractors, particularly the Elenco conversions. He took over ownership of Elenco in some form some 30 years ago. I don't know the details nor do I want to speak on his behalf here, but was able to meet him once when I bought some spindles from a standard front end, which I assume were removals from a conversion he did. It was great talking about these old fords with him that afternoon, and seeing some of his tractors and shop at his house. We used to sell Ford tractors and equipment so there's a common interest. He's over in Mass. I never saw one of these all the years we sold and took trade ins in on thousand series tractors, so it was really cool to see more than one at his place.
 
Should you decide not to make an offer on it, possibly someone else might want it. Please post the info so someone else will have a shot at it.
BTW. Not for me cause I already have two elencos.
 
Hi Kirk;
From your experienced eye, as you already have two Elenco tractors, is the 821 worth what they are asking? I ask this from afar as I have not seen the unit in person, just many photos.The dialogue with the seller mentions their mechanic checked it out, drove it and apparently states that all is in reasonable working order.
Thanks,
Skip
 
HI Billy;
Thanks for your response. I have never met Tony Jacobs in person but have talked on the telephone with him on several occasions. He IS knowledgeable about Elenco's and tractors and mechanical issues. The kind of guy you would like live down the block from... and he is honest, too.
Skip
 
The price is reasonable. My friend sold his elenco for $6K last year. I heard the guy he Sold it to sold it for $8500 a couple weeks later. It was diesel and in nice shape

Kirk
 
HI Kirk;
Thank you for your input. I have asked the seller to give me some assurance that all tractor systems are in good working order, when the tractor would be loaded for shipment. His mechanic has checked it out and says it is all good, should I ask for this in writing? I am concerned that when it get to California, it is a bit late to discuss the condition or that there is something wrong, not mentioned. As I have not done this before, I am not sure how deal with the matters of the sale. Any comments, suggestions or direction is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Skip
 
I just read through this thread and am concerned. I don't know the details of your transaction because you haven't provided them, but it sounds like you are buying a tractor sight unseen from someone you do not know and then they are shipping it to you? That smells of a typical scam in which you will never see your money again and the tractor will never arrive. Sorry if I am off base here but I don't want you to get burned if that is the case.
 
Hello Sean;
Yes I am considering to purchase the Ford 821 from an auction house in Pa. As this business is a large one, I am not as worried about not receiving the goods, as I am concerned about 'what condition' the tractor is in. As a vintage piece of equipment, I realize it is older and has not been restored. What I am looking for from the seller is some kind statement in writing that they have inspected the unit and their claims that all systems are in working order is true, when the unit is loaded for shipment. If there are issues with the tractor I want to know them before I make my decision to buy. So far no luck... I have been burned once in the past with a Ford 8n that was 'restored' and mechanically sound, but what I ended up with was a tractor that I would call a 'low rider' approach to restoration, as in looks great but mechanically is worn out junk. I am trying to be a bit smarter this around. I am not sure if this rambling explanation makes any sense, but I DO appreciate your concern and warnings. Any other suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Skip
 
(quoted from post at 08:54:59 10/15/16) Hello Sean;
Yes I am considering to purchase the Ford 821 from an auction house in Pa. As this business is a large one, I am not as worried about not receiving the goods, as I am concerned about 'what condition' the tractor is in. As a vintage piece of equipment, I realize it is older and has not been restored. What I am looking for from the seller is some kind statement in writing that they have inspected the unit and their claims that all systems are in working order is true, when the unit is loaded for shipment. If there are issues with the tractor I want to know them before I make my decision to buy. So far no luck... I have been burned once in the past with a Ford 8n that was 'restored' and mechanically sound, but what I ended up with was a tractor that I would call a 'low rider' approach to restoration, as in looks great but mechanically is worn out junk. I am trying to be a bit smarter this around. I am not sure if this rambling explanation makes any sense, but I DO appreciate your concern and warnings. Any other suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Skip

If you were inspecting in person I expect that you would be making certain tests on it, such as; compression; oil pressure hot and cold; does a vacuum gauge reading indicate no burned valves? When off the ground and one front wheel is turned will either the input shaft or the other wheel turn? Questions like this give you specific criteria. which can be verified black and white and specific values. both before and after shipping.
 

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