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The Massey 98 was made by Oliver for Massey Ferguson. It's really an Oliver 990 with Massey sheet metal, seat and colors. The engines are inline 3-71 GM engines. Later GM would sell the Diesel engine division to Detroit Diesel so they are often called Detroit Diesels. If you are comfortable with them they are relatively easy to rebuild. But they are unique and require special tools, skills and knowledge. Most people elect to have a Detroit Diesel mechanic rebuild them rather than attempt it themselfves. Typically it will cost $4000 to $5000 for a complete rebuild if you pay someone else to do it. Actually, none of the Massey 98 have 2 speed transmissions. Most have a single shift lever that uses a double H gear shift pattern. This gives them 6 forward gear and 2 reverse gears. The double H shift pattern could be mistaken for a 2 speed. Some Massey 98s had two shift levers to speed up moving between the two H patterns. Rare is a relative work. Probably the most over used word in tractor collecting. So you be the judge. Different productions numbers for the Massey 98 have been tossed around but none can be substantiated. What we do know is that Massey Ferguson commissioned Oliver to make 500 and not all 500 were made. It's general accepted that less than 400 were made. How many less than 400 is still open to speculation. If anyone can shed more light on this I would appreciate hearing from them. If you found a Massey 98 the good news is that the demand for the Massey 98 is high. They are hard to find. There is a certain demand for anything with a Detroit Diesel. They are great looking tractors and most importantly they can be made into really good pullers. All this makes them good collectors items. The bad news is that parts can be really hard to impossible to find. Parts for an Oliver Super 99 GM or 990 can be substituted. You may have to consider making parts. Engine parts are no problem. An un-restored Massey 98s sold for a high of $17000 but typically a really nice original would go for between $13,000 and $15,000. Since parts are so hard to find and expensive you have to deduct really hard for anything that is not right about it. With more information regarding condition I might be able to help you more regarding an estimated value. Good luck with it.
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