1938 Minneapolis-Moline UDLX Comfortractor
Agricultural innovation took a unique turn in 1938 when Minneapolis-Moline introduced the UDLX Comfortractor, a machine that combined farming utility with automotive luxury.
This groundbreaking tractor featured a fully enclosed cab complete with heater, radio, upholstered seats, and even a cigarette lighter (decades ahead of its time in agricultural equipment).
The UDLX’s striking Art Deco styling included chrome accents and bold yellow paint that made it visually distinctive in any field. Under the hood, a 283 cubic inch four-cylinder engine produced about 40 horsepower and could propel the tractor to road speeds of 40 mph, making it suitable for both fieldwork and trips to town.
Despite its innovation, the UDLX failed commercially. Its $2,155 price tag (equivalent to a new Cadillac) proved prohibitive during the Great Depression era, resulting in only about 125 units produced. Today, these rare machines are highly sought after by collectors, with roughly 100 examples known to survive.
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