1938

This 1938 Minneapolis-Moline UDLX Comfortractor is said to be the second of approximately 125 examples built between 1938 and 1941. The tractor was reportedly sold new in Stettler, Alberta, Canada, and it was refurbished in 2007 before it was purchased by the seller in 2023. It is finished in yellow with brown vinyl seating upholstery, and power comes from a 283ci inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission with reverse. Equipment includes a chrome front bumper, a hood ornament, a brake light, a fold-down passenger seat, a push-button starter, a 40-mph speedometer, and dual gloveboxes. This Comfortractor is now offered in Alberta, Canada, with removed cab components and a bill of sale.  The UDLX Comfortractor was developed by Minneapolis-Moline for operation as both a tractor and an automobile. Examples were delivered from the factory with an enclosed all-weather cabin and rear doors, and options included an electric starter, a clock, a heater, and a radio. The tractor retailed for approximately $1,900 new, and after slow sales, a reported 50 examples were later returned to Minneapolis-Moline and retrofitted with standard Model U tractor bodywork. This example is said to have received bodywork including a replacement hood and fenders during the 2007 refurbishment before it was repainted in its factory Prairie Gold. Features include a chrome front bumper, a red grille with chrome accents, a hood ornament, black headlight buckets with chrome trim rings, hood louvers, a single taillight, and a rear hitch. The lights do not work. The red-painted multi-piece wheels are mounted with 7.50–16 front BKT TF-8181 bias-ply tires, and the 14–32 Firestone rear units show cracking on the sidewalls. Chrome hubcaps are fitted on the rear wheels. The UDLX shared its 81″ wheelbase with the standard Model U tractor. Stopping power is provided by 16″ rear drum brakes. The cabin features a driver’s seat and a fold-down passenger seat trimmed in brown vinyl. Equipment includes a push-button starter, black rubber floor mats, and twin gloveboxes. The black three-spoke steering wheel fronts a brown instrument panel housing a 40-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The speedometer and five-digit odometer do not work, and the latter shows 39k miles. Total mileage is unknown. The 283ci inline-four was factory rated at 36 horsepower, and it is said to have been rebuilt during the 2007 refurbishment. Oil leaks are noted by the seller.  Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with reverse. The UDLX featured a direct-drive fifth gear that disabled the first four gears and disabled the engine governor, allowing for on-road speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Photos of the included cab panels and single pane of side window glass can be seen in the gallery. Several cab components are missing according to the seller.