Tractor Stories – 1950 Farmall C Demonstrator

This is my 1950 Farmall “C” Demonstrator, wide front model S/N 52449. I located this tractor in about 1960. Although it was red at the time, I realized it was a demonstrator model since some white paint was showing, and of course I was very interested in it. I remembered how impressed I was with these models when our IHS dealer (A.C. Francis International, of Tolfield, Alberta) had one in his showroom in 1950. I was a 15 year old “farm boy” at the time and thought WOW, if only Dad would buy one of these I’d farm forever! That was not to be however, instead he bought a 1949 Farmall ‘H’ complete with a Model 21-U sickle mower. I still have the original operators manual for the mower. We did custom hay mowing at this time and I mowed many, many acres with this outfit. I still have the Farmall ‘H’ and am presently re-restoring it, having done so once before in 1985. The model 21-U mower is now mounted on the Farmall ‘C’ demo, as can be seen on the enclosed photo.

I did not purchase the ‘demonstrator’ in 1980, as I was just too involved in many other things. I told my close friend Larry Charlebois about it, and he purchased it, using it on his small acreage until I purchased it from him September 23, 2004. It was still in its ‘work clothes’ with the original WhiteCap white paint peeking out under the faded and peeling red coat.  It ran quite well, however, I decided a complete restoration was the way to go. I stripped it right down to bare metal, primed and repainted with the original WhiteCap white final coats. The engine was rebuilt, all new hoses, bearings, seals, belts, new radiator, steering wheel gauges, etc. were installed. I was able to get new advertising signs made up, which add much to the completed project. It has been very well received, a new wiring harness, generator pulley, belts etc for the ’49’ ‘H’ I’m presently working on. I am very pleased with these parts as well as information provided by your knowledgable staff. Thank you for that!

Now I must confess that the Farmall ‘C’ is no longer in my possession, as I just recently sold it to my good friend Jeff Richards. When he saw this unit he “just had to have it”. As I no longer had sufficient storage space I sadly let my ‘pride & joy’ go in September 2011. He also owns a 1953 John Deere 40 wide front tricycle, and a 1950 John Deere ‘M’, both restored by me.

Thank you again for your services,

Glenn Sitler
Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada