1938 Massey Harris Challenger Twin Power
If I may I would like to share with you a story about a tractor that has been in my family since 1938. I have a 1938 Massey Harris Challenger Twin Power. My Grandfather purchased it from a Massey dealer in Arcadia Iowa on Feb. 25th 1938 according to the requisition that I have. I also have the original tags that were on the tractor when it was new as well as a letter from Massey with the envelope that states he could buy the rear fenders for 15.00 and the pto with the large shield for 35.00 which he did purchase. I have the owner’s manual and the parts book for the tractor and sales brochures as well. I have the steel wheels for it but the tractor is on rubber and buy looking at pictures I have of it I think this might be the only rear tires this tractor has seen. The front tires I think are the second set of rubber because they have red dots on them which means they are World War II rubber. I have not restored it and plan to keep it original. I overhauled the magneto and carb. And it runs like a top but it is not bright and shiny, I have been debating to restore it like a new tractor or leave it as is. I have had been told to leave it as is but we will see.
Thank you
Steve Hansohn
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Hi
This tractor is perfect as it is!
If you really want a shiny Massey Harris 1938, get an other one!
Have fun!
Steve, Very nice tractor and particularly with the history and originally purchased and owned by your Grandad makes it unique.
Leave as is . I have a 1938 Challenger twin wheel row crop and like yours starts up and runs as new. Sourced in USA.
Best Wishes and many years of enjoyment with your “gem”
Jim White ( Northern Ireland)
I also have a 38 challenger however it is in pieces . I hope to get working on it later this summer. It was my dads . If anyone out can tell me where I can find a remanfactured steering wheel for it. I would be grateful. I also have a friend who has one that looks as good as yours.
Nice looking tractor
O
Very beatiful machine you have.
I realy like it
In sweden you dont often see a challenger but sometimes you can se other models of massye harris on meetings for old tractors
Good luck
Ingemar from Sweden
I have a 1938 twin power challenger that currently isn’t in running condition . I am in need of a magneto, but don’t have the old one so do not know what mfgr or model it takes. Does anyone know what I need or a parts distibuter I could contact to find one?
It had been sitting outside for quite sometime and magneto was locked up. I took the old mag to a repair shop to rewind and refurbish. After a couple of months, I went back to check on the status or pick up my magneto. I learned that they had lost/misplaced my antique magneto and were not able to locate a replacement nor advise where to find one.
(I did get some settlement cash– but not enough to replace the mag Im sure.)