2/11/20 46/100 Mercedes-Benz WF Tractor

Now tractors are a part of every diecast model line whether they play a significant role (many variations of tractors) or not (a tractor in a Hot Wheels line, for example), and when they do happen chances are they are generic or based on common models like John Deere or Ford, so how about this: a tractor from Mercedes with its own set of wheels and rubber tractor tires?  Yup, Matchbox has made just that with the WF tractor, a tractor based on the mechanicals of the off-road commercial truck, the Unimog.  Introduced in 1973 the MB-Trac was the more agricultural version of the Unimog sharing the same powertrain and drive axles on a tractor body that eschewed the norm:  Cab between the axles instead of at the rear axle, front wheels steer only, conventional drivetrain to drive axles, and a slimmer hood to allow this Trac to be faster and agile on the highway, unheard of in a usually slow tractor category.  Just as Mercedes exited the market in 1991 did Matchbox make a replica that was not only unique but also had one unique feature no other casting at Matchbox shared: its own two-piece wheel and rubber tire setup, the latter the V-shape tread design commonly found on tractors.  After a few years in green it disappears before returning for 1999 and 2000, the latter in yellow with brown trim and it still looks good with the blocky nose that has the three-pointed star, floating headlights to the sides, the intake and exhaust stacks, the metal roof cab, and it even has a trailer hitch for towing.  The truck is unique, practical in any way from towing to off road, and very versatile in handling for a tractor despite little use (one final run would be the 2002 Across America states series for Iowa).

Specifications:

· Engine: 1.6L turbodiesel I-4, 156 hp.

· Transmission: 4-speed manual est.

· 0-60 mph: 18.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: #100,000 est. 1989

Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars