Brian Scott’s lifelong obsession with Massey Ferguson tractors is apparent from the huge collection of models and memorabilia in his house.

In the early-2000s he acquired a very collectible real 1963 Massey Ferguson 35X multi-power tractor and restored her to her former glory.

‘Fergi’, as she’s fondly known, is now an admired machine who spends her time going to shows, relaxing in the garage remembering her younger days on a sheep and beef farm in Te Kuiti, and working part-time on Brian’s family farm.

Brian has loved Massey Fergusons since he was a small boy. Growing up on the same Walton farm he lives on now, he soon discovered which tractors he liked best, when he drove his father’s Massey Ferguson 35 – with no ‘X’ after it. The ‘X’ has more extras, and they are rarer.

Brian had his first 35X when he was 18, and is working on the current owner to sell it back to him.

“They’re just really good to handle, very nimble,” says Brian, “They feel like they are an extension of you.”

When Brian got his hands on Fergi she was mechanically quite sound, but her bodywork was in a very poor condition.

“I knew she had good bones,” says Brian. “She just needed a little TLC.”

Although Brian is capable of restoration work himself, Chris Jew, of Ngaruawahia, finished the paintwork. Fergi now sports a shiny Massey Ferguson Red body, with a Massey Ferguson Stoneleigh Grey base, and Massey Ferguson Silver Mist on wheels.

“It’s very important to use the right colours,” says Brian. “If the bonnet looks nice, then the tractor looks nice.”

Brian also bought some parts home from a trip to England, much to his wife Shirley’s surprise when she found badges and hydraulic top link yokes in his suitcase – presents for his other ‘girl’.

Fergi is semi-retired but does a bit of mulching and operates the baler on the farm, which is a 1963 Massey Ferguson 10 Baler that fits her perfectly.

In her spare time, she enjoys accompanying Brian to events with the Waikato Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club, or the annual gathering of the New Zealand branch of the English Ferguson Heritage Club at Queen’s Birthday weekend. And she was recently on display at the 50th Fieldays in June.

As the Scott Family Centenary on their farm approaches next year, Fergi will no doubt be part of the planned festivities.