Chamberlain Industries Pty of Perth, Australia, became a Perkins customer in 1955. They already made large tractors using their own engines but recognised a market for a smaller machine for which they selected the Perkins L4 engine. Their research determined that there were special conditions for their local market, so the new tractor had a high fuel capacity and was designed to be more comfortable for the driver, so that long distances could be travelled using the tractor as a means of transport as well as a working machine.

To publicise the new venture Chamberlain attempted to enter the prototype in the 1955 ‘Round Australia Redex Trial’, a car rally over tough outback roads and tracks. Their entry was refused, on the grounds that the tractor did not meet the rules, but dispensation was given to use it as the back-up vehicle to assist break-downs, etc.. The prototype was equipped with a covered cab, front axle shock absorbers and headlights – plus a ‘breathed-upon’ engine and gearing allowing a top speed of 60 MPH. After travelling 1,277 miles to Port Headland at an average of over 40 MPH to meet the rally cars, the tractor then acted as ‘tail-end charlie’ to the closing rally stages. They assisted breakdowns, towed cars from boggy areas and even straightened bent chassis –assisting 30 vehicles in 3,000 miles including carrying one VW over 140 miles on their drawbar at up to 45 MPH.

At the finish of the rally the tractor had averaged over 33 MPH and 20 MPG, used no oil or water and won the respect of competitors and organisers. The publicity earned went beyond Australia. An article in the British ‘Autocar’ in January 1956 was used by Perkins to recognise ‘the Greatest Drive by a Farm Tractor’ with a slogan ‘Perkins tractor engines cover the ground… they also cover every requirement’.

The combination of Chamberlain ‘Champion’ tractor and Perkins L4 was seen again in the 1957 Mobil Round Australia Rally. This time it competed the whole distance of 11,140 miles in 19 days at over 18.5 MPG. Although still an unofficial entry, the tractor maintained average speeds close to those of the competitors over all manner of poor surface.

We believe one of these tractors now resides in a Perth museum – can any of our readers confirm the fact?

Article by David Boulton June 2004.