Photos courtesy Auctions America.
For Ford’s 50th anniversary in 1953, its passenger cars received a few minor updates and 50th Anniversary horn buttons, but Dearborn’s familiar red and gray tractor was radically revised.
The all-new 1953 NAA rolled out with 50th-year Golden Jubilee badging, an overhead-valve “Red Tiger” four-cylinder engine and streamlined styling that echoed the familiar look of the 9N the 2N and the 8N. But Ford was likely eager to put those tractors in the rearview mirror: The NAA was the first tractor built after Ford’s losing court battle with Harry Ferguson in 1952 over the patents the Irish inventor held on the Ferguson System three-point hitch.
Below the NAA’s new hood was a 134-cu.in., overhead-valve, gas-burning inline four-cylinder engine worth 32hp. Ford’s British Fordson tractors were readily available with diesel engines, but in the States, diesels were still an oddity. A kerosene-burning NAA, known as the NAB, was an option but found few takers, and the tractors are rare today. A four-speed transmission was standard on the NAA, and auxiliary gearing was available.
The NAA’s Solid System hydraulics relied on an engine-driven hydraulic pump rather than the PTO-driven pump that was standard issue on the N tractors (this meant that the hydraulics could be operated without the PTO being engaged) and a live PTO was optional.
The NAA is also slightly larger than its predecessors: four inches longer, four inches higher and 100 pounds heavier at 2,840 pounds.
For 1954, The NAA was carried over, sans the Golden Jubilee badging (which is popular with collectors today), with only a gear ratio change. In late 1954, Ford introduced its three-digit number series tractors, which further improved upon the NAA. The 600 incorporated improved brakes and wheel seals as well as an ASAE standard PTO. The 700 was a row-crop tractor that could be ordered with either a tricycle or wide front end.
Like most Ford tractors, the NAA enjoys a strong following and a dependable return on investment. The new and used parts availability for these tractors is excellent.
This 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee model currently listed on Hemmings.com is going up for bid at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event September 2-6. The preauction estimate is $5,000-$7,000 which is not unreasonable. While Golden Jubilee NAA’s aren’t difficult to find they are popular with collectors and in like-new condition can command premium prices. For instance a professionally restored example changed hands at Mecum’s Harrisburg Auction August 1 for an impressive $18,000.
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