105-Year-Old Lanz Bulldog HL12 Tractor Sells for Over ₹1 Crore
Historic Tractor Gains Global Attention
A 105-year-old Lanz Bulldog HL12 tractor, which had been abandoned in a dilapidated building in Jalandhar, has recently made headlines after being sold for more than ₹1 crore.
From Junk to Antique
Imagine discovering something that was once considered junk, only to find out it has become an antique worth millions. This is exactly what happened in Jalandhar, Punjab, where a vintage tractor was left to rust in a crumbling structure.
Sold for ₹1.25 Crore
The vintage tractor, which had been sitting near Bhagat Singh Chowk, was seen as nothing more than a rusty shell by locals. However, vintage vehicle enthusiasts recognized its true value. Initially priced at just ₹2 lakh, its auction price soared to ₹28 lakh, ultimately being purchased by an American collector for ₹1.25 crore. It will soon be displayed in a museum in California.
What is Lanz Bulldog HL-12?
The Lanz Bulldog HL-12, manufactured in Germany in 1920, was originally designed for agricultural and industrial use. Today, it stands as a priceless symbol of industrial heritage.
Unique Features of the Tractor
This vintage tractor was revolutionary for its time, equipped with a single-cylinder 'hot-bulb' engine that required pre-heating before starting. Once operational, it generated impressive power and torque even at low speeds, making it suitable for various heavy-duty tasks, from plowing fields to powering water pumps and grain mills.
Versatile Fuel Usage
One of the most remarkable features of this tractor is its ability to run on crude oil, vegetable oil, and waste oil. In the 1920s, creating a tractor that could operate on multiple fuel types was a significant technological achievement. This innovation was developed by German engineer Heinrich Lanz.
Origin of the Name
The name 'Bulldog' was inspired by the unique design of its engine. The hot-bulb engine's cylinder head protruded forward and had a raised appearance, resembling the face of a bulldog.