Popular Ford 8N top prize

PENFIELD, Ill. — The Ford 8N tractor was introduced in 1947 and quickly became one of the most popular farm tractors in North America.

The 8N was the last of N series tractors built by Ford beginning in 1939. The first was the 9N, made through 1942, and its successor, 2N, built through 1947.

The Ford 8N was a refinement of the 9N and 2N tractors with more power and an improved transmission. Over 530,000 units of the 8N were sold through 1952 when it was discontinued.

Folks can have chance to win a Ford 8N tractor with a V8 conversion and Sherman transmission during this year’s Historic Farm Days.

Only 400 $100 tickets will be sold for the drawing at 2 p.m. on July 10 with the top prize being the Ford 8N. Second prize is $300 cash, third is $200 and fourth is $100.

Proceeds from the drawing go to the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club.

The annual drawing is a major fundraiser for the club and features a classic tractor as the year’s featured brand.

“Typically, someone in the club will have contacts with someone that has a tractor that they’d be willing to let us purchase for our raffle,” Ed Winkelman, a club director, said of the process in acquiring one for the annual drawing.