A Rare Find: Rumely 6A – One of the Last of Its Kind

tamarvintagetractors
Oct 6
2 min read

If you’ve followed our blog for a while, you might recall a feature we posted back in April 2022 on a rare 1931 Rumely 6A (if not, you can read the full blog here). That very same 6A still proudly sits in our personal collection and we have recently come across another 6A which will join our growing collection! These tractors are incredibly rare in the UK — only 800 were ever produced, and just a handful are believed to have survived.

The 6A holds particular significance in tractor history. It was the final model produced by the Rumely company before Allis-Chalmers took over operations. In fact, the remaining 6A units were assembled by Allis-Chalmers themselves throughout 1931, making it a transitional model that marked the end of an era.

What makes the Rumely 6A stand out is its unique six-cylinder engine, built by Waukesha to Advanced-Rumely’s specifications. It features a three-speed sliding gear transmission and was considered a technical innovation in its time.

Matt acquired this most recent 6A as part of a larger collection, and with a soft spot for the Rumely marque, it’s safe to say this tractor isn’t going anywhere. It now sits alongside serial number 957. Together, they represent two of what is believed to be only five surviving Rumely 6As in the UK.

Our latest addition carries serial number 1300 — which identifies it as the second-to-last Rumely 6A ever built. It’s an older restoration but remains well-presented, and it certainly takes pride of place in Matt Young’s growing collection, alongside its predecessor, the 1927 Rumely OilPull Model X.

When asked what draws him to Rumely tractors, Matt says:

“I love the raw power of the Rumely. The six-cylinder engine is pressure lubricated and sounds fantastic! This tractor really showed advanced technology for its time.”

We’re proud to be custodians of such a rare piece of agricultural history, and we’re thrilled to share it with fellow enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates from the shed!

To hear this tractor in action, follow this link to our YouTube channel!